1
|
Pereira-Carvalho D, Chagas Valim AC, Borba Vieira Andrade C, Bloise E, Fontes Dias A, Muller Oliveira Nascimento V, Silva Alves RK, Dos Santos RC, Lopes Brum F, Gomes Medeiros I, Antunes Coelho SV, Barros Arruda L, Regina Todeschini A, Barbosa Dias W, Ortiga-Carvalho TM. Sex-specific effect of antenatal Zika virus infection on murine fetal growth, placental nutrient transporters, and nutrient sensor signaling pathways. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23799. [PMID: 38979938 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301951rr] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Maternal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy has been associated with severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), placental damage, metabolism disturbances, and newborn neurological abnormalities. Here, we investigated the impact of maternal ZIKV infection on placental nutrient transporters and nutrient-sensitive pathways. Immunocompetent (C57BL/6) mice were injected with Low (103 PFU-ZIKVPE243) or High (5 × 107 PFU-ZIKVPE243) ZIKV titers at gestational day (GD) 12.5, and tissue was collected at GD18.5 (term). Fetal-placental growth was impaired in male fetuses, which exhibited higher placental expression of the ZIKV infective marker, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), but lower levels of phospho-eIF2α. There were no differences in fetal-placental growth in female fetuses, which exhibited no significant alterations in placental ZIKV infective markers. Furthermore, ZIKV promoted increased expression of glucose transporter type 1 (Slc2a1/Glut1) and decreased levels of glucose-6-phosphate in female placentae, with no differences in amino acid transport potential. In contrast, ZIKV did not impact glucose transporters in male placentae but downregulated sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 2 (Snat2) transporter expression. We also observed sex-dependent differences in the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) and O-GlcNAcylation in ZIKV-infected pregnancies, showing that ZIKV can disturb placental nutrient sensing. Our findings highlight molecular alterations in the placenta caused by maternal ZIKV infection, shedding light on nutrient transport, sensing, and availability. Our results also suggest that female and male placentae employ distinct coping mechanisms in response to ZIKV-induced metabolic changes, providing insights into therapeutic approaches for congenital Zika syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pereira-Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Enrrico Bloise
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariane Fontes Dias
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Rakel Kelly Silva Alves
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronan Christian Dos Santos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lopes Brum
- Instituto do Cérebro, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luciana Barros Arruda
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriane Regina Todeschini
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wagner Barbosa Dias
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Allen S, Natale BV, Ejeckam AO, Lee K, Hardy DB, Natale DR. Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads to Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects in the Placenta and Reduced Fetal Growth. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:766-780. [PMID: 38364116 PMCID: PMC11304342 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0166] [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: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as "natural" and "safe" as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of Δ9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat placentas from vehicle and CBD (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) exposed pregnancies (E6.5-18.5). Results: The study revealed that pups from CBD-exposed pregnancies were 10% smaller, with the placentae displaying a decreased fetal blood space perimeter-to-area ratio. The transcriptomic analysis supported compromised angiogenesis and blood vessel formation with downregulated biological processes, including tube morphogenesis, angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, blood vessel development and vasculature development. Further, the CBD-exposed placentas displayed changed expression of glucose transporters (decreased GLUT1 and GR expression and increased GLUT3 expression). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed upregulated biological processes associated with metabolism. Finally, histological and transcriptomic analysis revealed altered cell populations within the placenta, specifically to syncytiotrophoblast layer II and endothelial cells. Conclusion: Together these results suggest that the structural changes in CDB-exposed placentae, including the altered expression of nutrient transporters and the changes to the placental fetal vasculature, may underlie the reduced fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Allen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryony V. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexis O. Ejeckam
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- The Children's Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R.C. Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karahoda R, Vachalova V, Portillo R, Mahrla F, Viñas-Noguera M, Abad C, Staud F. Developmental expression of catecholamine system in the human placenta and rat fetoplacental unit. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6948. [PMID: 38521816 PMCID: PMC10960862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57481-5] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine have been implicated in numerous physiological processes within the central nervous system. Emerging evidence has highlighted the importance of tightly regulated monoamine levels for placental functions and fetal development. However, the complexities of synthesis, release, and regulation of catecholamines in the fetoplacental unit have not been fully unraveled. In this study, we investigated the expression of enzymes and transporters involved in synthesis, degradation, and transport of norepinephrine and dopamine in the human placenta and rat fetoplacental unit. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were performed in early-to-late gestation in humans (first trimester vs. term placenta) and mid-to-late gestation in rats (placenta and fetal brain, intestines, liver, lungs, and heart). In addition, we analyzed the gene expression patterns in isolated primary trophoblast cells from the human placenta and placenta-derived cell lines (HRP-1, BeWo, JEG-3). In both human and rat placentas, the study identifies the presence of only PNMT, COMT, and NET at the mRNA and protein levels, with the expression of PNMT and NET showing gestational age dependency. On the other hand, rat fetal tissues consistently express the catecholamine pathway genes, revealing distinct developmental expression patterns. Lastly, we report significant transcriptional profile variations in different placental cell models, emphasizing the importance of careful model selection for catecholamine metabolism/transport studies. Collectively, integrating findings from humans and rats enhances our understanding of the dynamic regulatory mechanisms that underlie catecholamine dynamics during pregnancy. We identified similar patterns in both species across gestation, suggesting conserved molecular mechanisms and potentially shedding light on shared biological processes influencing placental development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Vachalova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ramon Portillo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Mahrla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mireia Viñas-Noguera
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cilia Abad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kobayashi K, Iwasa K, Azuma-Suzuki R, Kawauchi T, Nabeshima YI. Feto-maternal cholesterol transport regulated by β-Klotho-FGF15 axis is essential for fetal growth. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301916. [PMID: 37541847 PMCID: PMC10403640 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301916] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Klotho (β-KL) is indispensable to regulate lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism in adult animals. β-KL is highly expressed in the yolk sac, but its role in the developmental stages has not been established. We hypothesized that β-KL is required for metabolic regulation in the embryo and aimed to clarify the role of β-KL during development. Here, we show that β-KL regulates feto-maternal cholesterol transport through the yolk sac by mediating FGF 15 signaling, and also that impairment of the β-KL-FGF15 axis causes fetal growth restriction (FGR). Embryos of β- kl knockout (β-kl-/-) mice were morphologically normal but exhibited FGR before placental maturation. The body weight of β-kl-/- mice remained lower after birth. β-KL deletion reduced cholesterol supply from the maternal blood and led to lipid shortage in the embryos. These phenotypes were similar to those of embryos lacking FGF15, indicating that β-KL-FGF15 axis is essential for growth and lipid regulation in the embryonic stages. Our findings suggest that lipid abnormalities in early gestation provoke FGR, leading to reduced body size in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Kobayashi
