1
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Khazaeel K, Daaj SA, Ranjbar R, Nourinezhad J, Tabandeh MR. Effect of fish oil supplementation on histological changes, apoptosis and oxidative stress of rat placenta against formaldehyde-induced toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 129:108688. [PMID: 39142364 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108688] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) as a common organic compound has been shown to cause placental dysfunction and fetal defects. The potential benefits of fish oil (FOil) in protecting placental structures are attributed to its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to explore the preventive role of FOil in mitigating the adverse effects of FA in pregnant rats. Thirty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly categorized into five groups of control, sham (Normal saline; Orally and intraperitoneally), FOil (0.5 ml/day; Orally), FA (5 mg/kg/bw; intraperitoneally), FA+FOil. The treatment period was from day 0-20 of pregnancy. On the 20th day of pregnancy, placental morphometric parameters were measured. The histological and histochemical analyses were performed using H&E and PAS staining, respectively. Also, the placenta tissue was analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, p-53 protein levels, and the expression of caspase-3 gene. The administration of FA led to a significant decrease in the weight, diameter, and thickness of the placenta, as well as a decrease in the thickness of the decidua layer, junctional and labyrinth zone, and the number of trophoblast giant cells in rat placentas. FA led to a significant increase in placental p-53 protein levels, caspase-3 expression, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Administration of FOil to pregnant rats treated with FA led to a significant decrease in morphometric and histological changes, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes associated with apoptosis. The findings suggest that the administration of FOil to FA-treated pregnant rats can protect placental histopathological changes by enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Khazaeel
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran; Stem Cells and Transgenic Technology Research Center (STTRC), Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Sameerah Abdulzahra Daaj
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Jamal Nourinezhad
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tabandeh
- Stem Cells and Transgenic Technology Research Center (STTRC), Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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2
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Yang H, Wang S. Actively Targeted Nanomedicines: A New Perspective for the Treatment of Pregnancy-Related Diseases. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2560-2575. [PMID: 38553575 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01520-z] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
More than 20% of pregnant women experience serious complications during pregnancy, that gravely affect the safety of both the mother and the child. Due to the unique state of pregnancy, medication during pregnancy is subject to various restrictions. Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that has been the focus of extensive medical research, and great progress has recently been made in developing sensitive diagnostic modalities and efficient medical treatment. Accumulating evidence has shown that nanodrug delivery systems can significantly improve the targeting, reduce the toxicity and improve the bioavailability of drugs. Recently, some actively targeted nanomedicines have been explored in the treatment of pregnancy-related diseases. This article reviews common types of nanocarriers and active targeting ligands in common pregnancy-related diseases and complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and choriocarcinoma. Finally, the challenges and future prospects in the development of these nanomaterials are discussed, with the aim of providing guidance for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, 250021, China.
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3
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Masserdotti A, Gasik M, Grillari-Voglauer R, Grillari J, Cargnoni A, Chiodelli P, Papait A, Magatti M, Romoli J, Ficai S, Di Pietro L, Lattanzi W, Silini AR, Parolini O. Unveiling the human fetal-maternal interface during the first trimester: biophysical knowledge and gaps. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1411582. [PMID: 39144254 PMCID: PMC11322133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1411582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between the developing placenta and fetal-maternal interactions is critical for pregnancy outcomes. Despite advancements, gaps persist in understanding biomechanics, transport processes, and blood circulation parameters, all of which are crucial for safe pregnancies. Moreover, the complexity of fetal-maternal interactions led to conflicting data and methodological variations. This review presents a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on fetal-maternal interface structures, with a particular focus on the first trimester. More in detail, the embryological development, structural characteristics, and physiological functions of placental chorionic plate and villi, fetal membranes and umbilical cord are discussed. Furthermore, a description of the main structures and features of maternal and fetal fluid dynamic exchanges is provided. However, ethical constraints and technological limitations pose still challenges to studying early placental development directly, which calls for sophisticated in vitro, microfluidic organotypic models for advancing our understanding. For this, knowledge about key in vivo parameters are necessary for their design. In this scenario, the integration of data from later gestational stages and mathematical/computational simulations have proven to be useful tools. Notwithstanding, further research into cellular and molecular mechanisms at the fetal-maternal interface is essential for enhancing prenatal care and improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masserdotti
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria
| | - Anna Cargnoni
