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Schofield LG, Delforce SJ, Pryor JC, Endacott SK, Lumbers ER, Marshall SA, Pringle KG. The soluble (pro)renin receptor promotes a preeclampsia-like phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. Hypertens Res 2024; 47:1627-1641. [PMID: 38605139 PMCID: PMC11150152 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is classified as new-onset hypertension coupled with gross endothelial dysfunction. Placental (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) and plasma soluble (P)RR (s(P)RR) are elevated in patients with preeclampsia. Thus, we aimed to interrogate the role (P)RR may play in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Human uterine microvascular endothelial cells (HUtMECs, n = 4) were cultured with either; vehicle (PBS), 25-100 nM recombinant s(P)RR, or 10 ng/ml TNF-a (positive control) for 24 h. Conditioned media and cells were assessed for endothelial dysfunction markers via qPCR, ELISA, and immunoblot. Angiogenic capacity was assessed through tube formation and adhesion assays. Additionally, pregnant rats were injected with an adenovirus overexpressing s(P)RR from mid-pregnancy (day 8.5), until term (n = 6-7 dams/treatment). Maternal and fetal tissues were assessed. HUtMECs treated with recombinant s(P)RR displayed increased expression of endothelial dysfunction makers including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, and endothelin-1 mRNA expression (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, P = 0.009, respectively), along with elevated endothelin-1 protein secretion (P < 0.001) compared with controls. Recombinant s(P)RR impaired angiogenic capacity decreasing the number of branches, total branch length, and mesh area (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.009, respectively), while also increasing vascular adhesion (P = 0.032). +ADV rats exhibited increased systolic (P = 0.001), diastolic (P = 0.010), and mean arterial pressures (P = 0.012), compared with -ADV pregnancies. Renal arteries from +ADV-treated rats had decreased sensitivity to acetylcholine-induced relaxation (P = 0.030), compared with -ADV pregnancies. Our data show that treatment with s(P)RR caused hypertension and growth restriction in vivo and caused marked endothelial dysfunction in vitro. These findings demonstrate the significant adverse actions of s(P)RR on vascular dysfunction that is characteristic of the preeclamptic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan G Schofield
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah J Delforce
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Pryor
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Immune Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Saije K Endacott
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Ritchie Centre, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University and The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Mothers and Babies Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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2
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Janeski JD, Naik VD, Carabulea AL, Jiang H, Ramadoss J. In Vivo Administration of Phosphatidic Acid, a Direct Alcohol Target Rescues Fetal Growth Restriction and Maternal Uterine Artery Dysfunction in Rat FASD Model. Nutrients 2024; 16:1409. [PMID: 38794647 PMCID: PMC11123873 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101409] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is a hallmark of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and is accompanied by maternal uterine circulatory maladaptation. FAS is the most severe form of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a term for the range of conditions that can develop in a fetus when their pregnant mother consumes alcohol. Alcohol exerts specific direct effects on lipids that control fundamental developmental processes. We previously demonstrated that direct in vitro application of phosphatidic acid (PA, the simplest phospholipid and a direct target of alcohol exposure) to excised uterine arteries from alcohol-exposed rats improved vascular function, but it is unknown if PA can rescue end organ phenotypes in our FASD animal model. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40 total dams) were gavaged daily from gestational day (GD) 5 to GD 19 with alcohol or maltose dextrin, with and without PA supplementation, for a total of four unique groups. To translate and assess the beneficial effects of PA, we hypothesized that in vivo administration of PA concomitant with chronic binge alcohol would reverse uterine artery dysfunction and fetal growth deficits in our FASD model. Mean fetal weights and placental efficiency were significantly lower in the binge alcohol group compared with those in the control (p < 0.05). However, these differences between the alcohol and the control groups were completely abolished by auxiliary in vivo PA administration with alcohol, indicating a reversal of the classic FAS growth restriction phenotype. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced uterine artery relaxation was significantly impaired in the uterine arteries of chronic in vivo binge alcohol-administered rats compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Supplementation of PA in vivo throughout pregnancy reversed the alcohol-induced vasodilatory deficit; no differences were detected following in vivo PA administration between the pair-fed control and PA alcohol groups. Maximal ACh-induced vasodilation was significantly lower in the alcohol group compared to all the other treatments, including control, control PA, and alcohol PA groups (p < 0.05). When analyzing excitatory vasodilatory p1177-eNOS, alcohol-induced downregulation of p1177-eNOS was completely reversed following in vivo PA supplementation. In summary, these novel data utilize a specific alcohol target pathway (PA) to demonstrate a lipid-based preventive strategy and provide critical insights important for the development of translatable interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Janeski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Vishal D. Naik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alexander L. Carabulea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jayanth Ramadoss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Cripps SM, Marshall SA, Mattiske DM, Ingham RY, Pask AJ. Estrogenic endocrine disruptor exposure directly impacts erectile function. Commun Biol 2024; 7:403. [PMID: 38565966 PMCID: PMC10987563 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an extremely prevalent condition which significantly impacts quality of life. The rapid increase of ED in recent decades suggests the existence of unidentified environmental risk factors contributing to this condition. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are one likely candidate, given that development and function of the erectile tissues are hormonally dependent. We use the estrogenic-EDC diethylstilbestrol (DES) to model how widespread estrogenic-EDC exposure may impact erectile function in humans. Here we show that male mice chronically exposed to DES exhibit abnormal contractility of the erectile tissue, indicative of ED. The treatment did not affect systemic testosterone production yet significantly increased estrogen receptor α (Esr1) expression in the primary erectile tissue, suggesting EDCs directly impact erectile function. In response, we isolated the erectile tissue from mice and briefly incubated them with the estrogenic-EDCs DES or genistein (a phytoestrogen). These acute-direct exposures similarly caused a significant reduction in erectile tissue contractility, again indicative of ED. Overall, these findings demonstrate a direct link between estrogenic EDCs and erectile dysfunction and show that both chronic and acute estrogenic exposures are likely risk factors for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Cripps
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deidre M Mattiske
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Y Ingham
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Yadav P, Chen DB, Kumar S. Region-Specific and Pregnancy-Enhanced Vasodilator Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide. OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 6:309-316. [PMID: 38288009 PMCID: PMC10824528 DOI: 10.26502/ogr0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a cardiovascular signaling molecule that causes vasodilation in vascular smooth muscle cells, but its mechanism is unclear. We examined how H2S affects mesenteric and uterine arteries without endothelium in nonpregnant and pregnant rats and the underlying mechanisms. H2S donors GYY4137 and NaHS relaxed uterine arteries more than mesenteric arteries in both pregnant and nonpregnant rats. GYY4137 and NaHS caused greater relaxation in the uterine artery of pregnant versus nonpregnant rats. High extracellular K+ abolished NaHS relaxation in pregnant uterine arteries, indicating potassium channel involvement. NaHS relaxation was unaffected by voltage-gated potassium channel blockers, reduced by ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers, and abolished by calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel blockers. Thiol-reductant dithiothreitol also prevented NaHS relaxation. Thus, H2S has region-specific and pregnancy-enhanced vasodilator effects in the uterine arteries, mainly mediated by BKCa channels and sulfhydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Griffiths MJ, Marshall SA, Cousins FL, Alesi LR, Higgins J, Giridharan S, Sarma UC, Menkhorst E, Zhou W, Care AS, Donoghue JF, Holdsworth-Carson SJ, Rogers PA, Dimitriadis E, Gargett CE, Robertson SA, Winship AL, Hutt KJ. Radiotherapy exposure directly damages the uterus and causes pregnancy loss. JCI Insight 2023; 8:163704. [PMID: 36946464 PMCID: PMC10070119 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Female cancer survivors are significantly more likely to experience infertility than the general population. It is well established that chemotherapy and radiotherapy can damage the ovary and compromise fertility, yet the ability of cancer treatments to induce uterine damage, and the underlying mechanisms, have been understudied. Here, we show that in mice total-body γ-irradiation (TBI) induced extensive DNA damage and apoptosis in uterine cells. We then transferred healthy donor embryos into ovariectomized adolescent female mice that were previously exposed to TBI to study the impacts of radiotherapy on the uterus independent from effects to ovarian endocrine function. Following TBI, embryo attachment and implantation were unaffected, but fetal resorption was evident at midgestation in 100% of dams, suggesting failed placental development. Consistent with this hypothesis, TBI impaired the decidual response in mice and primary human endometrial stromal cells. TBI also caused uterine artery endothelial dysfunction, likely preventing adequate blood vessel remodeling in early pregnancy. Notably, when pro-apoptotic protein Puma-deficient (Puma-/-) mice were exposed to TBI, apoptosis within the uterus was prevented, and decidualization, vascular function, and pregnancy were restored, identifying PUMA-mediated apoptosis as a key mechanism. Collectively, these data show that TBI damages the uterus and compromises pregnancy success, suggesting that optimal fertility preservation during radiotherapy may require protection of both the ovaries and uterus. In this regard, inhibition of PUMA may represent a potential fertility preservation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan J Griffiths
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona L Cousins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren R Alesi
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jordan Higgins
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Saranya Giridharan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Urooza C Sarma
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jacqueline F Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Aw Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline E Gargett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amy L Winship
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karla J Hutt