- Department of Aging Science and Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazuko Iwasa
- Department of Aging Science and Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
| | - Rika Azuma-Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawauchi
- Department of Aging Science and Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Adaptive and Maladaptive Responses in Health and Disease, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Nabeshima
- Department of Aging Science and Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bhurke A, Davila J, Flaws JA, Bagchi MK, Bagchi IC. Exposure to di-isononyl phthalate during early pregnancy disrupts decidual angiogenesis and placental development in mice. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108446. [PMID: 37482143 PMCID: PMC10683654 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108446] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is found in numerous consumer products and human exposure to this phthalate is becoming inevitable. The impact of DiNP exposure on the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy remains largely unknown. Thus, we conducted studies in which pregnant mice were exposed to an environmentally relevant dose (20 µg/kg BW/day) of DiNP on days 1-7 of gestation, then analyzed the effects of this exposure on pregnancy outcome. Our studies revealed that exposure to DiNP during this window led to fetal loss towards the end of gestation. Further studies showed that, although embryos were able to attach to the uterus, implantation sites in DiNP-exposed uteri exhibited impaired differentiation of stromal cells to decidual cells and an underdeveloped angiogenic network in the decidual bed. We also found that exposure to this phthalate has a significant effect on trophoblast differentiation and causes disorganization of the placental layers. The labyrinth was significantly reduced, resulting in compromised expression of nutrient transporters in the placentas of mice exposed to DiNP. These placental defects in DiNP-exposed females were the cause of fetal loss during the later stages of gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Bhurke
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Juanmahel Davila
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Milan K Bagchi
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zeng X, Li S, Liu L, Cai S, Ye Q, Xue B, Wang X, Zhang S, Chen F, Cai C, Wang F, Zeng X. Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:24. [PMID: 36788613 PMCID: PMC9926833 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00818-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources, but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways. The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years. Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryo development, as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development, through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. However, many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle, lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages. Therefore, an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establishment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhou Zeng
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Li
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Cai
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qianhong Ye
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Bangxin Xue
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Chen
- grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanjiang Cai
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, Shaanxi China
| | - Fenglai Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, P. R. China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193, Beijing, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fang Q, Liu J, Chen L, Chen Q, Wang Y, Li Z, Fu W, Liu Y. Taurine supplementation improves hippocampal metabolism in immature rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) through protecting neurons and reducing gliosis. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2077-2088. [PMID: 35048325 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00896-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Taurine as an essential amino acid in the brain could play an important role in protecting the fetal brain of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The hippocampus with IUGR showed neural metabolic disorder and structure changed that affected memory and learning ability. This study was aimed to identify the effect of taurine supplementation on the metabolism alterations and cellular composition changes of the hippocampus in IUGR immature rats. Metabolite concentrations were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the hippocampus of juvenile rats with IUGR following taurine supplementation with antenatal or postnatal supply. The composition of neural cells in the hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and western blotting (WB). Antenatal taurine supplementation increased the ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) /creatine (Cr) and glutamate (Glu) /Cr of the hippocampus in the IUGR immature rats, but reduced the ratios of choline (Cho) /Cr and myoinositol (mI) /Cr. At the same time, the protein expression of NeuN in the IUGR rats was increased through intrauterine taurine supplementation, and the GFAP expression was reduced. Especially the effect of antenatal taurine was better than postpartum. Furthermore, there existed a positive correlation between the NAA/Cr ratio and the NeuN protein expression (R = 0.496 p < 0.001 IHC; R = 0.568 p < 0.001 WB), the same results existed in the relationship between the mI/Cr ratio and the GFAP protein expression (R = 0.338 p = 0.019 IHC; R = 0.440 p = 0.002 WB). Prenatal taurine supplementation can better improve hippocampal neuronal metabolism by increasing NAA / Cr ratio related to the number of neurons and reducing Cho / Cr ratio related to the number of glial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Fang
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, No. 25 Huaweili, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023-1063, Shatai South Road, Baiyun district, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Lang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qiaobin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Zuanfang Li
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, No. 25 Huaweili, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, No. 25 Huaweili, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zaugg J, Solenthaler F, Albrecht C. Materno-fetal iron transfer and the emerging role of ferroptosis pathways. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115141. [PMID: 35700759 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby depend to a great extent on the controlled supply of essential nutrients via the placenta. Iron is essential for mitochondrial energy supply and oxygen distribution via the blood. However, its high reactivity requires tightly regulated transport processes. Disturbances of maternal-fetal iron transfer during pregnancy can aggravate or lead to severe pathological consequences for the mother and the fetus with lifelong effects. Furthermore, high intracellular iron levels due to disturbed gestational iron homeostasis have recently been associated with the non-apoptotic cell death pathway called ferroptosis. Therefore, the investigation of transplacental iron transport mechanisms, their physiological regulation and potential risks are of high clinical importance. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on principles and regulatory mechanisms underlying materno-fetal iron transport and gives insight into common pregnancy conditions in which iron homeostasis is disturbed. Moreover, the significance of the newly emerging ferroptosis pathway and its impact on the regulation of placental iron homeostasis, oxidative stress and gestational diseases will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Zaugg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabia Solenthaler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Goutam Mukherjee A, Ramesh Wanjari U, Renu K, Vellingiri B, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. Heavy metal and metalloid - induced reproductive toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 92:103859. [PMID: 35358731 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals and metalloid exposure are among the most common factors responsible for reproductive toxicity in human beings. Several studies have indicated that numerous metals and metalloids can display severe adverse properties on the human reproductive system. Metals like lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, and mercury and metalloids like arsenic have been known to induce reproductive toxicity. Moderate to minute quantities of lead may affect several reproductive parameters and even affect semen quality. The ecological and industrial exposures to the various heavy metals and metalloids have disastrous effects on the reproductive system ensuing in infertility. This work emphasizes the mechanism and pathophysiology of the aforementioned heavy metals and metalloids in reproductive toxicity. Additionally, this work aims to cover the classical protective mechanisms of zinc, melatonin, chelation therapy, and other trending methods to prevent heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India; Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee JG, Kim G, Park SG, Yon JM, Yeom J, Song HE, Cheong SA, Lim JS, Sung YH, Kim K, Yoo HJ, Hong EJ, Nam KH, Seong JK, Kim CJ, Nam SY, Baek IJ. Lipid signatures reflect the function of the murine primary placentation. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:583-596. [PMID: 34850819 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta regulates maternal-fetal communication, and its defect leads to significant pregnancy complications. The maternal and embryonic circulations are primitively connected in early placentation, but the function of the placenta during this developmentally essential period is relatively unknown. We thus performed a comparative proteomic analysis of the placenta before and after primary placentation and found that the metabolism and transport of lipids were characteristically activated in this period. The placental fatty acid (FA) carriers in specific placental compartments were upregulated according to gestational age, and metabolomic analysis also showed that the placental transport of FAs increased in a time-dependent manner. Further analysis of two mutant mice models with embryonic lethality revealed that lipid-related signatures could reflect the functional state of the placenta. Our findings highlight the importance of the nutrient transport function of the primary placenta in the early gestational period and the role of lipids in embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Globinna Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Gi Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongwon-Gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Yon
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Yeom
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Eun Song
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-A Cheong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hoan Nam
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongwon-Gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Torregrosa-Carrión R, Piñeiro-Sabarís R, Siguero-Álvarez M, Grego-Bessa J, Luna-Zurita L, Fernandes VS, MacGrogan D, Stainier DYR, de la Pompa JL. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor Gpr126/Adgrg6 is essential for placental development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj5445. [PMID: 34767447 PMCID: PMC8589310 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj5445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the G protein–coupled receptor GPR126/ADGRG6 cause human diseases, including defective peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination. To study GPR126 function, we generated new genetic mice and zebrafish models. Murine Gpr126 is expressed in developing heart endocardium, and global Gpr126 inactivation is embryonically lethal, with mutants having thin-walled ventricles but unaffected heart patterning or maturation. Endocardial-specific Gpr126 deletion does not affect heart development or function, and transgenic endocardial GPR126 expression fails to rescue lethality in Gpr126-null mice. Zebrafish gpr126 mutants display unaffected heart development. Gpr126 is also expressed in placental trophoblast giant cells. Gpr126-null mice with a heterozygous placenta survive but exhibit GPR126-defective PNS phenotype. In contrast, Gpr126-null embryos with homozygous mutant placenta die but are rescued by placental GPR126 expression. Gpr126-deficient placentas display down-regulation of preeclampsia markers Mmp9, Cts7, and Cts8. We propose that the placenta-heart axis accounts for heart abnormalities secondary to placental defects in Gpr126 mutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Torregrosa-Carrión
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Piñeiro-Sabarís
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Siguero-Álvarez
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquím Grego-Bessa
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Luna-Zurita
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vitor Samuel Fernandes
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Donal MacGrogan
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Didier Y. R. Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - José Luis de la Pompa
- Intercellular Signalling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ciber de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Savastano G, Del Negro V, Pompeo D, Sorrenti S, Galoppi P, Brunelli R, Piccioni MG. Thyroid Disease, Pregnancy, and Selenium Supplementation. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-021-00314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
13
|
Kwan STC, Ricketts DK, Presswood BH, Smith SM, Mooney SM. Prenatal choline supplementation during mouse pregnancy has differential effects in alcohol-exposed fetal organs. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:2471-2484. [PMID: 34697823 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are preventable adverse outcomes consequent to prenatal alcohol exposure. Supplemental choline confers neuroprotection to the alcohol-exposed offspring, but its actions outside the brain are unclear. We previously reported that prenatal exposure of mice to 4.5 g/kg of alcohol decreased placental weight in females only, but decreased body weight and liver-to-body weight ratio and increased brain-to-body weight ratio in both sexes. Here we test the hypotheses that a lower alcohol dose will elicit similar outcomes, and that concurrent choline treatment will mitigate these outcomes. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with alcohol (3 g/kg; Alc) or maltodextrin (MD) from embryonic day (E) 8.5-17.5. Some also received a subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/kg choline chloride (Alc + Cho, MD + Cho). Outcomes were evaluated on E17.5. RESULTS Alc dams had lower gestational weight gain than MD; this was normalized by choline. In males, Alc decreased placental weight whereas choline increased placental efficiency, and Alc + Cho (vs. MD) tended to further reduce placental weight and increase efficiency. Despite no significant alcohol effects on these measures, choline increased fetal body weight but not brain weight, thus reducing brain-to-body weight ratio in both sexes. This ratio was also lower in the Alc + Cho (vs. MD) fetuses. Alc reduced liver weight and the liver-to-body weight ratio; choline did not improve these. Placental weight and efficiency correlated with litter size, whereas placental efficiency correlated with fetal morphometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS Choline prevents an alcohol-induced reduction in gestational weight gain and fetal body weight and corrects fetal brain sparing, consistent with clinical findings of improvements in alcohol-exposed children born to mothers receiving choline supplementation. Importantly, we show that choline enhances placental efficiency in the alcohol-exposed offspring but does not normalize fetal liver growth. Our findings support choline supplementation during pregnancy to mitigate the severity of FASD and emphasize the need to examine choline's actions in different organ systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sze Ting Cecilia Kwan
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dane K Ricketts
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brandon H Presswood
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan M Smith
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandra M Mooney
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Joshi NP, Mane AR, Sahay AS, Sundrani DP, Joshi SR, Yajnik CS. Role of Placental Glucose Transporters in Determining Fetal Growth. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2744-2759. [PMID: 34339038 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutrient availability and its transport through the placenta are crucial for fetal development. Nutrients are transported to the fetus via specific transporters present on the microvillous (MVM) and basal membrane (BM) of the placenta. Glucose is the most abundant nutrient transferred to the fetus and plays a key role in the fetal growth and development. The transfer of glucose across the human placenta is directly proportional to maternal glucose concentrations, and is mediated by glucose transporter family proteins (GLUTs). Maternal glucose concentration influences expression and activity of GLUTs in the MVM (glucose uptake) and BM (glucose delivery). Alteration in the number and function of these transporters may affect the growth and body composition of the fetus. The thin-fat phenotype of the Indian baby (low ponderal index, high adiposity) is proposed as a harbinger of future metabolic risk. We propose that placental function mediated through nutrient transporters contributes to the phenotype of the baby, specifically that glucose transporters will influence neonatal fat. This review discusses the role of various glucose transporters in the placenta in determining fetal growth and body composition, in light of the above hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Aditi R Mane