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Papait
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Magatti
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Romoli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ficai
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Di Pietro
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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4
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Wang X, Qu L, Chen J, Hu K, Zhou Z, Zhang J, An Y, Zheng J. Rhoptry proteins affect the placental barrier in the context of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Signaling pathways and functions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116567. [PMID: 38850700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic and pathogenic obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that is widespread worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, seriously endangering human health and affecting livestock production. Toxoplasmosis caused by T. gondii infection has different clinical manifestations, which are mainly determined by the virulence of T. gondii and host differences. Among the manifestations of this condition, abortion, stillbirth, and fetal malformation can occur if a woman is infected with T. gondii in early pregnancy. Here, we discuss how the T. gondii rhoptry protein affects host pregnancy outcomes and speculate on the related signaling pathways involved. The effects of rhoptry proteins of T. gondii on the placental barrier are complex. Rhoptry proteins not only regulate interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) to ensure the survival of parasites in activated cells but also promote the spread of worms in tissues and the invasive ability of the parasites. The functions of these rhoptry proteins and the associated signaling pathways highlight relevant mechanisms by which Toxoplasma crosses the placental barrier and influences fetal development and will guide future studies to uncover the complexity of the host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaisong Hu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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5
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Mu F, Liu C, Huo H, Zeng X, Wang F. The relationship between Sjögren's syndrome and recurrent pregnancy loss: a bioinformatics analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104363. [PMID: 39299134 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104363] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION As Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease and an essential factor in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), are there gene-related relationships between the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome and RPL? DESIGN The gene datasets for Sjögren's syndrome and RPL were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the co-expression modules and shared differentially expressed genes were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and limma analysis based on sample size. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were applied to reveal the hidden biological pathways. Additionally, shared hub gene identification, gene set enrichment analysis, association of the hub gene with ferroptosis and immunity, drug sensitivity analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, and construction of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were conducted. RESULTS By intersecting the genes from WGCNA and limma analysis, one shared hub gene (KCNN3) was derived, exhibiting up-regulation in Sjögren's syndrome and RPL. There was a positive relationship between KCNN3 and the immune-related gene TLR2. The ceRNA network revealed that XIST was the most shared long non-coding RNA, which may bind competitively with eight microRNA to regulate the expression of KCNN3. Forty-eight drugs were found to be strongly associated with KCNN3 expression, including estramustine and cyclosporine. Moreover, KCNN3 exhibited high expression in RPL endothelial cells of villous tissue. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies to reveal that Sjögren's syndrome shares common biological pathways with RPL. KCNN3 was identified as the hub gene associated with Sjögren's syndrome and RPL, and may be a new target for mechanistic studies on Sjögren's syndrome and RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangxiang Mu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cai Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huyan Huo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xianghui Zeng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
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Seki T, Suzuki R, Ohshima S, Manabe Y, Onoue S, Hoshino Y, Yasuda A, Ito R, Kawada H, Ishimoto H, Shiina T, Kametani Y. Liposome-encapsulated progesterone efficiently suppresses B-lineage cell proliferation. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101710. [PMID: 38638674 PMCID: PMC11024493 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Progesterone suppresses several ancient pathways in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on these characteristics, progesterone is considered a candidate anticancer drug. However, the concentration of progesterone used for therapy should be higher than the physiological concentration, which makes it difficult to develop progesterone-based anticancer drugs. We previously developed liposome-encapsulated progesterone (Lipo-P4) with enhanced anticancer effects, which strongly suppressed triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation in humanized mice. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether Lipo-P4 effectively suppresses the proliferation of B-lineage cancer cells. We selected six B-cell lymphoma and two myeloma cell lines, and analyzed their surface markers using flow cytometry. Next, we prepared liposome-encapsulated progesterone and examined its effect on cell proliferation in these B-lineage cancer cells, three ovarian clear cell carcinoma cell lines, two prostate carcinoma cell lines, and one triple-negative breast cancer adenocarcinoma cell line. Lipo-P4 suppressed the proliferation of all cancer cell lines. All B-lineage cell lines, except for the HT line, were more susceptible than the other cell types, regardless of the expression of differentiation markers. Empty liposomes did not suppress cell proliferation. These results suggest that progesterone encapsulated in liposomes efficiently inhibits the proliferation of B-lineage cells and may become an anticancer drug candidate for B-lineage cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Seki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Rikio Suzuki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Shino Ohshima
