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Ashley B, Simner C, Manousopoulou A, Jenkinson C, Hey F, Frost JM, Rezwan FI, White CH, Lofthouse EM, Hyde E, Cooke LDF, Barton S, Mahon P, Curtis EM, Moon RJ, Crozier SR, Inskip HM, Godfrey KM, Holloway JW, Cooper C, Jones KS, Lewis RM, Hewison M, Garbis SDD, Branco MR, Harvey NC, Cleal JK. Placental uptake and metabolism of 25(OH)vitamin D determine its activity within the fetoplacental unit. eLife 2022; 11:e71094. [PMID: 35256050 PMCID: PMC8903835 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with maternal and fetal health outcomes. Using physiological human placental perfusion and villous explants, we investigate the role of the placenta in regulating the relationships between maternal 25(OH)D and fetal physiology. We demonstrate active placental uptake of 25(OH)D3 by endocytosis, placental metabolism of 25(OH)D3 into 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3], with subsequent release of these metabolites into both the maternal and fetal circulations. Active placental transport of 25(OH)D3 and synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 demonstrate that fetal supply is dependent on placental function rather than simply the availability of maternal 25(OH)D3. We demonstrate that 25(OH)D3 exposure induces rapid effects on the placental transcriptome and proteome. These map to multiple pathways central to placental function and thereby fetal development, independent of vitamin D transfer. Our data suggest that the underlying epigenetic landscape helps dictate the transcriptional response to vitamin D treatment. This is the first quantitative study demonstrating vitamin D transfer and metabolism by the human placenta, with widespread effects on the placenta itself. These data demonstrate a complex interplay between vitamin D and the placenta and will inform future interventions using vitamin D to support fetal development and maternal adaptations to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brogan Ashley
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Claire Simner
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Antigoni Manousopoulou
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteUnited States
- Proteas Bioanalytics Inc, BioLabs at the Lundquist InstituteTorranceUnited States
| | - Carl Jenkinson
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, The University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Felicity Hey
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Nutritional Biomarker Laboratory. MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Clifford Allbutt Building, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Formerly at MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, CB1 9NL l Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck Research LaboratoriesCambridgeUnited States
| | - Jennifer M Frost
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Faisal I Rezwan
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield UniversityCranfieldUnited Kingdom
| | - Cory H White
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck Research LaboratoriesCambridgeUnited States
| | - Emma M Lofthouse
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Emily Hyde
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Laura DF Cooke
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sheila Barton
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Pamela Mahon
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M Curtis
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J Moon
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Sarah R Crozier
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton Science ParkSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Hazel M Inskip
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - John W Holloway
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Center, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Kerry S Jones
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Nutritional Biomarker Laboratory. MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Clifford Allbutt Building, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Formerly at MRC Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, CB1 9NL l Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck Research LaboratoriesCambridgeUnited States
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Martin Hewison
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, The University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Spiros DD Garbis
- Proteas Bioanalytics Inc, BioLabs at the Lundquist InstituteTorranceUnited States
| | - Miguel R Branco
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicholas C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jane K Cleal
- The Institute of Developmental Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of SouthamptonSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
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Roberts VHJ, Gaffney JE, Morgan TK, Frias AE. Placental adaptations in a nonhuman primate model of gestational protein restriction. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 12:908-914. [PMID: 33308351 PMCID: PMC8200369 DOI: 10.1017/s204017442000121x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated decreased placental perfusion, reduced amniotic fluid protein content, and increased pregnancy loss in a nonhuman primate model of gestational protein restriction. Here, our objective was to link these detrimental findings with a functional placental assessment. As blood flow is critical to maternal-fetal exchange, we hypothesized that a protein-restricted diet would impair placental taurine uptake. Pregnant rhesus macaques were maintained on either control chow (CON, n = 5), a 33% protein-restricted diet (PR33, n = 5), or a 50% PR diet (PR50, n = 5) prior to and throughout pregnancy. Animals were delivered on gestational day 135 (G135; term is G168). Taurine activity was determined in fresh placental villous explants. Taurine transporter (TauT) protein expression, placental growth factor (PLGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2 protein concentrations were measured, and histological assessment was performed. Fetal body weights and placental weights were comparable between all three groups at G135. Placental taurine uptake was decreased in PR33- and PR50-fed animals compared to CON, yet TauT expression was unchanged across groups. PLGF was significantly increased in PR50 vs. CON, with no change in IGF-1 or IGF-2 expression in placental homogenate from PR-fed animals. Accelerated villous maturation was observed in all PR50 cases, three of five PR33, and was absent in CON. We demonstrate conserved fetal growth, despite a decrease in placental taurine uptake. Increased expression of PLGF and expansion of the syncytiotrophoblast surface area in the severely protein-restricted animals suggest a compensatory mechanism by the placenta to maintain fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H J Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jessica E Gaffney