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Akriti S Sahay
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Deepali P Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Merech F, Hauk V, Paparini D, Fernandez L, Naguila Z, Ramhorst R, Waschek J, Pérez Leirós C, Vota D. Growth impairment, increased placental glucose uptake and altered transplacental transport in VIP deficient pregnancies: Maternal vs. placental contributions. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166207. [PMID: 34186168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Glucose uptake by the placenta and its transfer to the fetus is a finely regulated process required for placental and fetal development. Deficient placentation is associated with pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction (FGR). The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has embryotrophic effects in mice and regulates human cytotrophoblast metabolism and function. Here we compared glucose uptake and transplacental transport in vivo by VIP-deficient placentas from normal or VIP-deficient maternal background. The role of endogenous VIP in placental glucose and amino acid uptake was also investigated. Wild type C57BL/6 (WT) or VIP+/- (VIP HT) females were mated with WT, VIP knock-out (VIP KO) or VIP HT males. Glucose uptake and transplacental transport were evaluated by the injection of the fluorescent d-glucose analogue 2-NBDG in pregnant mice at gestational day (gd) 17.5. Glucose and amino acid uptake in vitro by placental explants were measured with 2-NBDG or 14C-MeAIB respectively. In normal VIP maternal background, fetal weight was reduced in association with placental VIP deficiency, whereas placental weight was unaltered. Paradoxically, VIP+/- placentas presented higher glucose uptake and higher gene expression of GLUT1 and mTOR than VIP+/+ placentas. However, in a maternal VIP-deficient environment placental uptake and transplacental transport of glucose increased while fetal weights were unaffected, regardless of feto-placental genotype. Results point to VIP-deficient pregnancy in a normal background as a suitable FGR model with increased placental glucose uptake and transplacental transport. The apparently compensatory actions are unable to sustain normal fetal growth and could result in complications later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Merech
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Paparini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Fernandez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Zaira Naguila
- Bioterio Central, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - James Waschek
- The David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daiana Vota
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sex-Biased lncRNA Signature in Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). Cells 2021; 10:cells10040921. [PMID: 33923632 PMCID: PMC8072961 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired fetal growth is one of the most important causes of prematurity, stillbirth and infant mortality. The pathogenesis of idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) is poorly understood but is thought to be multifactorial and comprise a range of genetic causes. This research aimed to investigate non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the placentas of male and female fetuses affected by FGR. RNA-Seq data were analyzed to detect lncRNAs, their potential target genes and circular RNAs (circRNAs); a differential analysis was also performed. The multilevel bioinformatic analysis enabled the detection of 23,137 placental lncRNAs and 4263 of them were classified as novel. In FGR-affected female fetuses’ placentas (ff-FGR), among 19 transcriptionally active regions (TARs), five differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and 12 differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DEGs) were identified. Within 232 differentially expressed TARs identified in male fetuses (mf-FGR), 33 encompassed novel and 176 known lncRNAs, and 52 DEGs were upregulated, while 180 revealed decreased expression. In ff-FGR ACTA2-AS1, lncRNA expression was significantly correlated with five DEGs, and in mf-FGR, 25 TARs were associated with DELs correlated with 157 unique DEGs. Backsplicing circRNA processes were detected in the range of H19 lncRNA, in both ff- and mf-FGR placentas. The performed global lncRNAs characteristics in terms of fetal sex showed dysregulation of DELs, DEGs and circRNAs that may affect fetus growth and pregnancy outcomes. In female placentas, DELs and DEGs were associated mainly with the vasculature, while in male placentas, disturbed expression predominantly affected immune processes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Lazniewska J, Darby JRT, Holman SL, Sorvina A, Plush SE, Massi M, Brooks DA, Morrison JL. In utero substrate restriction by placental insufficiency or maternal undernutrition decreases optical redox ratio in foetal perirenal fat. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2021; 14:e202000322. [PMID: 33389813 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can result from reduced delivery of substrates, including oxygen and glucose, during pregnancy and may be caused by either placental insufficiency or maternal undernutrition. As a consequence of IUGR, there is altered programming of adipose tissue and this can be associated with metabolic diseases later in life. We have utilised two sheep models of IUGR, placental restriction and late gestation undernutrition, to determine the metabolic effects of growth restriction on foetal perirenal adipose tissue (PAT). Two-photon microscopy was employed to obtain an optical redox ratio, which gives an indication of cell metabolism. PAT of IUGR foetuses exhibited higher metabolic activity, altered lipid droplet morphology, upregulation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit genes and decreased expression of genes involved in growth and differentiation. Our results indicate that there are adaptations in PAT of IUGR foetuses that might be protective and ensure survival in response to an IUGR insult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lazniewska
- Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research Group, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stacey L Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alexandra Sorvina
- Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research Group, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sally E Plush
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Massimiliano Massi
- Department of Chemistry, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research Group, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Low CETP activity and unique composition of large VLDL and small HDL in women giving birth to small-for-gestational age infants. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6213. [PMID: 33737686 PMCID: PMC7973737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) regulates high density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol (C) and HDL-C is essential for fetal development. We hypothesized that women giving birth to large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants differed in longitudinal changes in lipoproteins, CETP activity and HDL-C and that placentas from women with higher or lower circulating HDL-C displayed differential expression of mRNAs involved in cholesterol/nutrient transport, insulin signaling, inflammation/ extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Circulating lipids and CETP activity was measured during pregnancy, NMR lipidomics in late pregnancy, and associations with LGA and SGA infants investigated. RNA sequencing was performed in 28 placentas according to higher and lower maternal HDL-C levels. Lipidomics revealed high triglycerides in large VLDL and lipids/cholesterol/cholesteryl esters in small HDL in women giving birth to SGA infants. Placentas from women with higher HDL-C had decreased levels of CETP expression which was associated with mRNAs involved in cholesterol/nutrient transport, insulin signaling and inflammation/ECM remodeling. Both placental and circulating CETP levels were associated with growth of the fetus. Low circulating CETP activity at 36–38 weeks was associated with giving birth to SGA infants. Our findings suggest a link between increased maternal HDL-C levels, low CETP levels both in circulation and placenta, and SGA infants.