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Manabe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Forefront Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shion Onoue
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Yuki Hoshino
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yasuda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Ryoji Ito
- Central Institute for Experimental Medicine and Life Science, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
| | - Yoshie Kametani
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
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7
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Shen J, Hu N, Wang Z, Yang L, Chen R, Zhang L, Wang X. Ghrelin alleviates placental dysfunction by down-regulating NF-κB phosphorylation in LPS-induced rat model of preeclampsia. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 972:176569. [PMID: 38593930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In our previous study, we uncovered that ghrelin promotes angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro by activating the Jagged1/Notch2/VEGF pathway in preeclampsia (PE). However, the regulatory effects of ghrelin on placental dysfunction in PE are unclear. Therefore, we applied Normal pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to establish a PE-like rat model. The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method and immunohistochemistry (IHC) technology were used to detect morphological features of the placenta. IHC and Western blot were applied to examine Bax and Bcl-2 expression levels. The concentrations of serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and placental growth factor (PIGF) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. In addition, the apoptosis rates of JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells were determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. Cell migratory capacities were assessed by scratch-wound assay, and RNA-sequencing assay was used to determine the mechanism of ghrelin in regulating trophoblast apoptosis. It has been found that ghrelin significantly reduced blood pressure, urinary protein, and urine creatinine in rats with PE, at the meanwhile, ameliorated placental and fetal injuries. Second, ghrelin clearly inhibited placental Bax expression and circulating sFlt-1 as well as elevated placental Bcl-2 expression and circulating PIGF, restored apoptosis and invasion deficiency of trophoblast cells caused by LPS in vitro. Finally, transcriptomics indicated that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was the potential downstream pathway of ghrelin. Our findings illustrated that ghrelin supplementation significantly improved LPS-induced PE-like symptoms and adverse pregnancy outcomes in rats by alleviating placental apoptosis and promoting trophoblast migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ningning Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zetian Wang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency & Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Rujun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Wang Y, Chen Z, Li J, Wan T, Hu R, Zhang L, Qin L, Zang L, Gu W, Chen R, Liu C, Li R. Gestational exposure to PM 2.5 disrupts fetal development by suppressing placental trophoblast syncytialization via progranulin/mTOR signaling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171101. [PMID: 38387595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during pregnancy is closely associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be revealed. In this study, we found that gestational exposure to PM2.5 significantly decreased fetal weight and crown-rump length in mice, accompanied by insufficient placental trophoblast syncytialization and increased expression of progranulin (PGRN) in mice placenta. Administering PGRN neutralizing antibody to pregnant mice alleviated growth restriction and insufficient placental trophoblast syncytialization caused by PM2.5, accompanied with suppressed activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using human placental BeWo cells showed that 10 μg·mL-1 PM2.5 activated PGRN/mTOR signaling and suppressed forskolin-induced cell fusion, which was blocked by knockdown of PGRN. Taken together, our results demonstrated that PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy inhibited placental trophoblast syncytialization by activating PGRN/mTOR signaling, leading to abnormal placental development and IUGR. This study reveals a novel mechanism underlying the developmental toxicity of PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirun Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuan Chen
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Teng Wan
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renjie Hu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Qin
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijia Gu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rucheng Chen
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ran Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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9
