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Lopez-Tello J, Kiu R, Schofield Z, Zhang CXW, van Sinderen D, Le Gall G, Hall LJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Maternal gut Bifidobacterium breve modifies fetal brain metabolism in germ-free mice. Mol Metab 2024:102004. [PMID: 39127167 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances have significantly expanded our understanding of the gut microbiome's influence on host physiology and metabolism. However, the specific role of certain microorganisms in gestational health and fetal development remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the impact of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 on fetal brain metabolism when colonized in the maternal gut during pregnancy. METHODS Germ-free pregnant mice were colonized with or without B. breve UCC2003 during pregnancy. The metabolic profiles of fetal brains were analyzed, focusing on the presence of key metabolites and the expression of critical metabolic and cellular pathways. RESULTS Maternal colonization with B. breve resulted in significant metabolic changes in the fetal brain. Specifically, ten metabolites, including citrate, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and carnitine, were reduced in the fetal brain. These alterations were accompanied by increased abundance of transporters involved in glucose and branched-chain amino acid uptake. Furthermore, supplementation with this bacterium was associated with elevated expression of critical metabolic pathways such as PI3K-AKT, AMPK, STAT5, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling, including its receptor Frizzled-7. Additionally, there was stabilization of HIF-2 protein and modifications in genes and proteins related to cellular growth, axogenesis, and mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS The presence of maternal B. breve during pregnancy plays a crucial role in modulating fetal brain metabolism and growth. These findings suggest that Bifidobacterium could modify fetal brain development, potentially offering new avenues for enhancing gestational health and fetal development through microbiota-targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Raymond Kiu
- Food, Microbiome & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK; Institute of Microbiology & Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Microbes, Infection & Microbiomes, School of Infection, Inflammation & Immunology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zoe Schofield
- Food, Microbiome & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Cindy X W Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Gwénaëlle Le Gall
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Bob Champion Research and Education Building, James Watson Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Food, Microbiome & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK; Institute of Microbiology & Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Microbes, Infection & Microbiomes, School of Infection, Inflammation & Immunology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Cromb D, Slator PJ, Hall M, Price A, Alexander DC, Counsell SJ, Hutter J. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging detects altered placental development in pregnancies affected by congenital heart disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12357. [PMID: 38811636 PMCID: PMC11136986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation and is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The placenta is crucial for healthy fetal development and placental development is altered in pregnancy when the fetus has CHD. This study utilized advanced combined diffusion-relaxation MRI and a data-driven analysis technique to test the hypothesis that placental microstructure and perfusion are altered in CHD-affected pregnancies. 48 participants (36 controls, 12 CHD) underwent 67 MRI scans (50 control, 17 CHD). Significant differences in the weighting of two independent placental and uterine-wall tissue components were identified between the CHD and control groups (both pFDR < 0.001), with changes most evident after 30 weeks gestation. A significant trend over gestation in weighting for a third independent tissue component was also observed in the CHD cohort (R = 0.50, pFDR = 0.04), but not in controls. These findings add to existing evidence that placental development is altered in CHD. The results may reflect alterations in placental perfusion or the changes in fetal-placental flow, villous structure and maturation that occur in CHD. Further research is needed to validate and better understand these findings and to understand the relationship between placental development, CHD, and its neurodevelopmental implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cromb
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Centre for Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paddy J Slator
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Megan Hall
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Anthony Price
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Centre for Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Serena J Counsell
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
- Centre for Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jana Hutter
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Centre for Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Smart Imaging Lab, Radiological Institute, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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4
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Jäger R, Geyer SH, Kavirayani A, Kiss MG, Waltenberger E, Rülicke T, Binder CJ, Weninger WJ, Kralovics R. Effects of Tulp4 deficiency on murine embryonic development and adult phenotype. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:854-866. [PMID: 38115643 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24476] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models have the potential to unravel fundamental biological processes and provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of human diseases. We have previously observed that germline genetic variation at the TULP4 locus influences clinical characteristics in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. To elucidate the role of TULP4 in pathological and physiological processes in vivo, we generated a Tulp4 knockout mouse model. Systemic Tulp4 deficiency exerted a strong impact on embryonic development in both Tulp4 homozygous null (Tulp4-/-) and heterozygous (Tulp4+/-) knockout mice, the former exhibiting perinatal lethality. High-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) of day 14.5 embryos allowed for the identification of multiple developmental defects in Tulp4-/- mice, including severe heart defects. Moreover, in Tulp4+/- embryos HREM revealed abnormalities of several organ systems, which per se do not affect prenatal or postnatal survival. In adult Tulp4+/- mice, extensive examinations of hematopoietic and cardiovascular features, involving histopathological surveys of multiple tissues as well as blood counts and immunophenotyping, did not provide evidence for anomalies as observed in corresponding embryos. Finally, evaluating a potential obesity-related phenotype as reported for other TULP family members revealed a trend for increased body weight of Tulp4+/- mice. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: To study the role of the TULP4 gene in vivo, we generated a Tulp4 knockout mouse model. Correlative analyses involving HREM revealed a strong impact of Tulp4 deficiency on murine embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Jäger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan H Geyer
- Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Imaging Cluster, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anoop Kavirayani
- Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH, Austrian BioImaging/CMI, Vienna, Austria
| | - Máté G Kiss
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Waltenberger
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang J Weninger
- Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Imaging Cluster, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Kralovics
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Cromb D, Slator P, Hall M, Price A, Alexander D, Counsell S, Hutter J. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging detects altered placental development in pregnancies affected by congenital heart disease. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3873412. [PMID: 38343847 PMCID: PMC10854304 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3873412/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation and is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The placenta is crucial for healthy fetal development and placental development is altered in pregnancy when the fetus has CHD. This study utilized advanced combined diffusion-relaxation MRI and a data-driven analysis technique to test the hypothesis that placental microstructure and perfusion are altered in CHD-affected pregnancies. 48 participants (36 controls, 12 CHD) underwent 67 MRI scans (50 control, 17 CHD). Significant differences in the weighting of two independent placental and uterine-wall tissue components were identified between the CHD and control groups (both pFDR<0.001), with changes most evident after 30 weeks gestation. A Significant trend over gestation in weighting for a third independent tissue component was also observed in the CHD cohort (R = 0.50, pFDR=0.04), but not in controls. These findings add to existing evidence that placental development is altered in CHD. The results may reflect alterations in placental perfusion or the changes in fetal-placental flow, villous structure and maturation that occur in CHD. Further research is needed to validate and better understand these findings and to understand the relationship between placental development, CHD, and its neurodevelopmental implications.