Collapse
|
19
|
Atallah M, Yamashita T, Abe K. Effect of edaravone on pregnant mice and their developing fetuses subjected to placental ischemia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:19. [PMID: 33549111 PMCID: PMC7866881 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00707-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) triggers the cascade of events leading to preeclampsia. Edaravone is a powerful free radical scavenger used for the treatment of ischemia/reperfusion diseases due to its anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties. Here we investigate the effect of edaravone (3 mg/kg) on different maternal and fetal outcomes of RUPP-induced placental ischemia mice model. RUPP surgery was performed on gestation day (GD) 13 followed by edaravone injection from GD14 to GD18, sacrifice day. The results showed that edaravone injection significantly decreased the maternal blood pressure (113.2 ± 2.3 mmHg) compared with RUPP group (131.5 ± 1.9 mmHg). Edaravone increased fetal survival rate (75.4%) compared with RUPP group (54.4%), increased fetal length, weights, and feto-placental ratio (7.2 and 5.7 for RUPP and RUPP-Edaravone groups, respectively) compared with RUPP group. In addition, RUPP resulted in many fetal morphological abnormalities as well as severe delayed ossification, however edaravone decreased the morphological abnormalities and increased the ossification of the fetal endoskeleton. Edaravone improved the histopathological structure of the maternal kidney and heart as well as decreased the elevated blood urea and creatinine levels (31.5 ± 0.15 mg/dl (RUPP), 25.6 ± 0.1 mg/dl (RUPP+edaravone) for urea and 5.4 ± 0.1 mg/dl (RUPP), 3.5 ± 0.1 mg/dl (RUPP+edaravone) for creatinine) and decreased cleaved caspase-3 expression in the maternal kidney. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that our RUPP mice model recapitulated preeclampsia symptoms and edaravone injection ameliorated most of these abnormalities suggesting its effectiveness and potential application in preeclampsia treatment regimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Atallah
- Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
- Vertebrates Comparative Anatomy and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom, Egypt
| | - Toru Yamashita
- Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Koji Abe
- Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Owaydhah WH, Ashton N, Verrey F, Glazier JD. Differential expression of system L amino acid transporter subtypes in rat placenta and yolk sac. Placenta 2020; 103:188-198. [PMID: 33160252 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amino acid transport across the placenta is crucial for fetal growth. In rodent models, the visceral yolk sac (referred to as yolk sac hereafter) is also likely to contribute to fetal amino acid provision. System L amino acid transporters mediate the transport of essential amino acids. System L activity is mediated by light chains LAT1 (Slc7a5) and LAT2 (Slc7a8) which form functional complexes by heterodimeric linkage to CD98 (Slc3a2). LAT4 (Slc43a2) is monomeric, possessing overlapping amino acid substrate specificity with LAT1 and LAT2. METHODS This study investigates the expression of these LAT subtypes in fetus-matched rat placenta and yolk sac. RESULTS Slc7a5, Slc7a8 and Slc43a2 transcripts were expressed in placenta and yolk sac with similar expression patterns between sexes. LAT1 expression was significantly higher in placenta than yolk sac. Conversely, LAT2 and LAT4 expression was significantly higher in yolk sac than placenta; CD98 expression was comparable. LAT1, LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 were distributed to rat placental labyrinth zone (LZ) and junctional zone (JZ). LAT1 and LAT4 demonstrated higher expression in LZ, whilst LAT2 was more intensely distributed to JZ. LAT1, LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 were expressed in yolk sac, with punctate LAT1 staining to endodermal cell cytoplasm, contrasting with the intense LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 endodermal cell basolateral distribution, accounting for greater LAT2 and LAT4 expression in yolk sac compared to placenta. CONCLUSION LAT1, LAT2 and LAT4 are expressed in rat placenta and yolk sac implicating a combined role for these LAT subtypes in supporting fetal growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan H Owaydhah
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Nick Ashton
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - François Verrey
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn D Glazier
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aplin JD, Myers JE, Timms K, Westwood M. Tracking placental development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:479-494. [PMID: 32601352 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction arise from disorders of placental development and have some shared mechanistic features. Initiation is often rooted in the maldevelopment of a maternal-placental blood supply capable of providing for the growth requirements of the fetus in later pregnancy, without exerting undue stress on maternal body systems. Here, we review normal development of a placental bed with a safe and adequate blood supply and a villous placenta-blood interface from which nutrients and oxygen can be extracted for the growing fetus. We consider disease mechanisms that are intrinsic to the maternal environment, the placenta or the interaction between the two. Systemic signalling from the endocrine placenta targets the maternal endothelium and multiple organs to adjust metabolism for an optimal pregnancy and later lactation. This signalling capacity is skewed when placental damage occurs and can deliver a dangerous pathogenic stimulus. We discuss the placental secretome including glycoproteins, microRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers of disease. Angiomodulatory mediators, currently the only effective biomarkers, are discussed alongside non-invasive imaging approaches to the prediction of disease risk. Identifying the signs of impending pathology early enough to intervene and ameliorate disease in later pregnancy remains a complex and challenging objective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Timms
- Lydia Becker Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Arumugasaamy N, Rock KD, Kuo CY, Bale TL, Fisher JP. Microphysiological systems of the placental barrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:161-175. [PMID: 32858104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Methods to evaluate maternal-fetal transport across the placental barrier have generally involved clinical observations after-the-fact, ex vivo perfused placenta studies, or in vitro Transwell assays. Given the ethical and technical limitations in these approaches, and the drive to understand fetal development through the lens of transport-induced injury, such as with the examples of thalidomide and Zika Virus, efforts to develop novel approaches to study these phenomena have expanded in recent years. Notably, within the past 10 years, placental barrier models have been developed using hydrogel, bioreactor, organ-on-a-chip, and bioprinting approaches. In this review, we discuss the biology of the placental barrier and endeavors to recapitulate this barrier in vitro using these approaches. We also provide analysis of current limitations to drug discovery in this context, and end with a future outlook.