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Khazaeel K, Hussein HA, Ranjbar R, Tabandeh MR, Alahmed JAS. Modulatory effects of quercetin on histological changes, biochemical and oxidative stress of rat placenta induced by inhalation exposure to crude oil vapor. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108560. [PMID: 38387710 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108560] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The inhalation exposure to crude oil vapor (COV) has been shown to have adverse effects on the placenta and fetal development. The modulatory effects of quercetin (QUE) as a natural phenolic compound with antioxidant properties are promising for the protection of placental structure. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory role of QUE in mitigating histopathological damage, oxidative stress, and biochemical alteration in the placenta of COV-exposed pregnant rats. Forty-eight pregnant rats were divided into eight groups (days 15 and 20) as follows: 1-2) Control groups, 3-4) COV groups, 5-6) COV+QUE groups, and 7-8) QUE-treated groups (50 mg/kg). The inhalation method was used to expose pregnant rats to COV, and QUE was administered orally. On the 15th and 20th days of gestation, placental tissue was analyzed using PAS and H&E staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of the caspase-3 gene and oxidative stress biomarkers including TAC, CAT, MDA, GPx, and SOD were investigated in the placental tissue. The COV significantly decreased the weight, diameter, and thickness of the placenta as well as the thickness of the junctional zone and labyrinth and the number of trophoblast giant cells in 15- and 20-day-old placentas (P<0.05). Also, COV significantly increased placental expression of caspase-3 and the oxidative stress biomarkers (P<0.05). The administration of QUE along with exposure to COV reduced morphometric and histological alteration, oxidative stress, and caspase-3 expression (P<0.05). Our findings indicated that QUE in COV-exposed pregnant rats can prevent placental histopathological alternations by increasing the activity of the antioxidant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Khazaeel
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran; Stem Cells and Transgenic Technology Research Center (STTRC), Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Haifa Ali Hussein
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tabandeh
- Stem Cells and Transgenic Technology Research Center (STTRC), Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Jala Amir Salman Alahmed
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Iraq
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10
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Thach B, Wang Y, Heng S, Nie G. HtrA4 is required for human trophoblast stem cell differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast. Placenta 2024; 147:68-77. [PMID: 38325051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.01.018] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) of the human placenta facilitates vital maternal-fetal communication and is maintained by fusion (syncytialization) of cytotrophoblasts. Serine protease HtrA4 (high temperature requirement factor A4) is highly expressed only in the human placenta and was previously reported to be important for BeWo fusion. This study investigated whether HtrA4 is critical for differentiation of human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) into STB. METHODS Primary TSCs were isolated from first trimester placentas (n = 5) and validated by immunofluorescence (IF) for CD49f, CK7 and vimentin. TSCs were then differentiated into STB and the success of syncytialization was confirmed by RT-PCR, IF and ELISA of known markers. TSCs were next stably transfected with a HtrA4-targetting CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid, and cells with severe HtrA4 knockdown (HtrA4-KD) were analyzed to investigate the impact on STB differentiation. RESULTS Primary TSCs were confirmed to be of high purity by staining positively for CD49f and CK7 but negatively for vimentin. These TSCs readily syncytialized when stimulated for STB differentiation, significantly increasing β-hCG and syncytin-1, substantially decreasing E-cadherin, and markedly losing cell borders. While TSCs produced very low levels of HtrA4, upon stimulation for STB differentiation the cells drastically upregulated HtrA4 expression; secretion of HtrA4 protein also increased sharply, correlating positively and significantly with that of β-hCG. The HtrA4-KD TSCs, however, failed to show this surge of HtrA4 production upon stimulation, and ultimately remained primarily mononucleated with no significant STB differentiation. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that HtrA4 plays a critical role in TSC differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothidah Thach
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
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11
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Kouthouridis S, Sotra A, Khan Z, Alvarado J, Raha S, Zhang B. Modeling the Progression of Placental Transport from Early- to Late-Stage Pregnancy by Tuning Trophoblast Differentiation and Vascularization. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301428. [PMID: 37830445 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The early-stage placental barrier is characterized by a lack of fetal circulation and by a thick trophoblastic barrier, whereas the later-stage placenta consists of vascularized chorionic villi encased in a thin, differentiated trophoblast layer, ideal for nutrient transport. In this work, predictive models of early- and late-stage placental transport are created using blastocyst-derived placental stem cells (PSCs) by modulating PSC differentiation and model vascularization. PSC differentiation results in a thinner, fused trophoblast layer, as well as an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, barrier permeability, and secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines, which are consistent with in vivo findings. Further, gene expression confirms this shift toward a differentiated trophoblast subtype. Vascularization results in a molecule type- and size-dependent change in dextran and insulin permeability. These results demonstrate that trophoblast differentiation and vascularization have critical effects on placental barrier permeability and that this model can be used as a predictive measure to assess fetal toxicity of xenobiotic substances at different stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alexander Sotra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Zaim Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Justin Alvarado
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Programme in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
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12