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Terry K Morgan
- Department of Pathology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Antonio E Frias
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
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McIntyre KR, Vincent KMM, Hayward CE, Li X, Sibley CP, Desforges M, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Human placental uptake of glutamine and glutamate is reduced in fetal growth restriction. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16197. [PMID: 33004923 PMCID: PMC7530652 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant risk factor for stillbirth, neonatal complications and adulthood morbidity. Compared with those of appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA), FGR babies have smaller placentas with reduced activity of amino acid transporter systems A and L, thought to contribute to poor fetal growth. The amino acids glutamine and glutamate are essential for normal placental function and fetal development; whether transport of these is altered in FGR is unknown. We hypothesised that FGR is associated with reduced placental glutamine and glutamate transporter activity and expression, and propose the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as a candidate mechanism. FGR infants [individualised birth weight ratio (IBR) < 5th centile] had lighter placentas, reduced initial rate uptake of 14C-glutamine and 14C-glutamate (per mg placental protein) but higher expression of key transporter proteins (glutamine: LAT1, LAT2, SNAT5, glutamate: EAAT1) versus AGA [IBR 20th-80th]. In further experiments, in vitro exposure to rapamycin inhibited placental glutamine and glutamate uptake (24 h, uncomplicated pregnancies) indicating a role of mTOR in regulating placental transport of these amino acids. These data support our hypothesis and suggest that abnormal glutamine and glutamate transporter activity is part of the spectrum of placental dysfunction in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. .,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Kirsty M M Vincent
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Xiaojia Li
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Michelle Desforges
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Simner CL, Ashley B, Cooper C, Harvey NC, Lewis RM, Cleal JK. Investigating a suitable model for the study of vitamin D mediated regulation of human placental gene expression. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 199:105576. [PMID: 31904414 PMCID: PMC7021509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transfer and metabolism of vitamin D across the human placenta is required for fetal development. However, these fundamental mechanisms are not well understood and model systems are required to help understand them. The BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line is derived from extravillous trophoblast but is used as a model for villous syncytiotrophoblast and the placental barrier. Questions have been raised about the suitability of the BeWo cell line as a model for villous trophoblast. This study compares the expression of amino acid transporters and vitamin D related genes in human term placenta with the BeWo and human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cell lines. HEK293 cells, as transporting epithelium may be more similar to placenta. Gene expression in term placenta was much more similar to HEK293 than BeWo. This study provides further evidence that the BeWo cell line is not an appropriate model for villous trophoblast and a model that more closely represents the human placenta is now required to investigate the effects of vitamin D on the placenta ex-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Simner
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Brogan Ashley
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopedic Centre, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7HE, UK
| | - Nicholas C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
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Long-term effects of a maternal high-fat: high-fructose diet on offspring growth and metabolism and impact of maternal taurine supplementation. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 11:419-426. [PMID: 31735181 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maternal obesity is associated with obesity and metabolic disorders in offspring. However, there remains a paucity of data on strategies to reverse the effects of maternal obesity on maternal and offspring health. With maternal undernutrition, taurine supplementation improves outcomes in offspring mediated in part via improved glucose-insulin homeostasis. The efficacy of taurine supplementation in the setting of maternal obesity on health and well-being of offspring is unknown. We examined the effects of taurine supplementation on outcomes related to growth and metabolism in offspring in a rat model of maternal obesity. DESIGN Wistar rats were randomised to: 1) control diet during pregnancy and lactation (CON); 2) CON with 1.5% taurine in drinking water (CT); 3) maternal obesogenic diet (MO); or 4) MO with taurine (MOT). Offspring were weaned onto the control diet for the remainder of the study. RESULTS At day 150, offspring body weights and adipose tissue weights were increased in MO groups compared to CON. Adipose tissue weights were reduced in MOT versus MO males but not females. Plasma fasting leptin and insulin were increased in MO offspring groups but were not altered by maternal taurine supplementation. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were reduced in all maternal taurine-supplemented offspring groups. There were significant interactions across maternal diet, taurine supplementation and sex for response to an oral glucose tolerance test , a high-fat dietary preference test and pubertal onset in offspring. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that maternal taurine supplementation can partially ameliorate adverse developmental programming effects in offspring in a sex-specific manner.