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6
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Lin X, Liu LL, Zheng LJ, Yang CY. Evaluation of Doppler indices (MCA & UA) and fetal outcomes: a retrospective case-control study in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2183471. [PMID: 36822660 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. The fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) blood flow detected by ultrasound are recommended to evaluate the oxygenation of the fetus. It is necessary to analyze the relationship between MCA & UA doppler indices or cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal outcomes and describe MCA and UA blood flow values across gestation. METHODS Hospital-based retrospective case-control study during 2016 to 2020. 800 singleton pregnant women: 400 normotensive control, 219 gestational hypertension (GH), and 181 preeclampsia (PE)/eclampsia (EC). An analysis of the outcomes of mothers and neonates was performed. The fetal MCA and UA blood flow values across gestation were established, and MCA-resistance index (RI) and CPR were used to predict fetal distress and small for gestational age (SGA). RESULTS In the normotensive control, GH and PE/EC groups, the mean gestational age (GA) was 38.9 ± 1.2 weeks, 39.0 ± 1.0 weeks, and 38.6 ± 1.3 weeks respectively, and the mean birth weight (BW) was 3.195 ± 0.387 kilograms, 3.198 ± 0.428 kilograms, and 2.987 ± 0.544 kilograms respectively. There were differences in GA, BW, fetal distress, SGA and intraventricular hemorrhage I-II between the hypertension group and normotensive control group (p < 0.05). The MCA-RI (sensitivity: 70.1%, specificity: 64.3%) and MCA-RI (sensitivity: 52.4%, specificity: 84.6%) were the best indices to predict fetal distress and SGA, respectively during GA of 35-40 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Fetal MCA blood flow values and CPR are of great benefit for obstetricians to evaluate the status of fetus evidentially in singleton pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lin
- Department of Neonatology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital/College of Clinical Medicine for Obstertrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ling Liu
- Department of Electrophysiology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital/College of Clinical Medicine for Obstertrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, P.R. China
| | - Li-Juan Zheng
- The School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, P.R. China
| | - Chang-Yi Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital/College of Clinical Medicine for Obstertrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, P.R. China
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Bragança J, Pinto R, Silva B, Marques N, Leitão HS, Fernandes MT. Charting the Path: Navigating Embryonic Development to Potentially Safeguard against Congenital Heart Defects. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1263. [PMID: 37623513 PMCID: PMC10455635 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural or functional defects present at birth due to improper heart development. Current therapeutic approaches to treating severe CHDs are primarily palliative surgical interventions during the peri- or prenatal stages, when the heart has fully developed from faulty embryogenesis. However, earlier interventions during embryonic development have the potential for better outcomes, as demonstrated by fetal cardiac interventions performed in utero, which have shown improved neonatal and prenatal survival rates, as well as reduced lifelong morbidity. Extensive research on heart development has identified key steps, cellular players, and the intricate network of signaling pathways and transcription factors governing cardiogenesis. Additionally, some reports have indicated that certain adverse genetic and environmental conditions leading to heart malformations and embryonic death may be amendable through the activation of alternative mechanisms. This review first highlights key molecular and cellular processes involved in heart development. Subsequently, it explores the potential for future therapeutic strategies, targeting early embryonic stages, to prevent CHDs, through the delivery of biomolecules or exosomes to compensate for faulty cardiogenic mechanisms. Implementing such non-surgical interventions during early gestation may offer a prophylactic approach toward reducing the occurrence and severity of CHDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rute Pinto
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Marques
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, University of Algarve Campus Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Desmond A, Imany-Shakibai H, Wong D, Kwan L, Satou G, Sklansky M, Afshar Y. Prenatal Congenital Heart Disease and Placental Phenotypes: Preserved Neonatal Weight Despite Small Placentas. JACC. ADVANCES 2023; 2:100383. [PMID: 38938228 PMCID: PMC11198356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality. The placenta develops concomitantly with the fetal heart. High rates of placental pathology and discordant growth in pregnancies affected by CHD highlight the significance of the fetal-placental-cardiac axis. Objectives This study aimed to characterize the relationship between neonatal birthweight (BW), head circumference, placental weight (PW), and placental pathology in pregnancies affected by CHD. PW:BW provides a surrogate to assess placental efficiency, or nutrient exchange and delivery by the placenta, across CHD phenotypes. Methods Retrospective cohort of 139 live-born singletons with postnatally confirmed CHD with placental pathology. Placental examination, infant BW, head circumference, and CHD categories (septal defects, right-sided defects, left-sided defects, conotruncal anomalies, and others) were included. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Kruskall-Wallis tests and multinomial logistic regressions, as appropriate. Results Median birthweight and head circumference percentile was 33 and 35, respectively. Placental pathology was documented in 37% of cases. PW to BW ratios were <10th percentile for 78% and <3rd percentile for 54% of the cohort, with no difference between CHD categories (P = 0.39 and P = 0.56, respectively). Conclusions Infants with CHD have preserved BW and head circumferences in the setting of small placentas and increased prevalence of placental pathology, suggesting placental efficiency. Detection of abnormal placental growth could add prenatal diagnostic value. Placental and neonatal discordant growth may allude to a vascular anomaly predisposing fetuses to developing CHD. Further studies are needed to explore fetal nutrient delivery and utilization efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Desmond
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Helia Imany-Shakibai
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Deanna Wong
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lorna Kwan
- Department of Urology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gary Satou
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark Sklansky
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yalda Afshar
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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9
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Freedman AA, Price E, Franklin A, Ernst LM. Measures of Fetal Growth and Cardiac Structure in Stillbirths With Placental Maternal Vascular Malperfusion: Evidence for Heart Weight Sparing and Structural Cardiac Alterations in Humans. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023:10935266231166548. [PMID: 37082927 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231166548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). While FGR increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, the impact of MVM on fetal cardiac structure is understudied. METHODS We utilized a cohort of autopsied stillbirths; 29 with MVM as the cause of death and 21 with a cause of death unrelated to MVM. Fetal and organ weights and heart measurements were standardized by gestational age and compared between MVM and non-MVM stillbirths. Differences in standardized fetal organ and cardiac measures as compared to standardized fetal body weight were calculated to account for body size. RESULTS MVM stillbirths had smaller organ and heart weights than non-MVM stillbirths; however, after accounting for gestational age, heart weight was the least affected among all organs. In an analysis of organ weights relative to body size, heart weights were 0.31 standard deviations (SD) larger than expected relative to body weight (95% CI: 0.04, 0.57). Right and left ventricle thicknesses and mitral valve circumference were also larger than expected relative to body weight. CONCLUSION Stillbirth due to MVM was associated with relative sparing of heart weight and other heart measurements. The significance of these findings in liveborn infants needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa A Freedman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Erica Price
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Franklin
- Department of Pediatrics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Linda M Ernst
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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10
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Radford BN, Zhao X, Glazer T, Eaton M, Blackwell D, Mohammad S, Lo Vercio LD, Devine J, Shalom-Barak T, Hallgrimsson B, Cross JC, Sucov HM, Barak Y, Dean W, Hemberger M. Defects in placental syncytiotrophoblast cells are a common cause of developmental heart disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1174. [PMID: 36859534 PMCID: PMC9978031 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental abnormalities have been sporadically implicated as a source of developmental heart defects. Yet it remains unknown how often the placenta is at the root of congenital heart defects (CHDs), and what the cellular mechanisms are that underpin this connection. Here, we selected three mouse mutant lines, Atp11a, Smg9 and Ssr2, that presented with placental and heart defects in a recent phenotyping screen, resulting in embryonic lethality. To dissect phenotype causality, we generated embryo- and trophoblast-specific conditional knockouts for each of these lines. This was facilitated by the establishment of a new transgenic mouse, Sox2-Flp, that enables the efficient generation of trophoblast-specific conditional knockouts. We demonstrate a strictly trophoblast-driven cause of the CHD and embryonic lethality in one of the three lines (Atp11a) and a significant contribution of the placenta to the embryonic phenotypes in another line (Smg9). Importantly, our data reveal defects in the maternal blood-facing syncytiotrophoblast layer as a shared pathology in placentally induced CHD models. This study highlights the placenta as a significant source of developmental heart disorders, insights that will transform our understanding of the vast number of unexplained congenital heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany N Radford
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tali Glazer
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Malcolm Eaton
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Danielle Blackwell
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shuhiba Mohammad
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Lucas Daniel Lo Vercio
- Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jay Devine
- Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tali Shalom-Barak
- Magee-Women's Research Institute, Dept. of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Benedikt Hallgrimsson
- Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - James C Cross
- Dept. of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Henry M Sucov
- Dept. of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Division of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave., Charleston, SC, 29403, USA
| | - Yaacov Barak
- Magee-Women's Research Institute, Dept. of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Wendy Dean
- Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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11
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Tehrani JM, Kennedy EM, Tian FY, Everson TM, Deyssenroth M, Burt A, Hermetz K, Hao K, Chen J, Koestler DC, Marsit CJ. Variation in placental microRNA expression associates with maternal family history of cardiovascular disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:132-139. [PMID: 35815737 PMCID: PMC9832176 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000319] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and the rate of maternal mortality remains among the highest of any industrialized nation. Maternal cardiometabolic health throughout gestation and postpartum is representative of placental health and physiology. Both proper placental functionality and placental microRNA expression are essential to successful pregnancy outcomes, and both are highly sensitive to genetic and environmental sources of variation. Placental pathologies, such as preeclampsia, are associated with maternal cardiovascular health but may also contribute to the developmental programming of chronic disease in offspring. However, the role of more subtle alterations to placental function and microRNA expression in this developmental programming remains poorly understood. We performed small RNA sequencing to investigate microRNA in placentae from the Rhode Island Child Health Study (n = 230). MicroRNA counts were modeled on maternal family history of cardiovascular disease using negative binomial generalized linear models. MicroRNAs were considered to be differentially expressed at a false discovery rate (FDR) less than 0.10. Parallel mRNA sequencing data and bioinformatic target prediction software were then used to identify potential mRNA targets of differentially expressed microRNAs. Nine differentially expressed microRNAs were identified (FDR < 0.1). Bioinformatic target prediction revealed 66 potential mRNA targets of these microRNAs, many of which are implicated in TGFβ signaling pathway but also in pathways involving cellular metabolism and immunomodulation. A robust association exists between familial cardiovascular disease and placental microRNA expression which may be implicated in both placental insufficiencies and the developmental programming of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M. Tehrani
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fu-Ying Tian
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd M. Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Devin C. Koestler
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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12
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Abstract
Establishment of the hemochorial uterine-placental interface requires exodus of trophoblast cells from the placenta and their transformative actions on the uterus, which represent processes critical for a successful pregnancy, but are poorly understood. We examined the involvement of CBP/p300-interacting transactivator with glutamic acid/aspartic acid-rich carboxyl-terminal domain 2 (CITED2) in rat and human trophoblast cell development. The rat and human exhibit deep hemochorial placentation. CITED2 was distinctively expressed in the junctional zone (JZ) and invasive trophoblast cells of the rat. Homozygous Cited2 gene deletion resulted in placental and fetal growth restriction. Small Cited2 null placentas were characterized by disruptions in the JZ, delays in intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion, and compromised plasticity. In the human placentation site, CITED2 was uniquely expressed in the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell column and importantly contributed to the development of the EVT cell lineage. We conclude that CITED2 is a conserved regulator of deep hemochorial placentation.