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Ortega MA, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, Rodriguez-Martín S, Funes Moñux RM, Pekarek L, Bravo C, De Leon-Luis JA, Saez MA, Guijarro LG, Lahera G, Monserrat J, Rodriguez-Jimenez R, Saz JV, Bujan J, García-Honduvilla N, Alvarez-Mon M, Alvarez-Mon MA. Women with psychotic episodes during pregnancy show increased markers of placental damage with Tenney-Parker changes. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1109-1118. [PMID: 36916695 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Psychosis is a hazardous and functionally disruptive psychiatric condition which may affect women in pregnancy, entailing negative consequences for maternofetal well-being. The precise pathophysiological basis and consequences of a psychotic episode in pregnancy remain to be further elucidated. The placenta is a pivotal tissue with many functions in the gestational period, critically influencing the fate and development of pregnancy. Although detrimental alterations have been observed in women undergoing severe psychiatric disorders in pregnancy, there are little studies evaluating the consequences of suffering from a psychotic episode in the placental tissue In this work, we have evaluated the histopathological consequences of a first episode of psychosis in pregnancy (FE-PW; N=22) and compare them with healthy pregnant women (HC-PW; N=20) by using histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression techniques. Our results define that the placental tissue of FE-PW display an increase in the number of placental villi, bridges, syncytial knots and syncytial knots/villi. Besides, we have also observed an enhanced gene and protein expression in FE-PW of the hypoxic marker HIF-1α, together with the apoptotic markers BAX and Bcl-2. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating significant histopathological changes in the placenta of women suffering a new-onset psychotic episode in pregnancy. Further studies should be aimed at deepening the knowledge about the pernicious effects of psychosis in the maternofetal tissues, as well as the potential implications of these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Sonia Rodriguez-Martín
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Service of Pediatric, Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Rosa M Funes Moñux
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Service of Pediatric, Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Leonel Pekarek
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Coral Bravo
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A De Leon-Luis
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Saez
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Pathological Anatomy Service, Central University Hospital of Defence-UAH Madrid, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Luis G Guijarro
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (CIBEREHD), Department of System Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Guillermo Lahera
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Psychiatry Service, Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Roberto Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Department of Legal Medicine and Psychiatry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Institute for Health Research 12 de Octubre Hospital, (Imas 12)/CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose V Saz
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Spain
| | - Julia Bujan
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Melchor Alvarez-Mon
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, CIBEREHD, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Shi D, Zhou X, Cai L, Wei X, Zhang L, Sun Q, Zhou F, Sun L. Placental DNA methylation analysis of selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twins reveals aberrant methylated CYP11A1 gene for fetal growth restriction. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23207. [PMID: 37732623 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300742r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased susceptibility to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that epigenetic changes play critical roles in the regulation of fetal growth. We sought to present a comprehensive analysis of the associations between placental DNA methylation and selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR), which is a severe complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies, characterized by one fetus experiencing restricted growth. Genome-wide methylation analysis was performed on 24 placental samples obtained from 12 monochorionic twins with sFGR (Cohort 1) using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Integrative analysis of our EPIC data and two previous placental methylation studies of sFGR (a total of 30 placental samples from 15 sFGR twins) was used to identify convincing differential promoter methylation. Validation analysis was performed on the placentas from 15 sFGR twins (30 placental samples), 15 FGR singletons, and 14 control singletons (Cohort 2) using pyrosequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). A globe shift toward hypomethylation was identified in the placentas of growth-restricted fetuses compared with the placentas of normal fetuses in monochorionic twins, including 5625 hypomethylated CpGs and 452 hypermethylated CpGs, especially in the regions of CpG islands, gene-body and promoters. The analysis of pathways revealed dysregulation primarily in steroid hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, cell adhesion, signaling transduction, and immune response. Integrative analysis revealed a differentially methylated promoter region in the CYP11A1 gene, encoding a rate-limiting enzyme of steroidogenesis converting cholesterol to pregnenolone. The CYP11A1 gene was validated to have hypomethylation and higher mRNA expression in sFGR twins and FGR singletons. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the changes in placental DNA methylation pattern in sFGR may have functional implications for differentially methylated genes and regulatory regions. The study provides reliable evidence for identifying abnormally methylated CYP11A1 gene in the placenta of sFGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayuan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyao Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luyao Cai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luye Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenhe Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Kametani Y, Ito R, Ohshima S, Manabe Y, Ohno Y, Shimizu T, Yamada S, Katano N, Kirigaya D, Ito K, Matsumoto T, Tsuda B, Kashiwagi H, Goto Y, Yasuda A, Maeki M, Tokeshi M, Seki T, Fukase K, Mikami M, Ando K, Ishimoto H, Shiina T. Construction of the systemic anticancer immune environment in tumour-bearing humanized mouse by using liposome-encapsulated anti-programmed death ligand 1 antibody-conjugated progesterone. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1173728. [PMID: 37492571 PMCID: PMC10364058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1173728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors highlight the importance of anticancer immunity. However, their clinical utility and safety are limited by the low response rates and adverse effects. We focused on progesterone (P4), a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, because it has multiple biological activities related to anticancer and immune regulation effects. P4 has a reversible immune regulatory function distinct from that of the stress hormone cortisol, which may drive irreversible immune suppression that promotes T cell exhaustion and apoptosis in patients with cancer. Because the anticancer effect of P4 is induced at higher than physiological concentrations, we aimed to develop a new anticancer drug by encapsulating P4 in liposomes. In this study, we prepared liposome-encapsulated anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody-conjugated P4 (Lipo-anti-PD-L1-P4) and evaluated the effects on the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells, a PD-L1-expressing triple-negative breast cancer cell line, in vitro and in NOG-hIL-4-Tg mice transplanted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (humanized mice). Lipo-anti-PD-L1-P4 at physiological concentrations reduced T cell exhaustion and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 in vitro. Humanized mice bearing MDA-MB-231 cells expressing PD-L1 showed suppressed tumor growth and peripheral tissue inflammation. The proportion of B cells and CD4+ T cells decreased, whereas the proportion of CD8+ T cells increased in Lipo-anti-PD-L1-P4-administrated mice spleens and tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes. Our results suggested that Lipo-anti-PD-L1-P4 establishes a systemic anticancer immune environment with minimal toxicity. Thus, the use of P4 as an anticancer drug may represent a new strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Kametani
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryoji Ito
- Human Disease Model Laboratory, Department of Applied Research for Laboratory Animals, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Shino Ohshima
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Manabe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Forefront Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ohno
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Human Disease Model Laboratory, Department of Applied Research for Laboratory Animals, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoka Shimizu
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Soga Yamada
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Nagi Katano
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Daiki Kirigaya
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Keita Ito
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Banri Tsuda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kashiwagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Yumiko Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yasuda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | | | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiro Seki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Koichi Fukase
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Forefront Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mikio Mikami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
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15
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Elzinga FA, Khalili B, Touw DJ, Prins JR, Olinga P, Leuvenink HGD, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Nagelkerke A, Mian P. Placenta-on-a-Chip as an In Vitro Approach to Evaluate the Physiological and Structural Characteristics of the Human Placental Barrier upon Drug Exposure: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4315. [PMID: 37445348 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of fetal drug exposure remains challenging since sampling from the placenta or fetus during pregnancy is too invasive. Currently existing in vivo (e.g., cord blood sampling) and ex vivo (e.g., placenta perfusion) models have inherent limitations. A placenta-on-a-chip model is a promising alternative. A systematic search was performed in PubMed on 2 February 2023, and Embase on 14 March 2023. Studies were included where placenta-on-a-chip was used to investigate placental physiology, placenta in different obstetric conditions, and/or fetal exposure to maternally administered drugs. Seventeen articles were included that used comparable approaches but different microfluidic devices and/or different cultured maternal and fetal cell lines. Of these studies, four quantified glucose transfer, four studies evaluated drug transport, three studies investigated nanoparticles, one study analyzed bacterial infection and five studies investigated preeclampsia. It was demonstrated that placenta-on-a-chip has the capacity to recapitulate the key characteristics of the human placental barrier. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps and provide the first steps towards an overview of current protocols for developing a placenta-on-a-chip, that facilitates comparison of results from different studies. Although models differ, they offer a promising approach for in vitro human placental and fetal drug studies under healthy and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke A Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Behrad Khalili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henri G D Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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16
