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Su Y, Yu Y, Quan J, Zhang J, Xu Y. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy induces cardiac mitochondrial damage in offspring mice. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2369. [PMID: 38877673 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2369] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been linked to congenital heart disease and fetal alcohol syndrome. The heart primarily relies on mitochondria to generate energy, so impaired mitochondrial function due to alcohol exposure can significantly affect cardiac development and function. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of PAE on myocardial and mitochondrial functions in offspring mice. METHODS We administered 30% alcohol (3 g/kg) to pregnant C57BL/6 mice during the second trimester. We assessed cardiac function by transthoracic echocardiography, observed myocardial structure and fibrosis through staining tests and electron transmission microscopy, and detected cardiomyocyte apoptosis with dUTP nick end labeling assay and real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, we measured the reactive oxygen species content, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number in myocardial mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage was evaluated by assessing the level of mitochondrial membrane potential and the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. RESULTS Our findings revealed that PAE caused cardiac systolic dysfunction, ventricular enlargement, thinned ventricular wall, cardiac fibrosis in the myocardium, scattered loss of cardiomyocytes, and disordered arrangement of myocardial myotomes in the offspring. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species content, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number, and sustained opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores in the heart tissues of the offspring. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that PAE had adverse effects on the cardiac structure and function of the newborn mice and could trigger oxidative stress in their myocardia and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujuan Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junjun Quan
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Jurczyk M, Król M, Midro A, Dyląg K, Kurnik-Łucka M, Skowron K, Gil K. The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiovascular System in Rats in a Sex-Specific Manner. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:278-287. [PMID: 38651463 PMCID: PMC11036276 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) associated with a range of effects, including dysmorphic features, prenatal and/or postnatal growth problems, and neurodevelopmental difficulties. Despite advances in treatment methods, there are still gaps in knowledge that highlight the need for further research. The study investigates the effect of PAE on the autonomic system, including sex differences that may aid in early FASD diagnosis, which is essential for effective interventions. METHODS During gestational days 5 to 20, five pregnant female Wistar rats were orally administered either glucose or ethanol. After 22 days, 26 offspring were born and kept with their mothers for 21 days before being isolated. Electrocardiographic recordings were taken on the 29th and 64th day. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were collected, including heart rate (HR), standard deviation (SD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD). Additionally, a biochemical analysis of basic serum parameters was performed on day 68 of the study. RESULTS The study found that PAE had a significant impact on HRV. While electrolyte homeostasis remained mostly unaffected, sex differences were observed across various parameters in both control and PAE groups, highlighting the sex-specific effects of PAE. Specifically, the PAE group had lower mean heart rates, particularly among females, and higher SDNN and RMSSD values. Additionally, there was a shift towards parasympathetic activity and a reduction in heart rate entropy in the PAE group. Biochemical changes induced by PAE were also observed, including elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), especially in males, increased creatinine concentration in females, and alterations in lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS PAE negatively affects the development of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in decreased heart rate and altered sympathetic activity. PAE also induces cardiovascular abnormalities with sex-specific effects, highlighting a relationship between PAE consequences and sex. Elevated liver enzymes in the PAE group may indicate direct toxic effects, while increased creatinine levels, particularly in females, may suggest an influence on nephrogenesis and vascular function. The reduced potassium content may be linked to hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Jurczyk
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Król
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Midro
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dyląg
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
- St. Louis Children Hospital, Strzelecka 2, 31-503 Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Skowron
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
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Andreu-Fernández V, Serra-Delgado M, Almeida-Toledano L, García-Meseguer À, Vieiros M, Ramos-Triguero A, Muñoz-Lozano C, Navarro-Tapia E, Martínez L, García-Algar Ó, Gómez-Roig MD. Effect of Postnatal Epigallocatechin-Gallate Treatment on Cardiac Function in Mice Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051067. [PMID: 37237934 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051067] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects the cardiovascular health of the offspring. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may be a protective agent against it, but no data are available regarding its impact on cardiac dysfunction. We investigated the presence of cardiac alterations in mice prenatally exposed to alcohol and the effect of postnatal EGCG treatment on cardiac function and related biochemical pathways. C57BL/6J pregnant mice received 1.5 g/kg/day (Mediterranean pattern), 4.5 g/kg/day (binge pattern) of ethanol, or maltodextrin until Day 19 of pregnancy. Post-delivery, treatment groups received EGCG-supplemented water. At post-natal Day 60, functional echocardiographies were performed. Heart biomarkers of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cardiac damage were analyzed by Western blot. BNP and Hif1α increased and Nrf2 decreased in mice prenatally exposed to the Mediterranean alcohol pattern. Bcl-2 was downregulated in the binge PAE drinking pattern. Troponin I, glutathione peroxidase, and Bax increased in both ethanol exposure patterns. Prenatal alcohol exposure led to cardiac dysfunction in exposed mice, evidenced by a reduced ejection fraction, left ventricle posterior wall thickness at diastole, and Tei index. EGCG postnatal therapy restored the physiological levels of these biomarkers and improved cardiac dysfunction. These findings suggest that postnatal EGCG treatment attenuates the cardiac damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute, Valencian International University (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariona Serra-Delgado
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Almeida-Toledano
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àgueda García-Meseguer
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, IDIBAPS, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melina Vieiros
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, IDIBAPS, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Ramos-Triguero
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, IDIBAPS, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Concha Muñoz-Lozano
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Navarro-Tapia
- Biosanitary Research Institute, Valencian International University (VIU), 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Leopoldo Martínez
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar García-Algar
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, IDIBAPS, BCNatal, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María D Gómez-Roig
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
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Sexual Dimorphism in the Expression of Cardiac and Hippocampal Renin-Angiotensin and Kallikrein–Kinin Systems in Offspring from Mice Exposed to Alcohol during Gestation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030541. [PMID: 36978790 PMCID: PMC10045732 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impairs fetal development. Alcohol consumption was shown to modulate the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). This study aimed to analyze the effects of PAE on the expression of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) peptide systems in the hippocampus and heart of mice of both sexes. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy at a concentration of 10% (v/v). On postnatal day 45 (PN45), mouse hippocampi and left ventricles (LV) were collected and processed for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of components of the RAS and KKS. In PAE animals, more pronounced expression of AT1 and ACE mRNAs in males and a restored AT2 mRNA expression in females were observed in both tissues. In LV, increased AT2, ACE2, and B2 mRNA expressions were also observed in PAE females. Furthermore, high levels of H2O2 were observed in males from the PAE group in both tissues. Taken together, our results suggest that modulation of the expression of these peptidergic systems in PAE females may make them less susceptible to the effects of alcohol.
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