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13
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Association between placental DNA methylation and fetal congenital heart disease. Mol Genet Genomics 2023; 298:243-251. [PMID: 36396788 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01944-9] [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: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a worldwide problem with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of congenital heart disease is still a challenge in clinical work. In recent years, few studies indicated that placental methylation may be predictors of CHD. More studies are needed to confirm the association between placental methylation and CHD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between prenatal placental DNA methylation and CHD. Placental tissues were obtained from four fetuses during the second trimester with isolated, non-syndromic congenital heart disease, including three cases with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and one case with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and four unaffected fetuses as controls. The Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 850K BeadChip assay was employed to identify differential methylation sites (DMSs) and differential methylation regions (DMRs). Differential methylation was evaluated by comparing the β-values for individual CpG loci in cases vs. controls. In addition, the function of genes was assessed through KEGG enrichment analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. Compared with the control group, we identified 9625 differential methylation genes on 26,202 DMSs (p < 0.05), of which 6997 were hyper-methylation and 2628 were hypo-methylation. The top 30 terms of GO biological process and KEGG enrichment analysis of DMSs were connected with multiple important pathways of heart development and disease. Ten differentially methylated regions and the genes related to DMRs, such as TLL1, CRABP1, FDFT1, and PCK2, were identified. The deformity caused by the loss of function of these genes is remarkably consistent with the clinical phenotype of our cases. The DNA methylation level of placental tissue is closely associated with fetal congenital heart disease.
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14
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Cell-free DNA in maternal blood and artificial intelligence: accurate prenatal detection of fetal congenital heart defects. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:76.e1-76.e10. [PMID: 35948071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA cytosine nucleotide methylation (epigenomics and epigenetics) is an important mechanism for controlling gene expression in cardiac development. Combined artificial intelligence and whole-genome epigenomic analysis of circulating cell-free DNA in maternal blood has the potential for the detection of fetal congenital heart defects. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to use genome-wide DNA cytosine methylation and artificial intelligence analyses of circulating cell-free DNA for the minimally invasive detection of fetal congenital heart defects. STUDY DESIGN In this prospective study, whole-genome cytosine nucleotide methylation analysis was performed on circulating cell-free DNA using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip array. Multiple artificial intelligence approaches were evaluated for the detection of congenital hearts. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis program was used to identify gene pathways that were epigenetically altered and important in congenital heart defect pathogenesis to further elucidate the pathogenesis of isolated congenital heart defects. RESULTS There were 12 cases of isolated nonsyndromic congenital heart defects and 26 matched controls. A total of 5918 cytosine nucleotides involving 4976 genes had significantly altered methylation, that is, a P value of <.05 along with ≥5% whole-genome cytosine nucleotide methylation difference, in congenital heart defect cases vs controls. Artificial intelligence analysis of the methylation data achieved excellent congenital heart defect predictive accuracy (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, ≥0.92). For example, an artificial intelligence model using a combination of 5 whole-genome cytosine nucleotide markers achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.0) with 98% sensitivity and 94% specificity. We found epigenetic changes in genes and gene pathways involved in the following important cardiac developmental processes: "cardiovascular system development and function," "cardiac hypertrophy," "congenital heart anomaly," and "cardiovascular disease." This lends biologic plausibility to our findings. CONCLUSION This study reported the feasibility of minimally invasive detection of fetal congenital heart defect using artificial intelligence and DNA methylation analysis of circulating cell-free DNA for the prediction of fetal congenital heart defect. Furthermore, the findings supported an important role of epigenetic changes in congenital heart defect development.
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15
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Amruta N, Kandikattu HK, Intapad S. Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:693-708. [PMID: 36322299 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01228-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We highlight important new findings on cardiovascular dysfunction in intrauterine growth restriction. RECENT FINDINGS Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a multifactorial condition which negatively impacts neonatal growth during pregnancy and is associated with health problems during the lifespan. It affects 5-15% of all pregnancies in the USA and Europe with varying percentages in developing countries. Epidemiological studies have reported that IUGR is associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension, activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), disruption in placental-mTORC and TGFβ signaling cascades, and endothelial dysfunction in IUGR fetuses, children, adolescents, and adults resulting in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Experimental studies are needed to investigate therapeutic measures to treat increased blood pressure (BP) and long-term CVD problems in people affected by IUGR. We outline the mechanisms mediating fetal programming of hypertension in developing CVD. We have reviewed findings from different experimental models focusing on recent studies that demonstrate CVD in IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanappa Amruta
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, #8683, New Orleans, LA, 70112-2699, USA
| | - Hemanth Kumar Kandikattu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Suttira Intapad
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, #8683, New Orleans, LA, 70112-2699, USA.
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16
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Fetal Myocardial Expression of GLUT1: Roles of BPA Exposure and Cord Blood Exosomes in a Rat Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203195. [PMID: 36291063 PMCID: PMC9601122 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical present in food containers, affects nutrient metabolism in the myocardium of offspring during intrauterine life. Using a murine model, we observed that fetal hearts from mothers exposed to BPA (2.5 μg/kg/day) for 20 days before mating and for all of the gestation had decreased expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1), the principal sugar transporter in the fetal heart, and increased expression of fatty acid cluster of differentiation 36 transporter (CD36), compared to control fetuses from vehicle-treated mothers. We confirmed the suppression of GLUT1 by exposing fetal heart organotypic cultures to BPA (1 nM) for 48 h but did not detect changes in CD36 compared to controls. During pregnancy, the placenta continuously releases extracellular vesicles such as exosomes into fetal circulation. These vesicles influence the growth and development of fetal organs. When fetal heart cultures were treated with cord blood-derived exosomes isolated from BPA-fed animals, GLUT1 expression was increased by approximately 40%. Based on our results, we speculate that exosomes from cord blood, in particular placenta-derived nanovesicles, could contribute to the stabilization of the fetal heart metabolism by ameliorating the harmful effects of BPA on GLUT1 expression.