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Holm MB, Kristiansen O, Holme AM, Bastani NE, Horne H, Blomhoff R, Haugen G, Henriksen T, Michelsen TM. Placental release of taurine to both the maternal and fetal circulations in human term pregnancies. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1205-1214. [PMID: 29858686 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2576-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Taurine is regarded as an essential amino acid in utero, and fetal taurine supply is believed to rely solely on placental transfer from maternal plasma. Despite its potential role in intrauterine growth restriction and other developmental disturbances, human in vivo studies of taurine transfer between the maternal, placental, and fetal compartments are scarce. We studied placental transfer of taurine in uncomplicated human term pregnancies in vivo in a cross-sectional study of 179 mother-fetus pairs. During cesarean section, we obtained placental tissue and plasma from incoming and outgoing vessels on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. Taurine was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We calculated paired arteriovenous differences, and measured placental expression of the taurine biosynthetic enzyme cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. We observed a fetal uptake (p < 0.001), an uteroplacental release (p < 0.001), and a negative placental consumption of taurine (p = 0.001), demonstrating a bilateral placental release to the maternal and fetal compartments. Increasing umbilical vein concentrations and fetal uptake was associated with the uteroplacental release to the maternal circulation (rs = - 0.19, p = 0.01/rs = - 0.24, p = 0.003), but not with taurine concentrations in placental tissue. CSAD-mRNA was expressed in placental tissue, suggesting a potential for placental taurine synthesis. Our observations show that the placenta has the capacity to a bilateral taurine release, indicating a fundamental role of taurine in the human placental homeostasis beyond the supply to the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Blomhoff Holm
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1171, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Oddrun Kristiansen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1171, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ane Moe Holme
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1171, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nasser Ezzatkhah Bastani
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1046, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hildegunn Horne
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1171, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune Blomhoff
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1046, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Clinical Service, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guttorm Haugen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1171, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Henriksen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO BOKS 1171, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Melbye Michelsen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Advisory Unit on Women's Health, Oslo University Hospital, PO BOKS 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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Oxidative Stress in Placenta: Health and Diseases. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:293271. [PMID: 26693479 PMCID: PMC4676991 DOI: 10.1155/2015/293271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, development of the placenta is interrelated with the oxygen concentration. Embryo development takes place in a low oxygen environment until the beginning of the second trimester when large amounts of oxygen are conveyed to meet the growth requirements. High metabolism and oxidative stress are common in the placenta. Reactive oxidative species sometimes harm placental development, but they are also reported to regulate gene transcription and downstream activities such as trophoblast proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Autophagy and apoptosis are two crucial, interconnected processes in the placenta that are often influenced by oxidative stress. The proper interactions between them play an important role in placental homeostasis. However, an imbalance between the protective and destructive mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis seems to be linked with pregnancy-related disorders such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. Thus, potential therapies to hold oxidative stress in leash, promote placentation, and avoid unwanted apoptosis are discussed.
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Maternal obesity is associated with a reduction in placental taurine transporter activity. Int J Obes (Lond) 2014; 39:557-64. [PMID: 25547282 PMCID: PMC4389721 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2014.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Maternal obesity increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcome including stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and fetal overgrowth. These pregnancy complications are associated with dysfunctional syncytiotrophoblast, the transporting epithelium of the human placenta. Taurine, a β-amino acid with antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, has a role in syncytiotrophoblast development and function and is required for fetal growth and organ development. Taurine is conditionally essential in pregnancy and fetal tissues depend on uptake of taurine from maternal blood. We tested the hypothesis that taurine uptake into placental syncytiotrophoblast by the taurine transporter protein (TauT) is lower in obese women (body mass index (BMI)⩾30 kg m−2) than in women of ideal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg m−2) and explored potential regulatory factors. Subjects/Methods: Placentas were collected from term (37–42-week gestation), uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies from women with BMI 19–49 kg m−2. TauT activity was measured as the Na+-dependent uptake of 3H-taurine into placental villous fragments. TauT expression in membrane-enriched placental samples was investigated by western blot. In vitro studies using placental villous explants examined whether leptin or IL-6, adipokines/cytokines that are elevated in maternal obesity, regulates TauT activity. Results: Placental TauT activity was significantly lower in obese women (BMI⩾30) than women of ideal weight (P<0.03) and inversely related to maternal BMI (19–49 kg m−2; P<0.05; n=61). There was no difference in TauT expression between placentas of ideal weight and obese class III (BMI⩾40) subjects. Long-term exposure (48 h) of placental villous explants to leptin or IL-6 did not affect TauT activity. Conclusions: Placental TauT activity at term is negatively related to maternal BMI. We propose that the reduction in placental TauT activity in maternal obesity could lower syncytiotrophoblast taurine concentration, compromise placental development and function, and reduce the driving force for taurine efflux to the fetus, thereby increasing the risk of poor pregnancy outcome.
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