Collapse
|
23
|
Hanswijk SI, Spoelder M, Shan L, Verheij MMM, Muilwijk OG, Li W, Liu C, Kolk SM, Homberg JR. Gestational Factors throughout Fetal Neurodevelopment: The Serotonin Link. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5850. [PMID: 32824000 PMCID: PMC7461571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is a critical player in brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Fetal 5-HT levels can be influenced by several gestational factors, such as maternal genotype, diet, stress, medication, and immune activation. In this review, addressing both human and animal studies, we discuss how these gestational factors affect placental and fetal brain 5-HT levels, leading to changes in brain structure and function and behavior. We conclude that gestational factors are able to interact and thereby amplify or counteract each other's impact on the fetal 5-HT-ergic system. We, therefore, argue that beyond the understanding of how single gestational factors affect 5-HT-ergic brain development and behavior in offspring, it is critical to elucidate the consequences of interacting factors. Moreover, we describe how each gestational factor is able to alter the 5-HT-ergic influence on the thalamocortical- and prefrontal-limbic circuitry and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical-axis. These alterations have been associated with risks to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and/or anxiety. Consequently, the manipulation of gestational factors may be used to combat pregnancy-related risks for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina I. Hanswijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Marcia Spoelder
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Ling Shan
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Michel M. M. Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Otto G. Muilwijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Weizhuo Li
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (W.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunqing Liu
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (W.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Sharon M. Kolk
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dong J, Shin N, Chen S, Lei J, Burd I, Wang X. Is there a definite relationship between placental mTOR signaling and fetal growth? Biol Reprod 2020; 103:471-486. [PMID: 32401303 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction and overgrowth are common obstetrical complications that result in adverse perinatal outcomes and long-term health risks later in life, including neurodevelopmental dysfunction and adult metabolic syndrome. The placenta plays a critical role in the nutrition transfer from mother to fetus and even exerts adaptive mechanism when the fetus is under poor developmental conditions. The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling serves as a critical hub of cell growth, survival, and metabolism in response to nutrients, growth factors, energy, and stress signals. Placental mTOR signaling regulates placental function, including oxygen and nutrient transport. Therefore, placental mTOR signaling is hypothesized to have a positive relationship with fetal growth. In this review, we summarize that most studies support the current evidence that there is connection between placental mTOR signaling and abnormal fetal growth; however, but more studies should be performed following a vigorous and unanimous method for assessment to determine placental mTOR activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Na Shin
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chassen S, Jansson T. Complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport capacity in IUGR. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165373. [PMID: 30684642 PMCID: PMC6650384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the developed world is placental insufficiency, a concept often used synonymously with reduced utero-placental and umbilical blood flows. However, placental insufficiency and IUGR are associated with complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport including inhibition of insulin and mTOR signaling and down-regulation of specific amino acid transporters, Na+/K+-ATPase, the Na+/H+-exchanger, folate and lactate transporters. In contrast, placental glucose transport capacity is unaltered and Ca2+-ATPase activity and the expression of proteins involved in placental lipid transport are increased in IUGR. These findings are not entirely consistent with the traditional view that the placenta is dysfunctional in IUGR, but rather suggest that the placenta adapts to reduce fetal growth in response to an inability of the mother to allocate resources to the fetus. This new model has implications for the understanding of the mechanisms underpinning IUGR and for the development of intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chassen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Stanirowski PJ, Lipa M, Bomba-Opoń D, Wielgoś M. Expression of placental glucose transporter proteins in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth disorders. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 123:95-131. [PMID: 33485490 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy fetal growth disorders, including fetal macrosomia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are associated with numerous maternal-fetal complications, as well as due to the adverse effect of the intrauterine environment lead to an increased morbidity in adult life. Accumulating evidence suggests that occurrence of fetal macrosomia or FGR, may be associated with alterations in the transfer of nutrients across the placenta, in particular of glucose. The placental expression and activity of specific GLUT transporters are the main regulatory factors in the process of maternal-fetal glucose exchange. This review article summarizes the results of previous studies on the expression of GLUT transporters in the placenta, concentrating on human pregnancies complicated by intrauterine fetal growth disorders. Characteristics of each transporter protein found in the placenta is presented, alterations in the location and expression of GLUT isoforms observed in individual placental compartments are described, and the factors regulating the expression of selected GLUT proteins are examined. Based on the above data, the potential function of each GLUT isoform in the maternal-fetal glucose transfer is determined. Further on, a detailed analysis of changes in the expression of glucose transporters in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth disorders is given, and significance of these modifications for the pathogenesis of fetal macrosomia and FGR is discussed. In the final part novel interventional approaches that might reduce the risk associated with abnormalities of intrauterine fetal growth through modifications of placental GLUT-mediated glucose transfer are explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Jan Stanirowski
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Club 35. Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Lipa
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Club 35. Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Bomba-Opoń
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Wielgoś
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during rat pregnancy leads to symmetrical fetal growth restriction and labyrinth-specific vascular defects in the placenta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:544. [PMID: 31953475 PMCID: PMC6969028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
1 in 5 women report cannabis use during pregnancy, with nausea cited as their primary motivation. Studies show that (-)-△9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, causes fetal growth restriction, though the mechanisms are not well understood. Given the critical role of the placenta to transfer oxygen and nutrients from mother, to the fetus, any compromise in the development of fetal-placental circulation significantly affects maternal-fetal exchange and thereby, fetal growth. The goal of this study was to examine, in rats, the impact of maternal Δ9-THC exposure on fetal development, neonatal outcomes, and placental development. Dams received a daily intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of vehicle control or Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg) from embryonic (E)6.5 through 22. Dams were allowed to deliver normally to measure pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, with a subset sacrificed at E19.5 for placenta assessment via immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Gestational Δ9-THC exposure resulted in pups born with symmetrical fetal growth restriction, with catch up growth by post-natal day (PND)21. During pregnancy there were no changes to maternal food intake, maternal weight gain, litter size, or gestational length. E19.5 placentas from Δ9-THC-exposed pregnancies exhibited a phenotype characterized by increased labyrinth area, reduced Epcam expression (marker of labyrinth trophoblast progenitors), altered maternal blood space, decreased fetal capillary area and an increased recruitment of pericytes with greater collagen deposition, when compared to vehicle controls. Further, at E19.5 labyrinth trophoblast had reduced glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in response to Δ9-THC exposure. In conclusion, maternal exposure to Δ9-THC effectively compromised fetal growth, which may be a result of the adversely affected labyrinth zone development. These findings implicate GLUT1 as a Δ9-THC target and provide a potential mechanism for the fetal growth restriction observed in women who use cannabis during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