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17
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Hayder H, Shan Y, Chen Y, O’Brien JA, Peng C. Role of microRNAs in trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling: Implications for preeclampsia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:995462. [PMID: 36263015 PMCID: PMC9575991 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.995462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well-established that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. The role of miRNAs in placental development and trophoblast function is constantly expanding. Trophoblast invasion and their ability to remodel uterine spiral arteries are essential for proper placental development and successful pregnancy outcome. Many miRNAs are reported to be dysregulated in pregnancy complications, especially preeclampsia and they exert various regulatory effects on trophoblasts. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and their mechanism of action, as well as of trophoblasts differentiation, invasion and spiral artery remodeling. We then discuss the role of miRNAs in trophoblasts invasion and spiral artery remodeling, focusing on miRNAs that have been thoroughly investigated, especially using multiple model systems. We also discuss the potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyam Hayder
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yanan Shan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng,
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18
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Bongers-Karmaoui MN, Jaddoe VW, Roest AA, Helbing WA, Steegers EA, Gaillard R. Associations of maternal angiogenic factors during pregnancy with alterations in cardiac development in childhood at 10 years of age. Am Heart J 2022; 247:100-111. [PMID: 35123935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine whether maternal angiogenic factors in the first half of pregnancy are associated with offspring left and right cardiac development. METHODS In a population-based prospective cohort among 2,415 women and their offspring, maternal first and second trimester plasma PlGF and sFlt-1 concentrations were measured. Cardiac MRI was performed in their offspring at 10 years. RESULTS Maternal angiogenic factors were not associated with childhood cardiac outcomes in the total population. In children born small-for-their-gestational-age, higher maternal first trimester PlGF concentrations were associated with a lower childhood left ventricular mass (-0.24 SDS [95%CI -0.42, -0.05 per SDS increase in maternal PlGF]), whereas higher sFlt-1 concentrations were associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass (0.22 SDS [95%CI 0.09, 0.34 per SDS increase in maternal sFlt-1]). Higher second trimester maternal sFlt-1 concentrations were also associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass (P-value <.05). In preterm born children, higher maternal first and second trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass (0.30 SDS [95%CI 0.01, 0.60], 0.22 SDS [95%CI -0.03, 0.40]) per SDS increase in maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in first and second trimester respectively). No effects on other childhood cardiac outcomes were present within these higher-risk children. CONCLUSIONS In a low-risk population, maternal angiogenic factors are not associated with childhood cardiac ventricular structure, and function within the normal range. In children born small for their gestational age or preterm, an imbalance in maternal angiogenic factors in the first half of pregnancy was associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass only.
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19
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Kalisch-Smith JI, Morris EC, Strevens MAA, Redpath AN, Klaourakis K, Szumska D, Outhwaite JE, Sun X, Vieira JM, Smart N, De Val S, Riley PR, Sparrow DB. Analysis of Placental Arteriovenous Formation Reveals New Insights Into Embryos With Congenital Heart Defects. Front Genet 2022; 12:806136. [PMID: 35126469 PMCID: PMC8809359 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.806136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental vasculature provides the developing embryo with a circulation to deliver nutrients and dispose of waste products. However, in the mouse, the vascular components of the chorio-allantoic placenta have been largely unexplored due to a lack of well-validated molecular markers. This is required to study how these blood vessels form in development and how they are impacted by embryonic or maternal defects. Here, we employed marker analysis to characterize the arterial/arteriole and venous/venule endothelial cells (ECs) during normal mouse placental development. We reveal that placental ECs are potentially unique compared with their embryonic counterparts. We assessed embryonic markers of arterial ECs, venous ECs, and their capillary counterparts-arteriole and venule ECs. Major findings were that the arterial tree exclusively expressed Dll4, and venous vascular tree could be distinguished from the arterial tree by Endomucin (EMCN) expression levels. The relationship between the placenta and developing heart is particularly interesting. These two organs form at the same stages of embryogenesis and are well known to affect each other's growth trajectories. However, although there are many mouse models of heart defects, these are not routinely assessed for placental defects. Using these new placental vascular markers, we reveal that mouse embryos from one model of heart defects, caused by maternal iron deficiency, also have defects in the formation of the placental arterial, but not the venous, vascular tree. Defects to the embryonic cardiovascular system can therefore have a significant impact on blood flow delivery and expansion of the placental arterial tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta I. Kalisch-Smith
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily C. Morris
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mary A. A. Strevens
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andia N. Redpath
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kostantinos Klaourakis
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dorota Szumska
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Ludvig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Xin Sun
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquim Miguel Vieira
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Smart
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah De Val
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Ludvig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Riley
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan B. Sparrow
- BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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20
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Savla JJ, Putt ME, Huang J, Parry S, Moldenhauer JS, Reilly S, Youman O, Rychik J, Mercer‐Rosa L, Gaynor JW, Kawut SM. Impact of Maternal-Fetal Environment on Mortality in Children With Single Ventricle Heart Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e020299. [PMID: 35014861 PMCID: PMC9238520 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with single ventricle heart disease have significant morbidity and mortality. The maternal–fetal environment (MFE) may adversely impact outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that impaired MFE would be associated with an increased risk of death after stage 1 Norwood reconstruction. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective cohort study of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (and anatomic variants) who underwent stage 1 Norwood reconstruction between 2008 and 2018. Impaired MFE was defined as maternal gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and/or smoking during pregnancy. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the association between impaired MFE and death while adjusting for confounders. Hospital length of stay was assessed with the competing risk of in‐hospital death. In 273 children, the median age at stage 1 Norwood reconstruction was 4 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3–6 days). A total of 72 children (26%) were exposed to an impaired MFE; they had more preterm births (18% versus 7%) and a greater percentage with low birth weights <2.5 kg (18% versus 4%) than those without impaired MFE. Impaired MFE was associated with a higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 6.05; 95% CI, 3.59–10.21; P<0.001) after adjusting for age at surgery, Hispanic ethnicity, genetic syndrome, cardiac diagnosis, surgeon, and birth era. Children with impaired MFE had almost double the risk of prolonged hospital stay (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.41–2.70; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Children exposed to an impaired MFE had a higher risk of death following stage 1 Norwood reconstruction. Prenatal exposures are potentially modifiable factors that can be targeted to improve outcomes after pediatric cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill J. Savla
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Mary E. Putt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and InformaticsPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and InformaticsPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Julie S. Moldenhauer
- Center for Fetal Diagnosis and TreatmentChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Samantha Reilly
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Olivia Youman
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Jack Rychik
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Laura Mercer‐Rosa
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - J. William Gaynor
- Division of Cardiothoracic SurgeryDepartment of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Steven M. Kawut
- Department of MedicinePerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
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21
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Aykroyd BRL, Tunster SJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Loss of imprinting of the Igf2-H19 ICR1 enhances placental endocrine capacity via sex-specific alterations in signalling pathways in the mouse. Development 2022; 149:dev199811. [PMID: 34982814 PMCID: PMC8783045 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Imprinting control region (ICR1) controls the expression of the Igf2 and H19 genes in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Appropriate expression of the Igf2-H19 locus is fundamental for normal fetal development, yet the importance of ICR1 in the placental production of hormones that promote maternal nutrient allocation to the fetus is unknown. To address this, we used a novel mouse model to selectively delete ICR1 in the endocrine junctional zone (Jz) of the mouse placenta (Jz-ΔICR1). The Jz-ΔICR1 mice exhibit increased Igf2 and decreased H19 expression specifically in the Jz. This was accompanied by an expansion of Jz endocrine cell types due to enhanced rates of proliferation and increased expression of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 in the placenta of both fetal sexes. However, changes in the endocrine phenotype of the placenta were related to sexually-dimorphic alterations to the abundance of Igf2 receptors and downstream signalling pathways (Pi3k-Akt and Mapk). There was no effect of Jz-ΔICR1 on the expression of targets of the H19-embedded miR-675 or on fetal weight. Our results demonstrate that ICR1 controls placental endocrine capacity via sex-dependent changes in signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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22
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Ferreira BD, Barros T, Moleiro ML, Guedes-Martins L. Preeclampsia and Fetal Congenital Heart Defects. Curr Cardiol Rev 2022; 18:80-91. [PMID: 35430980 PMCID: PMC9896419 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x18666220415150943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction, impaired implantation and placental insufficiency have been identified as mechanisms behind the development of pre-eclampsia, resulting in angiogenic factors' alteration. Angiogenic imbalance is also associated with congenital heart defects, and this common physiologic pathway may explain the association between them and pre-eclampsia. This review aims to understand the physiology shared by these two entities and whether women with pre-eclampsia have an increased risk of fetal congenital heart defects (or the opposite). The present research has highlighted multiple vasculogenic pathways associated with heart defects and preeclampsia, but also epigenetic and environmental factors, contributing both. It is also known that fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease have an increased risk of several comorbidities, including intrauterine growth restriction. Moreover, the impact of pre-eclampsia goes beyond pregnancy as it increases the risk for following pregnancies and for diseases later in life in both offspring and mothers. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions, it is of foremost importance to understand how they are related and its causative mechanisms. This knowledge may allow earlier diagnosis, an adequate surveillance or even the implementation of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tânia Barros
- Address correspondence to this author at the Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, P.O. Box: 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Tel/Fax: +351917518938; E-mail:
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23
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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.