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Doan TNA, Bianco-Miotto T, Parry L, Winter M. The role of angiotensin II and relaxin in vascular adaptation to pregnancy. Reproduction 2022; 164:R87-R99. [PMID: 36018774 DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief There is a pregnancy-induced vasodilation of blood vessels, which is known to have a protective effect on cardiovascular function and can be maintained postpartum. This review outlines the cardiovascular changes that occur in a healthy human and rodent pregnancy, as well as different pathways that are activated by angiotensin II and relaxin that result in blood vessel dilation. Abstract During pregnancy, systemic and uteroplacental blood flow increase to ensure an adequate blood supply that carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus. This results in changes to the function of the maternal cardiovascular system. There is also a pregnancy-induced vasodilation of blood vessels, which is known to have a protective effect on cardiovascular health/function. Additionally, there is evidence that the effects of maternal vascular vasodilation are maintained post-partum, which may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure in the next pregnancy and reduce cardiovascular risk later in life. At both non-pregnant and pregnant stages, vascular endothelial cells produce a number of vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, which transduce signals to the contractile vascular smooth muscle cells to control the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. These vascular cells are also targets of other vasoactive factors, including angiotensin II (Ang II) and relaxin. The binding of Ang II to its receptors activates different pathways to regulate the blood vessel vasoconstriction/vasodilation, and relaxin can interact with some of these pathways to induce vasodilation. Based on the available literature, this review outlines the cardiovascular changes that occur in a healthy human pregnancy, supplemented by studies in rodents. A specific focus is placed on vasodilation of blood vessels during pregnancy; the role of endothelial cells and endothelium-derived vasodilators will also be discussed. Additionally, different pathways that are activated by Ang II and relaxin that result in blood vessel dilation will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Ngoc Anh Doan
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura Parry
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marnie Winter
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Tripathy S, Nallasamy S, Mahendroo M. Progesterone and its receptor signaling in cervical remodeling: Mechanisms of physiological actions and therapeutic implications. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 223:106137. [PMID: 35690241 PMCID: PMC9509468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The remodeling of the cervix from a closed rigid structure to one that can open sufficiently for passage of a term infant is achieved by a complex series of molecular events that in large part are regulated by the steroid hormones progesterone and estrogen. Among hormonal influences, progesterone exerts a dominant role for most of pregnancy to initiate a loss of tissue strength yet maintain competence in a phase termed softening. Equally important are the molecular events that abrogate progesterone function in late pregnancy to allow a loss of tissue competence and strength during cervical ripening and dilation. In this review, we focus on current understanding by which progesterone receptor signaling for the majority of pregnancy followed by a loss/shift in progesterone receptor action at the end of pregnancy, collectively ensure cervical remodeling as necessary for successful parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Tripathy
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shanmugasundaram Nallasamy
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mala Mahendroo
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Potassium Channels in the Uterine Vasculature: Role in Healthy and Complicated Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169446. [PMID: 36012712 PMCID: PMC9409294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A progressive increase in maternal uterine and placental blood flow must occur during pregnancy to sustain the development of the fetus. Changes in maternal vasculature enable an increased uterine blood flow, placental nutrient and oxygen exchange, and subsequent fetal development. K+ channels are important modulators of vascular function, promoting vasodilation, inducing cell proliferation, and regulating cell signaling. Different types of K+ channels, such as Ca2+-activated, ATP-sensitive, and voltage-gated, have been implicated in the adaptation of maternal vasculature during pregnancy. Conversely, K+ channel dysfunction has been associated with vascular-related complications of pregnancy, including intrauterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. In this article, we provide an updated and comprehensive literature review that highlights the relevance of K+ channels as regulators of uterine vascular reactivity and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Advanced Maternal Age Impairs Uterine Artery Adaptations to Pregnancy in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169191. [PMID: 36012456 PMCID: PMC9409016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) is associated with pregnancy complications. Aging impairs vascular reactivity and increases vascular stiffness. We hypothesized that uterine artery adaptations to pregnancy are impaired with advanced age. Uterine arteries of nonpregnant and pregnant (gestational day 20) young (4 months) and aged (9 months; ~35 years in humans) Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated. Functional (myogenic tone, n = 6−10/group) and mechanical (circumferential stress-strain, n = 10−24/group) properties were assessed using pressure myography and further assessment of elastin and collagen (histology, n = 4−6/group), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, zymography, n = 6/group). Aged dams had worse pregnancy outcomes, including smaller litters and fetal weights (both p < 0.0001). Only in arteries of pregnant young dams did higher pressures (>100 mmHg) cause forced vasodilation. Across the whole pressure range (4−160 mmHg), myogenic behavior was enhanced in aged vs. young pregnant dams (p = 0.0010). Circumferential stress and strain increased with pregnancy in young and aged dams (p < 0.0001), but strain remained lower in aged vs. young dams (p < 0.05). Arteries from young nonpregnant rats had greater collagen:elastin ratios than the other groups (p < 0.05). In aged rats only, pregnancy increased MMP-2 active capacity. Altered functional and structural vascular adaptations to pregnancy may impair fetal growth and development with advanced maternal age.
