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Bączkowska M, Dutsch-Wicherek MM, Przytuła E, Faryna J, Wojtyła C, Ali M, Knafel A, Ciebiera M. Expression of the Costimulatory Molecule B7-H4 in the Decidua and Placental Tissues in Patients with Placental Abruption. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040918. [PMID: 35453668 PMCID: PMC9033103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040918] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
B7 homolog 4 protein (B7-H4), a member of the B7 family, is a immunomodulatory membrane protein. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of this protein in the decidua and placental tissues in case of placental abruption (PA) compared to cases of retained placental tissue (RPT) and controls. Tissue samples were obtained from 47 patients with PA, 60 patients with RPT, and 41 healthy controls. The samples were stained for B7-H4 expression, analyzed by an expert pathologist, and a semi-quantitative scale was applied. A statistical analysis revealed that the expression of B7-H4 was significantly higher in the decidua in PA samples compared to samples from patients with RPT (p-value < 0.001) and healthy controls (p-value < 0.001). The expression of B7-H4 in the placental chorionic villus was significantly higher in PA samples in relation to samples from healthy controls (p-value < 0.001) but not in relation to RPT samples (p-value = 0.0853). This finding suggests that B7-H4 might play an important role in mechanisms restoring reproductive tract homeostasis. Further research is necessary in regard to the role of B7-H4 in PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Bączkowska
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.K.)
| | | | - Ewa Przytuła
- Department of Pathology, Bielański Hospital, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland; (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Jan Faryna
- Department of Pathology, Bielański Hospital, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland; (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Cezary Wojtyła
- International Prevention Research Institute-Collaborating Centre, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland;
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Anna Knafel
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.K.)
| | - Michał Ciebiera
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-607-155-177
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Ding W, Chim SSC, Wang CC, Lau CSL, Leung TY. Molecular Mechanism and Pathways of Normal Human Parturition in Different Gestational Tissues: A Systematic Review of Transcriptome Studies. Front Physiol 2021; 12:730030. [PMID: 34566691 PMCID: PMC8461075 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.730030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Genome-wide transcriptomic studies on gestational tissues in labor provide molecular insights in mechanism of normal parturition. This systematic review aimed to summarize the important genes in various gestational tissues around labor onset, and to dissect the underlying molecular regulations and pathways that trigger the labor in term pregnancies. Data sources: PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2021. Study Eligibility Criteria: Untargeted genome-wide transcriptomic studies comparing the gene expression of various gestational tissues in normal term pregnant women with and without labor were included. Methods: Every differentially expressed gene was retrieved. Consistently expressed genes with same direction in different studies were identified, then gene ontology and KEGG analysis were conducted to understand molecular pathways and functions. Gene-gene association analysis was performed to determine the key regulatory gene(s) in labor onset. Results: A total of 15 studies, including 266 subjects, were included. 136, 26, 15, 7, and 3 genes were significantly changed during labor in the myometrium (seven studies, n = 108), uterine cervix (four studies, n = 64), decidua (two studies, n = 42), amnion (two studies, n = 44) and placenta (two studies, n = 41), respectively. These genes were overrepresented in annotation terms related to inflammatory and immune responses. TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways were overrepresented in all mentioned tissues, except the placenta. IL6 was the only gene included in both pathways, the most common reported gene in all included studies, and also the gene in the central hub of molecular regulatory network. Conclusions: This systematic review identified that genes involved in immunological and inflammatory regulations are expressed in specific gestational tissues in labor. We put forward the hypothesis that IL6 might be the key gene triggering specific mechanism in different gestational tissues, eventually leading to labor onset through inducing uterine contraction, wakening fetal membranes and stimulating cervical ripening. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier [CRD42020187975].
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Siu Chung Chim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caitlyn So Ling Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tak Yeung Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Molecular Changes on Maternal-Fetal Interface in Placental Abruption-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126612. [PMID: 34205566 PMCID: PMC8235312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the lining of the uterus before childbirth. It is an infrequent perinatal complication with serious after-effects and a marked risk of maternal and fetal mortality. Despite the fact that numerous placental abruption risk factors are known, the pathophysiology of this issue is multifactorial and not entirely clear. The aim of this review was to examine the current state of knowledge concerning the molecular changes on the maternal–fetal interface occurring in placental abruption. Only original research articles describing studies published in English until the 15 March 2021 were considered eligible. Reviews, book chapters, case studies, conference papers and opinions were excluded. The systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases identified 708 articles, 22 of which were analyzed. The available evidence indicates that the disruption of the immunological processes on the maternal–fetal interface plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of placental abruption. The features of chronic non-infectious inflammation and augmented immunological cytotoxic response were found to be present in placental abruption samples in the reviewed studies. Various molecules participate in this process, with only a few being examined. More advanced research is needed to fully explain this complicated process.