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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
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24
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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.
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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.
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25
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Rajagopalan V, Deoni S, Panigrahy A, Thomason ME. Is fetal MRI ready for neuroimaging prime time? An examination of progress and remaining areas for development. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2021; 51:100999. [PMID: 34391003 PMCID: PMC8365463 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in designing large-scale, multi-site studies is developing a core, scalable protocol that retains the innovation of scientific advances while also lending itself to the variability in experience and resources across sites. In the development of a common Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) protocol, one of the chief questions is "is fetal MRI ready for prime-time?" While there is agreement about the value of prenatal data obtained non-invasively through MRI, questions about practicality abound. There has been rapid progress over the past years in fetal and placental MRI methodology but there is uncertainty about whether the gains afforded outweigh the challenges in supporting fetal MRI protocols at scale. Here, we will define challenges inherent in building a common protocol across sites with variable expertise and will propose a tentative framework for evaluation of design decisions. We will compare and contrast various design considerations for both normative and high-risk populations, in the setting of the post-COVID era. We will conclude with articulation of the benefits of overcoming these challenges and would lend to the primary questions articulated in the HBCD initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Rajagopalan
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, United States.
| | - Sean Deoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, United States
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Moriah E Thomason
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Population Health, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, United States
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26
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Balasubramanian R, Vuppalapati S, Avanthika C, Jhaveri S, Peddi NC, Ahmed S, Reddy A, Kaur J. Epidemiology, Genetics and Epigenetics of Congenital Heart Diseases in Twins. Cureus 2021; 13:e17253. [PMID: 34540478 PMCID: PMC8448266 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) refer to abnormalities in the heart function that arise at the fetal stages. It is the most common birth defect that affects 0.8% of all liveborn infants. There is an increase in the incidence of congenital heart disease in monochorionic twin gestation. A six-fold increase in CHDs exists among monochorionic twins especially in association with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared to dichorionic twin pregnancy. In this review article, we discussed the epidemiology, the role of genetics like protein-coding genes, epigenetics, placenta, hemodynamics and environmental factors in the etiology of CHD in twins. We conducted a literature search in PubMed indexed journals using the medical terms "twin pregnancy" and "congenital heart defect" to provide an overview of the uptrend in CHD in twin pregnancies, primarily due to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) and multiple other factors. Both the heart and placenta are vascular and share a common development window; therefore, CHD can develop secondary to placental pathologies. Among environmental factors, the strongest association of maternal smoking with CHD has been seen. We studied the causative factors to suggest improvement in echocardiographic skills in case of abnormal findings in twin gestations to decrease the CHD-associated morbidity and mortality, as early diagnosis allows doctors to precisely determine the risk of CHD. Systemic ultrasound scanning with five transverse views is very effective in diagnosing fetal CHD in twin pregnancy. In the case of genetics, prenatal counseling allows the expectant to understand the full ramifications of possible events after the pregnancy. The pathological basis of malformations specific to conjoined twinning and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence is addressed. Also, there is evidence that folate supplementation may be protective against CHD but more research is needed to clarify the mechanisms. We concluded from the literature that monochorionic twins are at high risk of CHD. Chorionicity seems to play a more vital role than zygosity. Even the type of heart defect in monochorial twin pregnancies was unique from single, dizygotic, or dichorionic twin pregnancies. We also emphasize improving echocardiographic skills of technicians in referring ART dichorionic twin fetuses with suspicious findings to fetal cardiologists and performing postnatal scans in the case of TTTS. To understand the role of the placenta, making use of newer technologies and examining the placenta both during pregnancy and beyond delivery will play a vital role in understanding the etiology. Even identifying early signals impacting the heart and placental vasculature and correcting them using advanced technology could downtrend the incidence in coming years. Increased maternal age as well as multiple pregnancies increasing the risk of CHD has also been implicated. For more clarity on the role of genetics, the cost of DNA sequencing needs to decrease. This will enable whole-genome sequencing in the future thus helping to discover the gene responsible for CHD ultimately proving beneficial for future generations. For environmental factors, we have to rely on observational studies to assess the risk to the unborn child. There is difficulty in studying natural factors due to the unreliability of exposure to contaminants like pesticides and air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sravya Vuppalapati
- Pediatrics, People's Education Society Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, IND
| | | | - Sharan Jhaveri
- Internal Medicine, Smt. Nathiba Hargovandas Lakhmichand Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Nikhil Chowdary Peddi
- Pediatrics, People's Education Society Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, IND
| | - Sana Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, IND
| | - Apeksha Reddy
- Pediatrics, People's Education Society Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, IND
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27
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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.
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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.
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28
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Abstract
Almost 2 billion adults in the world are overweight, and more than half of them are classified as obese, while nearly one-third of children globally experience poor growth and development. Given the vast amount of knowledge that has been gleaned from decades of research on growth and development, a number of questions remain as to why the world is now in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity accompanied by the "double burden of malnutrition," where overweight coexists with underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. This challenge to the human condition can be attributed to nutritional and environmental exposures during pregnancy that may program a fetus to have a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. To explore this concept, frequently called the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), this review considers a host of factors and physiological mechanisms that drive a fetus or child toward a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). To that end, this review explores the epidemiology of DOHaD with discussions focused on adaptations to human energetics, placental development, dysmetabolism, and key environmental exposures that act to promote chronic diseases in adulthood. These areas are complementary and additive in understanding how providing the best conditions for optimal growth can create the best possible conditions for lifelong health. Moreover, understanding both physiological as well as epigenetic and molecular mechanisms for DOHaD is vital to most fully address the global issues of obesity and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and Center for Childhood Nutrition Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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29
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is an increasing recognition that structural abnormalities and functional changes in the placenta can have deleterious effects on the development of the fetal heart. This article reviews the role of the placenta and the potential impact of placental insufficiency on fetuses with congenital heart disease. RECENT FINDINGS The fetal heart and the placenta are directly linked because they develop concurrently with shared regulatory and signaling pathways. Placental disease is more common in pregnancies carrying a fetus with congenital heart disease and the fetal response to placental insufficiency may lead to the postnatal persistence of cardiac remodeling. The mechanisms underlying this placental-fetal axis of interaction potentially include genetic factors, oxidative stress, chronic hypoxia, and/or angiogenic imbalance. SUMMARY The maternal-placental-fetal circulation is critical to advancing our understanding of congenital heart disease. We must first expand our ability to detect, image, and quantify placental insufficiency and dysfunction in utero. Elucidating the modifiable factors involved in these pathways is an exciting opportunity for future research, which may enable us to improve outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Cohen
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jack Rychik
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jill J Savla
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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Uncomplicated Monochorionic Twins: Two Normal Hearts Sharing One Placenta. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113602. [PMID: 33182282 PMCID: PMC7695261 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular dysfunction has been reported in complicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies; however, little is known whether hemodynamic changes occur in uncomplicated MCDA twins. A prospective observational study was conducted including 100 uncomplicated MCDA twins matched by gestational age to 200 low-risk singletons. Echocardiography was performed at 26-30 weeks gestation and cord blood B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured at delivery. In both groups, z-scores for echocardiographic parameters were within normal ranges; however the monochorionic group had larger atrial areas (mean (standard deviation) right atria-to-heart ratio: 17.0 (2) vs. 15.9 (1); p = 0.018; left atria-to-heart ratio: 17.0 (3) vs. 15.8 (2); p < 0.001) and signs of concentric hypertrophy (right relative wall thickness: 0.66 (0.12) vs. 0.56 (0.11); p < 0.001; left relative wall thickness: 0.69 (0.14) vs. 0.58 (0.12); p < 0.001). Longitudinal function was increased in twins, leading to higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (6.9 mm (0.9) vs. 5.9 mm (0.7); p < 0.001) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (4.9 mm (0.8) vs. 4.4 mm (1.1); p < 0.001. BNP levels at birth were also higher in MCDA twins (median [interquartile range]: 20.81 pg/mL [16.69-34.01] vs. 13.14 pg/mL [9.17-19.84]; p < 0.001). Thus, uncomplicated MCDA fetuses have normal cardiac shape and function, but signs of cardiac adaptation were identified by echocardiographic and biochemical parameters, when compared with singletons.