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Interaction of Alcohol & Phosphatidic Acid in Maternal Rat Uterine Artery Function. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:178-183. [PMID: 35671880 PMCID: PMC9670159 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol has been demonstrated to impair maternal uterine arterial adaptations in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) animal models. However, the exact mechanism remains inconclusive. We hypothesized that phosphatidic acid (PA), a direct target of alcohol metabolism, would alleviate alcohol-induced vascular dysfunction of the maternal uterine artery. Mean fetal weight, and crown-rump length of the alcohol administered rats were ~9% and 7.6% lower than the pair-fed control pups, respectively. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced uterine artery relaxation was significantly impaired in uterine arteries of alcohol-administered rats (P<0.05). Supplementation of 10-5M PA reversed alcohol-induced vasodilatory deficit; no difference was detected after PA treatment between pair-fed control and alcohol groups (P=0.37). There was a significant interaction between PA concentrations and alcohol exposure (PA X Alcohol effect, P<0.0001). Pair-wise comparisons showed a concentration-dependent vasodilatory effect on uterine arteries of the alcohol-administered rats, with % relaxation significantly improved at PA concentrations > 10-7 M (P<0.05). Alcohol significantly reduced vasodilatory P-Ser1177 endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels in the uterine artery (↓90.7%; P=0.0029). PA treatment significantly reversed P-Ser1177 eNOS level in alcohol uterine arteries (153.7%↑; P=0.005); following ex vivo PA, there was no difference in P-Ser1177 eNOS levels between Control and Alcohol. Neither alcohol treatment nor PA affected total eNOS levels. Our data provide the first evidence of the interaction of alcohol and PA in rat maternal uterine artery vascular function and demonstrates PA's relationship with the eNOS system. Overall, the current study demonstrates that PA may be a promising therapeutic molecule of interest in alcohol-related gestational vascular dysfunction.
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Uteroplacental Circulation in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Functional Adaptation and Maladaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168622. [PMID: 34445328 PMCID: PMC8395300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uteroplacental blood flow increases as pregnancy advances. Adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen carried by uteroplacental blood flow is essential for the well-being of the mother and growth/development of the fetus. The uteroplacental hemodynamic change is accomplished primarily through uterine vascular adaptation, involving hormonal regulation of myogenic tone, vasoreactivity, release of vasoactive factors and others, in addition to the remodeling of spiral arteries. In preeclampsia, hormonal and angiogenic imbalance, proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies cause dysfunction of both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells of the uteroplacental vasculature. Consequently, the vascular dysfunction leads to increased vascular resistance and reduced blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation. In this article, the (mal)adaptation of uteroplacental vascular function in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and underlying mechanisms are reviewed.