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Quintero-Ronderos P, Laissue P. Genetic Variants Contributing to Early Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Etiology Identified by Sequencing Approaches. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1541-1552. [PMID: 32430708 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects up to 5% of couples. It is believed that genetic factors contribute to the disease's etiology and pathophysiology. Hundreds of genes represent coherent RPL candidates due to mammalian implantation's inherent complexity. Sanger sequencing (direct sequencing) of candidate genes has identified potential RPL causative genes (and variants), including those regulating embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. Although this approach is a reliable technique, the simultaneous analysis of large genomic regions is challenging. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has thus emerged as a useful alternative for determining genetic variants and transcriptomic disturbances contributing to monogenic and polygenic diseases pathogenesis. However, interpreting results remains challenging as NGS experiments provide an enormous amount of complex data. The molecular aspects of specific diseases must be fully understood for accurate interpretation of NGS data. This review was thus aimed at describing (for the first time) the most relevant studies involving Sanger and NGS sequencing, leading to the description of variants related to RPL pathogenesis. Successful RPL-related NGS initiatives (including RNAseq-based studies) and future challenges are discussed. We consider that the information given here should be useful for clinicians, scientists, and students to enable a better understanding of RPL etiology. It may also provide a basis for the development of diagnostic/prognostic approaches contributing toward translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Quintero-Ronderos
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), GENIUROS Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 N° 63C-69, Bogotá, 1100100, Colombia
| | - Paul Laissue
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), GENIUROS Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 N° 63C-69, Bogotá, 1100100, Colombia.
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Quintero-Ronderos P, Laissue P. Genetic Variants Contributing to Early Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Etiology Identified by Sequencing Approaches. Reprod Sci 2019:1933719119831769. [PMID: 30879428 DOI: 10.1177/1933719119831769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects up to 5% of couples. It is believed that genetic factors contribute to the disease's etiology and pathophysiology. Hundreds of genes represent coherent RPL candidates due to mammalian implantation's inherent complexity. Sanger sequencing (direct sequencing) of candidate genes has identified potential RPL causative genes (and variants), including those regulating embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. Although this approach is a reliable technique, the simultaneous analysis of large genomic regions is challenging. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has thus emerged as a useful alternative for determining genetic variants and transcriptomic disturbances contributing to monogenic and polygenic diseases pathogenesis. However, interpreting results remains challenging as NGS experiments provide an enormous amount of complex data. The molecular aspects of specific diseases must be fully understood for accurate interpretation of NGS data. This review was thus aimed at describing (for the first time) the most relevant studies involving Sanger and NGS sequencing, leading to the description of variants related to RPL pathogenesis. Successful RPL-related NGS initiatives (including RNAseq-based studies) and future challenges are discussed. We consider that the information given here should be useful for clinicians, scientists, and students to enable a better understanding of RPL etiology. It may also provide a basis for the development of diagnostic/prognostic approaches contributing toward translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Quintero-Ronderos
- 1 Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), GENIUROS Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paul Laissue
- 1 Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), GENIUROS Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Rinaldi SF, Makieva S, Saunders PT, Rossi AG, Norman JE. Immune cell and transcriptomic analysis of the human decidua in term and preterm parturition. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:708-724. [PMID: 28962035 PMCID: PMC5909855 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is labour, both at term and preterm, associated with alterations in decidual lymphocyte densities and widespread changes to the decidual transcriptome? SUMMARY ANSWER The onset of parturition, both at term and preterm, is associated with widespread gene expression changes in the decidua, many of which are related to inflammatory signalling, but is not associated with changes in the number of any of the decidual lymphocyte populations examined. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Given its location, directly at the maternal–foetal interface, the decidua is likely to play a pivotal role in the onset of parturition, however, the molecular events occurring in the decidua in association with the onset of labour, both at term and preterm, remain relatively poorly defined. Using flow cytometry and microarray analysis, the present study aimed to investigate changes to the immune cell milieu of the decidua in association with the onset of parturition and define the decidual gene signature associated with term and preterm labour (PTL). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study used decidual samples collected from 36 women across four clinical groups: term (38–42 weeks of gestation) not in labour, TNL; term in labour, TL; preterm (<35 weeks of gestation)not in labour, PTNL; and preterm in labour, PTL. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Decidual lymphocytes were isolated from fresh decidual tissue collected from women in each of our four patient groups and stained with a panel of antibodies (CD45, CD3, CD19, CD56, CD4, CD8 and TCRVα24-Jα18) to investigate lymphocyte populations present in the decidua (TNL, n = 8; TL, n = 7; PTNL, n = 5; PTL, n = 5). RNA was extracted from decidual tissue and subjected to Illumina HT-12v4.0 BeadChip expression microarrays (TNL, n = 11; TL, n = 8; PTNL, n = 7; PTL, n = 10). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the microarray results. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The relative proportions of decidual lymphocytes (T cells, NK cells, B cells and invariant natural killer (iNKT) cells) were unaffected by either gestation or labour status. However, we found elevated expression of the non-classical MHC-protein, CD1D, in PTL decidua samples (P < 0.05), suggesting the potential for increased activation of decidual invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in PTL. Both term and PTL were associated with widespread gene expression changes, particularly related to inflammatory signalling. Up-regulation of candidate genes in TL (IL-6, PTGS2, ATF3, IER3 and TNFAIP3) and PTL (CXCL8, MARCO, LILRA3 and PLAU) were confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. LARGE SCALE DATA Microarray data are available at www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress under accession number E-MTAB-5353. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Whilst no changes in lymphocyte number were observed across our patient samples, we did not investigate the activation state of any of the immune cell sub-populations examined, therefore, it is possible that the function of these cells may be altered in association with labour onset. Additionally, the results of our transcriptomic analyses are descriptive and at this stage, we cannot prove direct causal link with the up-regulation of any of the genes examined and the onset of either term or PTL. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate that the onset of parturition is associated with widespread changes to the decidual transcriptome, and there are distinct gene expression changes associated with term and PTL. We confirmed that an inflammatory signature is present within the decidua, and we also report the up-regulation of several genes involved in regulating the inflammatory response. The identification of genes involved in regulating the inflammatory response may provide novel molecular targets for the development of new, more effective therapies for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Such targets are urgently required. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Medical Research Council (grant number MR/L002657/1) and Tommy's, the baby charity. Jane Norman has had research grants from the charity Tommy's and from the National Institute for Health Research on PTB during the lifetime of this project. Jane Norman also sits on a data monitoring committee for GSK for a study on PTB prevention and her institution receives financial recompense for this. The other authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Rinaldi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Makieva
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P T Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - A G Rossi
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - J E Norman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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Tadesse S, Norwitz NG, Guller S, Arcuri F, Toti P, Norwitz ER, Kidane D. Dynamics of Base Excision Repair at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:856-864. [PMID: 27707956 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116670519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) (gestational proteinuric hypertension) is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. Although placental endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are known to contribute to PE, the exact pathological basis for this disorder remains unclear. Previously, we demonstrated that DNA damage at the maternal-fetal interface is more common in the placentas of women with PE than normotensive controls. In this study, we utilized an in vivo comparative study, including 20 preeclamptic women and 8 healthy control subjects, and an in vitro hypoxia/reperfusion model to mimic the effects of oxidative stress at the maternal-fetal interface. We tracked the spatial pattern of expression of 2 base excision repair proteins, 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1) and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1 (APE1), at the maternal-fetal interface in response to oxidative stress. In vivo, we found a significant increase in OGG1 and APE1 concentrations in PE placental tissues as compared to normotensive controls ( P < .0001). Further, our in vitro study revealed that OGG1 and APE1 expression is much greater in maternal cells (decidua) than in fetal cells (cytotrophoblasts) of placental tissue subjected to oxidative stress ( P < .0001). Our results suggest that OGG1 and APE1 likely protect decidual cells from oxidative base damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkalem Tadesse
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,2 Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas G Norwitz
- 3 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seth Guller
- 3 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Felice Arcuri
- 4 Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Toti
- 5 Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Errol R Norwitz
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,2 Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dawit Kidane
- 6 Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX, USA
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Tadesse S, Kidane D, Guller S, Luo T, Norwitz NG, Arcuri F, Toti P, Norwitz ER. In vivo and in vitro evidence for placental DNA damage in preeclampsia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86791. [PMID: 24466242 PMCID: PMC3899334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is an idiopathic multisystem disease affecting 5–7% of pregnant women. Placental oxidative stress is a characteristic feature of PE and occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the placenta overwhelms the intrinsic anti-oxidant defenses. We hypothesize that excessive oxidative DNA damage at the fetal-maternal interface coupled with a defective DNA damage/repair response is causally related to PE. Here we demonstrate that γH2AX (a sensitive marker of DNA damage) is expressed in the maternal decidua but not trophoblast of normal placentas, and that expression is significantly higher in PE placental tissues in vivo. Using primary in vitro cultures of maternal decidual stromal cells (DSCs) and fetal cytotrophoblast cells (CTs), we show an increase in γH2AX foci in DSCs cultured with vs without H2O2 (70.6% vs 11.6%; P<0.0001) or under hypoxia-reperfusion vs normoxia (20- vs 3-fold; P = 0.01); no foci were seen in CTs. We further demonstrate that Base Excision Repair (BER) intermediates are significantly increased in DSCs (not CTs) under these same conditions. Our data show that DNA damage is significantly more common in PE placentas, and that this DNA damage is localized to the maternal and not fetal side of the placenta. CTs may be selectively resistant to DNA damage in an effort to protect the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkalem Tadesse