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31
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Joseph S, Walejko JM, Zhang S, Edison AS, Keller-Wood M. Maternal hypercortisolemia alters placental metabolism: a multiomics view. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E950-E960. [PMID: 32954824 PMCID: PMC7790119 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00190.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that increases in maternal cortisol or maternal stress in late pregnancy increase the risk of stillbirth at term. In an ovine model with increased maternal cortisol over the last 0.20 of gestation, we have previously found evidence of disruption of fetal serum and cardiac metabolomics and altered expression of genes related to mitochondrial function and metabolism in biceps femoris, diaphragm, and cardiac muscle. The present studies were designed to test for effects of chronically increased maternal cortisol on gene expression and metabolomics in placentomes near term. We hypothesized that changes in placenta might underlie or contribute to the alterations in fetal serum metabolomics and thereby contribute to changes in striated muscle metabolism. Placentomes were collected from pregnancies in early labor (143 ± 1 days gestation) of control ewes (n = 7) or ewes treated with cortisol (1 mg·kg-1·day-1 iv; n = 5) starting at day 115 of gestation. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were performed using an ovine gene expression microarray (Agilent 019921) and HR-MAS NMR, respectively. Multiomic analysis indicates that amino acid metabolism, particularly of branched-chain amino acids and glutamate, occur in placenta; changes in amino acid metabolism, degradation, or biosynthesis in placenta were consistent with changes in valine, isoleucine, leucine, and glycine in fetal serum. The analysis also indicates changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism and suggests changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress and antioxidant status in the placenta. These findings suggest that changes in placental function occurring with excess maternal cortisol in late gestation may contribute to metabolic dysfunction at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serene Joseph
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jacquelyn M Walejko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville Florida
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Sicong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Arthur S Edison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Maureen Keller-Wood
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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32
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Michel JB. Phylogenic Determinants of Cardiovascular Frailty, Focus on Hemodynamics and Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1779-1837. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00022.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the circulatory system from invertebrates to mammals has involved the passage from an open system to a closed in-parallel system via a closed in-series system, accompanying the increasing complexity and efficiency of life’s biological functions. The archaic heart enables pulsatile motion waves of hemolymph in invertebrates, and the in-series circulation in fish occurs with only an endothelium, whereas mural smooth muscle cells appear later. The present review focuses on evolution of the circulatory system. In particular, we address how and why this evolution took place from a closed, flowing, longitudinal conductance at low pressure to a flowing, highly pressurized and bifurcating arterial compartment. However, although arterial pressure was the latest acquired hemodynamic variable, the general teleonomy of the evolution of species is the differentiation of individual organ function, supported by specific fueling allowing and favoring partial metabolic autonomy. This was achieved via the establishment of an active contractile tone in resistance arteries, which permitted the regulation of blood supply to specific organ activities via its localized function-dependent inhibition (active vasodilation). The global resistance to viscous blood flow is the peripheral increase in frictional forces caused by the tonic change in arterial and arteriolar radius, which backscatter as systemic arterial blood pressure. Consequently, the arterial pressure gradient from circulating blood to the adventitial interstitium generates the unidirectional outward radial advective conductance of plasma solutes across the wall of conductance arteries. This hemodynamic evolution was accompanied by important changes in arterial wall structure, supported by smooth muscle cell functional plasticity, including contractility, matrix synthesis and proliferation, endocytosis and phagocytosis, etc. These adaptive phenotypic shifts are due to epigenetic regulation, mainly related to mechanotransduction. These paradigms actively participate in cardio-arterial pathologies such as atheroma, valve disease, heart failure, aneurysms, hypertension, and physiological aging.
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Shrestha N, Ezechukwu HC, Holland OJ, Hryciw DH. Developmental programming of peripheral diseases in offspring exposed to maternal obesity during pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R507-R516. [PMID: 32877239 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00214.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is an increasing global health epidemic that affects all ages, including women of reproductive age. During pregnancy, maternal obesity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes that lead to complications for the mother. In addition, maternal obesity can increase the risk of poor perinatal outcomes for the infant due to altered development. Recent research has investigated the effects of maternal obesity on peripheral organ development and health in later life in offspring. In this review, we have summarized studies that investigated the programming effects of maternal obesity before and during pregnancy on metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and microbiome perturbations in offspring. Epidemiological studies investigating the effects of maternal obesity on offspring development can be complex due to other copathologies and genetic diversity. Animal studies have provided some insights into the specific mechanisms and pathways involved in programming peripheral disease risk. The effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy on offspring development are often sex specific, with sex-specific changes in placental transport and function suggestive that this organ is likely to play a central role. We believe that this review will assist in facilitating future investigations regarding the underlying mechanisms that link maternal obesity and offspring disease risk in peripheral organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirajan Shrestha
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Henry C Ezechukwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EKO University of Medicine and Health Science, Ijanikin, Nigeria
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deanne H Hryciw
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Advances in imaging feto-placental vasculature: new tools to elucidate the early life origins of health and disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:168-178. [PMID: 32746961 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Optimal placental function is critical for fetal development, and therefore a crucial consideration for understanding the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). The structure of the fetal side of the placental vasculature is an important determinant of fetal growth and cardiovascular development. There are several imaging modalities for assessing feto-placental structure including stereology, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, micro-computed tomography, light-sheet microscopy, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we present current methodologies for imaging feto-placental vasculature morphology ex vivo and in vivo in human and experimental models, their advantages and limitations and how these provide insight into placental function and fetal outcomes. These imaging approaches add important perspective to our understanding of placental biology and have potential to be new tools to elucidate a deeper understanding of DOHaD.
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Skeffington KL, Beck C, Itani N, Niu Y, Shaw CJ, Giussani DA. Hypertension Programmed in Adult Hens by Isolated Effects of Developmental Hypoxia In Ovo. Hypertension 2020; 76:533-544. [PMID: 32536277 PMCID: PMC7340221 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, pregnancy complicated by chronic hypoxia can program hypertension in the adult offspring. However, mechanisms remain uncertain because the partial contributions of the challenge on the placenta, mother, and fetus are difficult to disentangle. Here, we used chronic hypoxia in the chicken embryo-an established model system that permits isolation of the direct effects of developmental hypoxia on the cardiovascular system of the offspring, independent of additional effects on the mother or the placenta. Fertilized chicken eggs were exposed to normoxia (N; 21% O2) or hypoxia (H; 13.5%-14% O2) from the start of incubation (day 0) until day 19 (hatching, ≈day 21). Following hatching, all birds were maintained under normoxic conditions until ≈6 months of adulthood. Hypoxic incubation increased hematocrit (+27%) in the chicken embryo and induced asymmetrical growth restriction (body weight, -8.6%; biparietal diameter/body weight ratio, +7.5%) in the hatchlings (all P<0.05). At adulthood (181±4 days), chickens from hypoxic incubations remained smaller (body weight, -7.5%) and showed reduced basal and stimulated in vivo NO bioavailability (pressor response to NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, -43%; phenylephrine pressor response during NO blockade, -61%) with significant hypertension (mean arterial blood pressure, +18%), increased cardiac work (ejection fraction, +12%; fractional shortening, +25%; enhanced baroreflex gain, +456%), and left ventricular wall thickening (left ventricular wall volume, +36%; all P<0.05). Therefore, we show that chronic hypoxia can act directly on a developing embryo to program hypertension, cardiovascular dysfunction, and cardiac wall remodeling in adulthood in the absence of any maternal or placental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Skeffington
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.L.S., C.B., N.I., Y.N., C.J.S., D.A.G.)
| | - Christian Beck
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.L.S., C.B., N.I., Y.N., C.J.S., D.A.G.)
| | - Nozomi Itani
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.L.S., C.B., N.I., Y.N., C.J.S., D.A.G.)
| | - Youguo Niu
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.L.S., C.B., N.I., Y.N., C.J.S., D.A.G.)
| | - Caroline J. Shaw
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.L.S., C.B., N.I., Y.N., C.J.S., D.A.G.),Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (C.J.S.)