28
|
Qi M, Tan B, Wang J, Li J, Liao S, Yan J, Liu Y, Yin Y. Small intestinal transcriptome analysis revealed changes of genes involved in nutrition metabolism and immune responses in growth retardation piglets1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:3795-3808. [PMID: 31231776 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Postnatal growth retardation (PGR) is common in piglets. Abnormal development in small intestine was casually implicated in impaired growth, but the exact mechanism is still implausible. The present study unveiled transcriptome profile of jejunal mucosa, the major site of nutrient absorption, in PGR and healthy piglets using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The middle segments of jejunum and ileum, and jejunal mucosa were obtained from healthy and PGR piglets at 42 d of age. Total RNA samples extracted from jejunal mucosa of healthy and PGR piglets were submitted for RNA-seq. Lower villus height was observed in both jejunum and ileum from PGR piglets suggesting structural impairment in small intestine (P < 0.05). RNA-seq libraries were constructed and sequenced, and produced average 4.8 × 107 clean reads. Analysis revealed a total of 499 differently expressed genes (DEGs), of which 320 DEGs were downregulated in PGR piglets as compared to healthy piglets. The functional annotation based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) highlighted that most DEGs were involved in nutrient metabolism and immune responses. Our results further indicated decreased gene expression associated with glucose, lipid, protein, mineral, and vitamin metabolic process, detoxication ability, oxidoreductase activity, and mucosal barrier function; as well as the increased insulin resistance and inflammatory response in the jejunal mucosa of PGR piglets. These results characterized the transcriptomic profile of the jejunal mucosa in PGR piglets, and could provide valuable information with respect to better understanding the nutrition metabolism and immune responses in the small intestine of piglets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Qi
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bie Tan
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Simeng Liao
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiameng Yan
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Yulong Yin
- Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hofstee P, Bartho LA, McKeating DR, Radenkovic F, McEnroe G, Fisher JJ, Holland OJ, Vanderlelie JJ, Perkins AV, Cuffe JSM. Maternal selenium deficiency during pregnancy in mice increases thyroid hormone concentrations, alters placental function and reduces fetal growth. J Physiol 2019; 597:5597-5617. [PMID: 31562642 DOI: 10.1113/jp278473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Inappropriate intake of key micronutrients in pregnancy is known to alter maternal endocrine status, impair placental development and induce fetal growth restriction. Selenium is an essential micronutrient required for the function of approximately 25 important proteins. However, the specific effects of selenium deficiency during pregnancy on maternal, placental and fetal outcomes are poorly understood. The present study demonstrates that maternal selenium deficiency increases maternal triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine concentrations, reduces fetal blood glucose concentrations, and induces fetal growth restriction. Placental expression of key selenium-dependent thyroid hormone converting enzymes were reduced, whereas the expression of key placental nutrient transporters was dysregulated. Selenium deficiency had minimal impact on selenium-dependent anti-oxidants but increased placental copper concentrations and expression of superoxide dismutase 1. These results highlight the idea that selenium deficiency during pregnancy may contribute to thyroid dysfunction, causing reduced fetal growth, that may precede programmed disease outcomes in offspring. ABSTRACT Selenium is a trace element fundamental to diverse homeostatic processes, including anti-oxidant regulation and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium deficiency in pregnancy is common and increases the risk of pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction. Although altered placental formation may contribute to these poor outcomes, the mechanism by which selenium deficiency contributes to complications in pregnancy is poorly understood. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to control (>190 µg kg-1 , n = 8) or low selenium (<50 µg kg-1 , n = 8) diets 4 weeks prior to mating and throughout gestation. Pregnant mice were killed at embryonic day 18.5 followed by collection of maternal and fetal tissue. Maternal and fetal plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were analysed, as was placental expression of key selenoproteins involved in thyroid metabolism and anti-oxidant defences. Selenium deficiency increased plasma tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine concentrations. This was associated with a reduction in placental expression of key selenodependent deiodinases, DIO2 and DIO3. Placental expression of selenium-dependent anti-oxidants was unaffected by selenium deficiency. Selenium deficiency reduced fetal glucose concentrations, leading to reduced fetal weight. Placental glycogen content was increased within the placenta, as was Slc2a3 mRNA expression. This is the first study to demonstrate that selenium deficiency may reduce fetal weight through increased maternal thyroid hormone concentrations, impaired placental thyroid hormone metabolism and dysregulated placental nutrient transporter expression. The study suggests that the magnitude of selenium deficiency commonly reported in pregnant women may be sufficient to impair thyroid metabolism but not placental anti-oxidant concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Hofstee
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucy A Bartho
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel R McKeating
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Filip Radenkovic
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Georgia McEnroe
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua J Fisher
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Paternal knockout of Slc38a4/SNAT4 causes placental hypoplasia associated with intrauterine growth restriction in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:21047-21053. [PMID: 31570606 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1907884116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is critical in mammalian embryonic development because the embryo's supply of nutrients, including amino acids, depends solely on mother-to-embryo transport through it. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this amino acid supply are poorly understood. In this study, we focused on system A amino acid transporters Slc38a1/SNAT1, Slc38a2/SNAT2, and Slc38a4/SNAT4, which carry neutral, short-side-chain amino acids, to determine their involvement in placental or embryonic development. A triple-target CRISPR screen identified Slc38a4/SNAT4 as the critical amino acid transporter for placental development in mice. We established mouse lines from the CRISPR founders with large deletions in Slc38a4 and found that, consistent with the imprinted paternal expression of Slc38a4/SNAT4 in the placenta, paternal knockout (KO) but not maternal KO of Slc38a4/SNAT4 caused placental hypoplasia associated with reduced fetal weight. Immunostaining revealed that SNAT4 was widely expressed in differentiating cytotrophoblasts and maturing trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface. A blood metabolome analysis revealed that amino acid concentrations were globally reduced in Slc38a4/SNAT4 mutant embryos. These results indicated that SNAT4-mediated amino acid transport in mice plays a major role in placental and embryonic development. Given that expression of Slc38a4 in the placenta is conserved in other species, our Slc38a4/SNAT4 mutant mice could be a promising model for the analysis of placental defects leading to intrauterine growth restriction in mammals.
Collapse
|
31
|
Impact of Arginine Nutrition and Metabolism during Pregnancy on Offspring Outcomes. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071452. [PMID: 31252534 PMCID: PMC6682918 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
By serving as a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, polyamines, and other molecules with biological importance, arginine plays a key role in pregnancy and fetal development. Arginine supplementation is a potential therapy for treating many human diseases. An impaired arginine metabolic pathway during gestation might produce long-term morphological or functional changes in the offspring, namely, developmental programming to increase vulnerability to developing a variety of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. In contrast, reprogramming is a strategy that shifts therapeutic interventions from adulthood to early-life, in order to reverse the programming processes, which might counterbalance the rising epidemic of NCDs. This review presented the role of arginine synthesis and metabolism in pregnancy. We also provided evidence for the links between an impaired arginine metabolic pathway and the pathogenesis of compromised pregnancy and fetal programming. This was followed by reprogramming strategies targeting the arginine metabolic pathway, to prevent the developmental programming of NCDs. Despite emerging evidence from experimental studies showing that targeting the arginine metabolic pathway has promise as a reprogramming strategy in pregnancy to prevent NCDs in the offspring, these results need further clinical application.