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Pereira MM, Mainigi M, Strauss JF. Secretory products of the corpus luteum and preeclampsia. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:651-672. [PMID: 33748839 PMCID: PMC8222764 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), there are still many unknowns and controversies in the field. Women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) to a hormonally prepared endometrium have been found to have an unexpected increased risk of PE compared to women who receive embryos in a natural FET cycle. The differences in risk have been hypothesized to be related to the absence or presence of a functioning corpus luteum (CL). OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To evaluate the literature on secretory products of the CL that could be essential for a healthy pregnancy and could reduce the risk of PE in the setting of FET. SEARCH METHODS For this review, pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline (updated June 2020) using common keywords applied in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, CL physiology and preeclampsia. We also screened the complete list of references in recent publications in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for study selection or appraisal were utilized. OUTCOMES The CL is a major source of multiple factors regulating reproduction. Progesterone, estradiol, relaxin and vasoactive and angiogenic substances produced by the CL have important roles in regulating its functional lifespan and are also secreted into the circulation to act remotely during early stages of pregnancy. Beyond the known actions of progesterone and estradiol on the uterus in early pregnancy, their metabolites have angiogenic properties that may optimize implantation and placentation. Serum levels of relaxin are almost undetectable in pregnant women without a CL, which precludes some maternal cardiovascular and renal adaptations to early pregnancy. We suggest that an imbalance in steroid hormones and their metabolites and polypeptides influencing early physiologic processes such as decidualization, implantation, angiogenesis and maternal haemodynamics could contribute to the increased PE risk among women undergoing programmed FET cycles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A better understanding of the critical roles of the secretory products of the CL during early pregnancy holds the promise of improving the efficacy and safety of ART based on programmed FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104 USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104 USA
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Fournier SB, D'Errico JN, Stapleton PA. Uterine Vascular Control Preconception and During Pregnancy. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:1871-1893. [PMID: 34061977 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy and reproduction are dependent on adequate uterine blood flow, placental perfusion, and vascular responsivity to fetal demands. The ability to support pregnancy centers on systemic adaptation and endometrial preparation through decidualization, embryonic implantation, trophoblast invasion, arterial/arteriolar reactivity, and vascular remodeling. These adaptations occur through responsiveness to endocrine signaling and local uteroplacental mediators. The purpose of this article is to highlight the current knowledge associated with vascular remodeling and responsivity during uterine preparation for and during pregnancy. We focus on maternal cardiovascular systemic and uterine modifications, endometrial decidualization, implantation and invasion, uterine and spiral artery remodeling, local uterine regulatory mechanisms, placentation, and pathological consequences of vascular dysfunction during pregnancy. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-23, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Fournier
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jeanine N D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Phoebe A Stapleton
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Dela Justina V, Priviero F, Dos Passos RR, Webb RC, Lima VV, Giachini FR. O-GlcNAc impairs endothelial function in uterine arteries from virgin but not pregnant rats: The role of GSK3β. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 880:173133. [PMID: 32343970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Increased O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is observed in several pathologies, and unbalanced O-GlcNAcylation levels favor endothelial dysfunction. Whether augmented O-GlcNAc impacts the uterine artery (UA) function and how it affects the UA during pregnancy remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that glucosamine treatment increases O-GlcNAc, leading to uterine artery dysfunction and this effect is prevented by pregnancy. Pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) Wistar rats were treated with glucosamine (300 mg/kg; i.p.) for 21 days. Concentration response-curves (CRC) to acetylcholine (in the presence or absence of L-NAME) and sodium nitroprusside were performed in UAs. In NP rats, glucosamine treatment increased O-GlcNAc expression in UAs accompanied by decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was abolished by L-NAME. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and total Akt expression were decreased by glucosamine-treatment in NP rats. Further, NP rats treated with glucosamine displayed increased glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) activation and O-GlcNAc-transferase (OGT) expression in the UA. P rats treated with glucosamine displayed decreased O-GlcNAc in UAs and it was accompanied by improved relaxation to acetylcholine, whereas eNOS and GSK3β activity and total Akt and OGT expression were unchanged. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation was not changed in all groups, indicating that glucosamine treatment led to endothelial dysfunction in NP rats. The underlying mechanism is, at least in part, dependent on Akt/GSK3β/OGT modulation. We speculate that during pregnancy, hormonal alterations play a protective role in preventing O-GlcNAcylation-induced endothelial dysfunction in the UAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dela Justina
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Rinaldo Rodrigues Dos Passos
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - R Clinton Webb
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil.
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Jelinic M, Marshall SA, Leo CH, Parry LJ, Tare M. From pregnancy to cardiovascular disease: Lessons from relaxin-deficient animals to understand relaxin actions in the vascular system. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12464. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jelinic
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology; La Trobe University; Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Sarah A. Marshall
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; School of Clinical Sciences; Monash University; Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Chen H. Leo
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
- Science and Maths Cluster; Singapore University of Technology & Design; Singapore Singapore
| | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Department of Physiology; Monash University; Melbourne VIC Australia
- Monash Rural Health; Monash University; Melbourne VIC Australia
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