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Bueno-Sánchez JC, Gómez-Gutiérrez AM, Maldonado-Estrada JG, Quintana-Castillo JC. Expression of placental glycans and its role in regulating peripheral blood NK cells during preeclampsia: a perspective. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1087845. [PMID: 37206444 PMCID: PMC10190602 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1087845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related multisystem disorder characterized by altered trophoblast invasion, oxidative stress, exacerbation of systemic inflammatory response, and endothelial damage. The pathogenesis includes hypertension and mild-to-severe microangiopathy in the kidney, liver, placenta, and brain. The main mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis have been proposed to limit trophoblast invasion and increase the release of extracellular vesicles from the syncytiotrophoblast into the maternal circulation, exacerbating the systemic inflammatory response. The placenta expresses glycans as part of its development and maternal immune tolerance during gestation. The expression profile of glycans at the maternal-fetal interface may play a fundamental role in physiological pregnancy changes and disorders such as preeclampsia. It is unclear whether glycans and their lectin-like receptors are involved in the mechanisms of maternal-fetal recognition by immune cells during pregnancy homeostasis. The expression profile of glycans appears to be altered in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which could lead to alterations in the placental microenvironment and vascular endothelium in pregnancy conditions such as preeclampsia. Glycans with immunomodulatory properties at the maternal-fetal interface are altered in early-onset severe preeclampsia, implying that innate immune system components, such as NK cells, exacerbate the systemic inflammatory response observed in preeclampsia. In this article, we discuss the evidence for the role of glycans in gestational physiology and the perspective of glycobiology on the pathophysiology of hypertensive disorders in gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Bueno-Sánchez
- Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Red Iberoamericana de Alteraciones Vasculares en Trastornos del Embarazo (RIVATREM), Chillan, Chile
| | - Alejandra M. Gómez-Gutiérrez
- Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada
- One Health and Veterinary Innovative Research & Development (OHVRI) Research Group, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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17
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Springer S, Worda K, Franz M, Karner E, Krampl-Bettelheim E, Worda C. Fetal Growth Restriction Is Associated with Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A and Uterine Artery Doppler in First Trimester. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072502. [PMID: 37048586 PMCID: PMC10095370 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. The early prediction may be important to establish treatment options and improve neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the association of parameters used in first-trimester screening, uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index and the development of FGR. In this retrospective cohort study, 1930 singleton pregnancies prenatally diagnosed with an estimated fetal weight under the third percentile were included. All women underwent first-trimester screening assessing maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, fetal nuchal translucency and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI). We constructed a Receiver Operating Characteristics curve to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis of FGR. In pregnancies with FGR, PAPP-A was significantly lower, and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index was significantly higher compared with the normal birth weight group (0.79 ± 0.38 vs. 1.15 ± 0.59, p < 0.001 and 1.82 ± 0.7 vs. 1.55 ± 0.47, p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that PAPP-A levels and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index were significantly associated with FGR (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). To conclude, these two parameters can predict FGR < 3rd percentile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Springer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Worda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-140-400-28210
| | - Marie Franz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Karner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christof Worda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Cui L, Sun F, Xu Y, Li M, Chen L, Chen C, Qian J, Li D, Du M, Wang S. Tim-3 Coordinates Macrophage-Trophoblast Crosstalk via Angiogenic Growth Factors to Promote Pregnancy Maintenance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021538. [PMID: 36675047 PMCID: PMC9867110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) is an important checkpoint that induces maternal-fetal tolerance in pregnancy. Macrophages (Mφs) play essential roles in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance, remodeling spiral arteries, and regulating trophoblast biological behaviors. In the present study, the formation of the labyrinth zone showed striking defects in pregnant mice treated with Tim-3 neutralizing antibodies. The adoptive transfer of Tim-3+Mφs, rather than Tim-3-Mφs, reversed the murine placental dysplasia resulting from Mφ depletion. With the higher production of angiogenic growth factors (AGFs, including PDGF-AA, TGF-α, and VEGF), Tim-3+dMφs were more beneficial in promoting the invasion and tube formation ability of trophoblasts. The blockade of AGFs in Tim-3+Mφs led to the narrowing of the labyrinthine layer of the placenta, compromising maternal-fetal tolerance, and increasing the risk of fetal loss. Meanwhile, the AGFs-treated Tim-3-Mφs could resolve the placental dysplasia and fetal loss resulting from Mφ depletion. These findings emphasized the vital roles of Tim-3 in coordinating Mφs-extravillous trophoblasts interaction via AGFs to promote pregnancy maintenance and in extending the role of checkpoint signaling in placental development. The results obtained in our study also firmly demonstrated that careful consideration of reproductive safety should be taken when selecting immune checkpoint and AGF blockade therapies in real-world clinical care.
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