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.L.S., C.B., N.I., Y.N., C.J.S., D.A.G.)
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Thompson LP, Turan S, Aberdeen GW. Sex differences and the effects of intrauterine hypoxia on growth and in vivo heart function of fetal guinea pigs. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R243-R254. [PMID: 32639864 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00249.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the physiological adaptations of the fetus in response to chronic intrauterine hypoxia depend on its sex and the gestational age of exposure. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to room air (normoxia, NMX) or 10.5% O2 (hypoxia, HPX) at either 25 days (early onset) or 50 days (late onset) of gestation until term (~65 days). We evaluated the effects of HPX on hemodynamic and cardiac function indices using Doppler ultrasound and determined sex-related differences in near-term fetuses. Indices of uterine/umbilical artery pulsatility (PI index) and fetal heart systolic and diastolic function [Tei index and passive filling (E-wave) to filling due to atrial contraction (A-wave) (E/A ratios), respectively] were measured in utero and fetal body (FBW) and organ weights measured from extracted fetuses. Both early- and late-onset HPX decreased FBW in both males and females, had no effect on placenta weights, and increased placenta weight-to-FBW ratios. Early- but not late-onset HPX increased uterine artery PI, but neither HPX condition affected umbilical artery PI. Early-onset HPX increased left ventricle E/A ratios in both males and females, whereas late-onset HPX increased the right ventricle E/A ratio in females only. Hypoxia had no effect on the Tei index in either sex. Early- and late-onset HPX induce placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction and increase diastolic filling depending on the sex, with female fetuses having a greater capacity than males to compensate for intrauterine hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren P Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shifa Turan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graham W Aberdeen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Asrani P, Pinto NM, Puchalski MD, Ou Z, Silver RM, Zinkhan EK, Heuser CC, Nance A, Miller TA. Maternal Predictors of Disparate Outcomes in Children With Single Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e014363. [PMID: 32515252 PMCID: PMC7429050 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.014363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Significant variability in morbidity and mortality persists for children with functionally single ventricle congenital heart disease (SV-CHD) despite standardization in medical and surgical care. We hypothesized that maternal health factors may be associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes in children with SV-CHD. Methods and Results This retrospective, observational, cohort study included term maternal-infant pairs with a diagnosis of SV-CHD who underwent surgical palliation from 2006 to 2015 at Primary Children's Hospital. Pairs lacking maternal variables of interest or infant follow-up data were excluded. The association of maternal risk factors of abnormal pre-pregnancy body mass index, abnormal gestational weight gain (<7 or >20 kg), hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes mellitus with death/transplant and hemodynamics were analyzed using regression models. Of 190 infants, 135 (71%) maternal-infant dyads had complete data for inclusion. Death or transplant occurred in 48 infants (36%) during an average follow-up of 2.2 years (0.1-11.7 years). Abnormal gestational weight gain was associated with an increased risk of death and/or transplant in logistic regression (odds ratio, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.32-7.86; P=0.01), but not Cox regression (hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.7; P=0.055). Mean pulmonary artery pressures were higher in the setting of abnormal gestational weight gain (16.5±2.9 versus 14.7±3.0 mm Hg; P<0.001), and abnormal pre-pregnancy body mass index (15.7±3.5 versus 14.2±2.1 mm Hg; P<0.001) in the systemic right ventricle group. Conclusions Abnormal gestational weight gain (excessive or inadequate) is a novel risk factor for worse outcomes in SV-CHD. The fetoplacental environment may alter the trajectory of vascular development to impact outcomes in infants with SV-CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Asrani
- Division of Pediatric CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Nelangi M. Pinto
- Division of Pediatric CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Michael D. Puchalski
- Division of Pediatric CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Zhining Ou
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science Study Design and Biostatistics CenterUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Division of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Erin K. Zinkhan
- Division of NeonatologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Cara C. Heuser
- Division of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Amy Nance
- Utah Birth Defects NetworkUtah Department of HealthSalt Lake CityUT
| | - Thomas A. Miller
- Division of Pediatric CardiologyDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUT
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Perrino C, Ferdinandy P, Bøtker HE, Brundel BJJM, Collins P, Davidson SM, den Ruijter HM, Engel FB, Gerdts E, Girao H, Gyöngyösi M, Hausenloy DJ, Lecour S, Madonna R, Marber M, Murphy E, Pesce M, Regitz-Zagrosek V, Sluijter JPG, Steffens S, Gollmann-Tepeköylü C, Van Laake LW, Van Linthout S, Schulz R, Ytrehus K. Improving translational research in sex-specific effects of comorbidities and risk factors in ischaemic heart disease and cardioprotection: position paper and recommendations of the ESC Working Group on Cellular Biology of the Heart. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 117:367-385. [PMID: 32484892 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a complex disorder and a leading cause of death and morbidity in both men and women. Sex, however, affects several aspects of IHD, including pathophysiology, incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis as well as treatment and outcome. Several diseases or risk factors frequently associated with IHD can modify cellular signalling cascades, thus affecting ischaemia/reperfusion injury as well as responses to cardioprotective interventions. Importantly, the prevalence and impact of risk factors and several comorbidities differ between males and females, and their effects on IHD development and prognosis might differ according to sex. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are still poorly understood, and their identification might have important translational implications in the prediction or prevention of risk of IHD in men and women. Despite this, most experimental studies on IHD are still undertaken in animal models in the absence of risk factors and comorbidities, and assessment of potential sex-specific differences are largely missing. This ESC WG Position Paper will discuss: (i) the importance of sex as a biological variable in cardiovascular research, (ii) major biological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences relevant to IHD risk factors and comorbidities, (iii) prospects and pitfalls of preclinical models to investigate these associations, and finally (iv) will provide recommendations to guide future research. Although gender differences also affect IHD risk in the clinical setting, they will not be discussed in detail here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Perrino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary.,Pharmahungary Group, Hajnoczy str. 6., H-6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Hans E Bøtker
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 161, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bianca J J M Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1108 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Collins
- Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, 67 Chenies Mews, WC1E 6HX London, UK
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Muscle Research Center Erlangen (MURCE), Schwabachanlage 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department for Clinical Science, University of Bergen, PO Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Henrique Girao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, and Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariann Gyöngyösi
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Derek J Hausenloy
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore.,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, 5 Hospital Drive, 169609, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore.,The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, 67 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK.,Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Sandrine Lecour
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Barnard Building, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3 7935 Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Institute of Cardiology, University of Pisa, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School in Houston, 6410 Fannin St #1014, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael Marber
- King's College London BHF Centre, The Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Cardiovascular Branch, NHLBI, NIH, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maurizio Pesce
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale Cardiovascolare, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS Via Parea, 4, I-20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Vera Regitz-Zagrosek
- Berlin Institute of Gender in Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Research, DZHK, partner site Berlin, Geschäftsstelle Potsdamer Str. 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany.,University of Zürich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich, Germany
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Circulatory Health Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Steffens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention and German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Pettenkoferstr. 9, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr.35, A - 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Linda W Van Laake
- Cardiology and UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Van Linthout
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité, University Medicine Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité, University Medicine Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Ludwigstraße 23, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kirsti Ytrehus
- Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Double-label immunohistochemistry to assess labyrinth structure of the mouse placenta with stereology. Placenta 2020; 94:44-47. [PMID: 32421534 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In mice, the labyrinth zone of the placenta exchanges nutrients and gases between mother and fetus. This placental zone is complex in structure and defects in its morphogenesis can compromise substrate exchange and thus, fetal growth and viability. Numerous mouse models involving genetic and environmental manipulation show abnormalities in labyrinth zone size. However, further structural analysis, normally undertaken using ultrathin resin sections, can pose practical constraints. Here, we validate the use of stereology on paraffin-embedded sections double-labelled for lectin and cytokeratin as a cheap, fast and robust alternative for analysing the structure of the mouse placental labyrinth.