Collapse
|
32
|
Challenges in Designing Clinical Trials to Test New Drugs in the Pregnant Woman and Fetus. Clin Perinatol 2019; 46:399-416. [PMID: 31010567 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The need for new drugs in pregnancy is widely recognized. This review identifies several unique challenges and describes some solutions. Specific studies and drug development programs need careful planning that accounts for the needs of regulatory agencies. The perinatal (obstetric/pediatric) community needs to establish collaborations to develop methodologies, to facilitate data sharing, and to lobby for research and access to medicines. There is a need to gather and present information that promotes proportionate judgments of the balance between potential benefits and risks. This will require researchers to look beyond their traditional ways of working.
Collapse
|
33
|
Vogtmann R, Kühnel E, Dicke N, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Plösch T, Schorle H, Stojanovska V, Herse F, Köninger A, Kimmig R, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Human sFLT1 Leads to Severe Changes in Placental Differentiation and Vascularization in a Transgenic hsFLT1/rtTA FGR Mouse Model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 30949132 PMCID: PMC6437783 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) is one of the candidates in the progression of preeclampsia, often associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Therapeutic agents against preeclampsia with/without FGR, as well as adequate transgenic sFLT1 mouse models for testing such agents, are still missing. Much is known about sFLT1-mediated endothelial dysfunction in several tissues; however, the influence of sFLT1 on placental and fetal development is currently unknown. We hypothesize that sFLT1 is involved in the progression of FGR by influencing placental differentiation and vascularization and is a prime candidate for interventional strategies. Therefore, we generated transgenic inducible human sFLT1/reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator (hsFLT1/rtTA) mice, in which hsFLT1 is ubiquitously overexpressed during pregnancy in dams and according to the genetics in hsFLT1/rtTA homozygous and heterozygous fetuses. Induction of hsFLT1 led to elevated hsFLT1 levels in the serum of dams and on mRNA level in all placentas and hetero-/homozygous fetuses, resulting in FGR in all fetuses at term. The strongest effects in respect to FGR were observed in the hsFLT1/rtTA homozygous fetuses, which exhibited the highest hsFLT1 levels. Only fetal hsFLT1 expression led to impaired placental morphology characterized by reduced placental efficiency, enlarged maternal sinusoids, reduced fetal capillaries, and impaired labyrinthine differentiation, associated with increased apoptosis. Besides impaired placental vascularization, the expression of several transporter systems, such as glucose transporter 1 and 3 (Glut-1; Glut-3); amino acid transporters, solute carrier family 38, member one and two (Slc38a1; Slc38a2); and most severely the fatty acid translocase Cd36 and fatty acid binding protein 3 (Fabp3) was reduced upon hsFLT1 expression, associated with an accumulation of phospholipids in the maternal serum. Moreover, the Vegf pathway showed alterations, resulting in reduced Vegf, Vegfb, and Plgf protein levels and increased Bad and Caspase 9 mRNA levels. We suggest that hsFLT1 exerts an inhibitory influence on placental vascularization by reducing Vegf signaling, which leads to apoptosis in fetal vessels, impairing placental differentiation, and the nutrient exchange function of the labyrinth. These effects were more pronounced when both the dam and the fetus expressed hsFLT1 and ultimately result in FGR and resemble the preeclamptic phenotype in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kühnel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nikolai Dicke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Medical Faculty, and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- EM Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Gellhaus
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bridge-Comer PE, Vickers MH, Reynolds CM. Preclinical Models of Altered Early Life Nutrition and Development of Reproductive Disorders in Female Offspring. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1134:59-87. [PMID: 30919332 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-12668-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Early epidemiology studies in humans have and continue to offer valuable insight into the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, which emphasises the importance of early-life nutritional and environmental changes on the increased risk of metabolic and reproductive disease in later life. Human studies are limited and constrained by a range of factors which do not apply to preclinical research. Animal models therefore offer a unique opportunity to fully investigate the mechanisms associated with developmental programming, helping to elucidate the developmental processes which influence reproductive diseases, and highlight potential biomarkers which can be translated back to the human condition. This review covers the use and limitations of a number of animal models frequently utilised in developmental programming investigations, with an emphasis on dietary manipulations which can lead to reproductive dysfunction in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark H Vickers
- The Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Clare M Reynolds
- The Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
van de Looij Y, Larpin C, Cabungcal JH, Sanches EF, Toulotte A, Do KQ, Sizonenko SV. Nutritional Intervention for Developmental Brain Damage: Effects of Lactoferrin Supplementation in Hypocaloric Induced Intrauterine Growth Restriction Rat Pups. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:46. [PMID: 30800096 PMCID: PMC6375847 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) refers to an impaired development of the fetus and hence results in adverse neurodevelopmental and psychiatric consequences later in life. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein present in milk that has already shown neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties on impaired developing brains. The aim of this study was to characterize a rat model of IUGR and assess the neuroprotective effect of a nutritional supplementation with bovine Lf during pregnancy and lactation on this model. Methods: A model of 50% gestational caloric restriction (CR) was used. Three groups were designed, and pregnant rats had either ad libitum access to food (control group, CTL) or 50% of the controls' intake (restricted group, IUGR). The diet was isocaloric and supplemented with bovine Lf for the caloric restricted dams (restricted-Lf, IUGR_Lf). At postnatal day 7 and 21, advanced ex-vivo diffusion MRI techniques at 9.4T were used to investigate brain cortical and white matter microstructure. Further, genes and proteins involved in structure (synaptophysin, MBP), microglia (Iba-1), metabolism (MCT2, βCaMKII) and apoptosis (Bcl-2) were analyzed in the cortex and striatum. In the cortex, the number of parvalbumin immunoreactive interneurons and their perineuronal nets were quantified. Behavioral tests were performed at P31. Results: Effects of the CR were significant in the cortex and striatum with reduction of synaptophysin (marker of synaptogenesis) at P7 and MBP (marker of myelin) at P21 in the cortex. Indeed, MCT2 (energy metabolism), Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) and βCaMKII (synapse activity) expressions were reduced in IUGR groups at P7. In the striatum NG2 (marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells) and Bcl-2 at P7 as well as βCaMKII at P21 were decreased following IUGR and restored by Lf. Cortical microstructure was impaired following CR with partial effect of Lf. Lf prevented oxidative stress induced parvalbumin interneurons impairments whereas striatum and external capsule showed alterations in microstructure depicted by diffusion MRI, which were also partially reversed by Lf. Discussion and Conclusion: The model of 50% caloric restriction induced mild impairment partially reversed by nutritional intervention using Lf during pregnancy and lactation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohan van de Looij
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camille Larpin
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Harry Cabungcal
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eduardo F. Sanches
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Audrey Toulotte
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kim Q. Do
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane V. Sizonenko
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Stéphane V. Sizonenko
| |
Collapse
|