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Lopez-Tello J, Arias-Alvarez M, Gonzalez-Bulnes A, Sferuzzi-Perri AN. Models of Intrauterine growth restriction and fetal programming in rabbits. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1781-1809. [PMID: 31538701 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects approximately 10% of human pregnancies globally and has immediate and life-long consequences for offspring health. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IUGR and its association with later health and disease outcomes are poorly understood. To address these knowledge gaps, the use of experimental animals is critically important. Since the 50's different environmental, pharmacological, and surgical manipulations have been performed in the rabbit to improve our knowledge of the control of fetal growth, fetal responses to IUGR, and mechanisms by which offspring may be programmed by an adverse gestational environment. The purpose of this review is therefore to summarize the utility of the rabbit as a model for IUGR research. It first summarizes the knowledge of prenatal and postnatal development in the rabbit and how these events relate to developmental milestones in humans. It then describes the methods used to induce IUGR in rabbits and the knowledge gained about the mechanisms determining prenatal and postnatal outcomes of the offspring. Finally, it discusses the application of state of the art approaches in the rabbit, including high-resolution ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and gene targeting, to gain a deeper integrative understanding of the physiological and molecular events governing the development of IUGR. Overall, we hope to engage and inspire investigators to employ the rabbit as a model organism when studying pregnancy physiology so that we may advance our understanding of mechanisms underlying IUGR and its consequences in humans and other mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Arias-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Production. Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Amanda N Sferuzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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De Clercq K, Persoons E, Napso T, Luyten C, Parac-Vogt TN, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Kerckhofs G, Vriens J. High-resolution contrast-enhanced microCT reveals the true three-dimensional morphology of the murine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:13927-13936. [PMID: 31249139 PMCID: PMC6683600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902688116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of the mouse genome identified many genes that are essential for embryogenesis. Remarkably, the prevalence of concomitant placental defects in embryonic lethal mutants is highly underestimated and indicates the importance of detailed placental analysis when phenotyping new individual gene knockouts. Here we introduce high-resolution contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography (CE-CT) as a nondestructive, high-throughput technique to evaluate the 3D placental morphology. Using a contrast agent, zirconium-substituted Keggin polyoxometalate (Zr-POM), the soft tissue of the placenta (i.e., different layers and cell types and its vasculature) was imaged with a resolution of 3.5 µm voxel size. This approach allowed us to visualize and study early and late stages of placental development. Moreover, CE-CT provides a method to precisely quantify placental parameters (i.e., volumes, volume fraction, ratio of different placental layers, and volumes of specific cell populations) that are crucial for statistical comparison studies. The CE-CT assessment of the 3D morphology of the placentas was validated (i) by comparison with standard histological studies; (ii) by evaluating placentas from 2 different mouse strains, 129S6 and C57BL/6J mice; and (iii) by confirming the placental phenotype of mice lacking phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-p110α. Finally, the Zr-POM-based CE-CT allowed for inspection of the vasculature structure in the entire placenta, as well as detecting placental defects in pathologies characterized by embryonic resorption and placental fusion. Taken together, Zr-POM-based CE-CT offers a quantitative 3D methodology to investigate placental development or pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Persoons
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Luyten
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana N Parac-Vogt
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Sergi C. EPAS 1, congenital heart disease, and high altitude: disclosures by genetics, bioinformatics, and experimental embryology. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20182197. [PMID: 31015364 PMCID: PMC6509053 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20182197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The high-altitude environment is a challenge for human settlement. Low oxygen concentrations, extreme cold, and a harsh arid climate are doubtlessly challenges for the colonization of the Tibetan plateau. I am delighted to comment on the article of Pan et al. (2018) on mutations in endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) in congenital heart disease in Tibetans. In humans, the EPAS1 gene is responsible for coding EPAS1 protein, an alias of which is HIF2α, an acronym for hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha. EPAS1 is a type of hypoxia-inducible factors, which are collected as a group of transcription factors involved in body response to oxygen level. EPAS1 gene is active under hypoxic conditions and plays an essential role in the development of the heart and in the management of the catecholamine balance, mutations of which have been identified in neuroendocrine tumors. In this article, Pan et al. investigated Tibetan patients with and without non-syndromic congenital heart disease. They identified two novel EPAS1 gene mutations, of which N203H mutation significantly affected the transcription activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter, particularly in situations of hypoxia. VEGF is a downstream target of HIF-2 (other than HIF-1), and the expression levels of either HIF-1α or HIF-2α correlate positively to VEGF expression. Pan et al.'s data may be of incitement to further evaluate protein-protein interaction and using experimental animal models. Moreover, it may also be a stimulus for setting up genetic epidemiologic studies for other populations living at high altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consolato Sergi
- National '111' Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, P.R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Stollery Children's Hospital, University Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Radhakrishna U, Albayrak S, Zafra R, Baraa A, Vishweswaraiah S, Veerappa AM, Mahishi D, Saiyed N, Mishra NK, Guda C, Ali-Fehmi R, Bahado-Singh RO. Placental epigenetics for evaluation of fetal congenital heart defects: Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0200229. [PMID: 30897084 PMCID: PMC6428297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), the most common congenital heart defect, is characterized by a hole in the septum between the right and left ventricles. The pathogenesis of VSD is unknown in most clinical cases. There is a paucity of data relevant to epigenetic changes in VSD. The placenta is a fetal tissue crucial in cardiac development and a potentially useful surrogate for evaluating the development of heart tissue. To understand epigenetic mechanisms that may play a role in the development of VSD, genome-wide DNA methylation assay on placentas of 8 term subjects with isolated VSD and no known or suspected genetic syndromes and 10 unaffected controls was performed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip assay. We identified a total of 80 highly accurate potential CpGs in 80 genes for detection of VSD; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) 1.0 with significant 95% CI (FDR) p-values < 0.05 for each individual locus. The biological processes and functions for many of these differentially methylated genes are previously known to be associated with heart development or disease, including cardiac ventricle development (HEY2, ISL1), heart looping (SRF), cardiac muscle cell differentiation (ACTC1, HEY2), cardiac septum development (ISL1), heart morphogenesis (SRF, HEY2, ISL1, HEYL), Notch signaling pathway (HEY2, HEYL), cardiac chamber development (ISL1), and cardiac muscle tissue development (ACTC1, ISL1). In addition, we identified 8 microRNAs that have the potential to be biomarkers for the detection of VSD including: miR-191, miR-548F1, miR-148A, miR-423, miR-92B, miR-611, miR-2110, and miR-548H4. To our knowledge this is the first report in which placental analysis has been used for determining the pathogenesis of and predicting VSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uppala Radhakrishna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Samet Albayrak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rita Zafra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alosh Baraa
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sangeetha Vishweswaraiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Avinash M. Veerappa
- Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics, Laboratory of Genomic Sciences, University of Mysore, Mysore, India
| | - Deepthi Mahishi
- Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics, Laboratory of Genomic Sciences, University of Mysore, Mysore, India
| | - Nazia Saiyed
- Biotechnology, Nirma Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Nitish K. Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Centre Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Centre Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Rouba Ali-Fehmi
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ray O. Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America
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