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dawit Kidane
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tianmeng Luo
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicholas G. Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Felice Arcuri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Toti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Errol R. Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Rode L, Tabor A. Prevention of preterm delivery in twin pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2013; 28:273-83. [PMID: 24378186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of twin gestation has increased markedly over the past decades, mostly because of increased use of assisted reproductive technologies. Twin pregnancies are at increased risk of preterm delivery (i.e. birth before 37 weeks of gestation). Multiple gestations therefore account for 2-3% of all pregnancies but constitute at least 10% of cases of preterm delivery. Complications from preterm birth are not limited to the neonatal period, such as in retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis, respiratory disorder and sepsis; they can also constitute sequelae such as abnormal neurophysiological development in early childhood and underachievement in school. Several treatment modalities have been proposed in singleton high-risk pregnancies. The mechanism of initiating labour may, however, be different in singleton and twin gestations. Therefore, it is mandatory to evaluate the proposed treatments in randomised trials of multiple gestations. In this chapter, we describe the results of trials to prevent preterm delivery in twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Rode
- Center of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Ann Tabor
- Center of Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
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Halasz M, Szekeres-Bartho J. The role of progesterone in implantation and trophoblast invasion. J Reprod Immunol 2013; 97:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Himes KP, Handley D, Chu T, Burke B, Bunce K, Simhan HN, Peters DG. Comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional response of human decidual cells to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 93:17-27. [PMID: 22196106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Decidual cells are central to innate immunity at the maternal/fetal interface. We sought to characterize the response of decidual cells to stimulation and then removal of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using a whole genome approach. Decidual cells were isolated from term unlabored cesarean sections. Cells were stimulated with LPS and RNA isolated both pre-stimulation and 2 and 24 h post-stimulation. Media were changed and RNA extracted 48 h later. Gene expression was measured using Agilent 44K whole genome microarrays. Data were visualized and interpreted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software and selected (n=5) target gene expression was verified with quantitative real-time PCR. Genes related to immune function were up-regulated at 2 and 24 h after LPS exposure and then generally returned to baseline or were at least substantially reduced after LPS removal. Pathway analysis also revealed that genes involved in lipid metabolism (specifically cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis), iron metabolism, and the plasminogen system were coordinately altered following exposure to LPS. Our novel, preliminary findings provide insight into possible mechanisms via which the host inflammatory response could contribute to preterm birth and warrant further investigation in preterm samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine P Himes
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Snegovskikh VV, Bhandari V, Wright JR, Tadesse S, Morgan T, Macneill C, Foyouzi N, Park JS, Wang Y, Norwitz ER. Surfactant protein-A (SP-A) selectively inhibits prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) production in term decidua: implications for the onset of labor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:E624-32. [PMID: 21270323 PMCID: PMC3070253 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Labor is characterized by "decidual activation" with production of inflammatory mediators. Recent data suggest that surfactant protein-A (SP-A) may be critical to the onset of labor in mice. Whether this is also true in humans is unclear. OBJECTIVES The aim was to investigate: 1) the expression of SP-A at the maternal-fetal interface; 2) the effect of SP-A on the production of inflammatory mediators by human decidua; and 3) the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in maternal SP-A genes and spontaneous preterm birth. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In situ expression of SP-A was investigated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. Term decidual stromal cells were isolated, purified, and treated with/without SP-A (1-100 μg/ml), IL-1β, and/or thrombin. Levels of inflammatory mediators [IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, matrix metalloproteinase-3, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, IL-1β, PGE(2), prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α))] and angiogenic factors (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, vascular endothelial growth factor) were measured in conditioned supernatant by ELISA and corrected for protein content. The effect of SP-A on eicosanoid gene expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS SP-A localized to endometrium/decidua. High-dose SP-A (100 μg/ml) inhibited PGF(2α) by term decidual stromal cells without affecting the production of other inflammatory mediators, and this effect occurred at a posttranscriptional level. Decidual SP-A expression decreased significantly with labor. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SP-A genes do not appear to be associated with preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS SP-A is produced by human endometrium/decidua, where it significantly and selectively inhibits PGF(2α) production. Its expression decreases with labor. These novel observations suggest that decidual SP-A likely plays a critical role in regulating prostaglandin production within the uterus, culminating at term in decidual activation and the onset of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria V Snegovskikh
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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13
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Tadesse S, Luo G, Park JS, Kim BJ, Snegovskikh VV, Zheng T, Hodgson EJ, Arcuri F, Toti P, Parikh CR, Guller S, Norwitz ER. Intra-amniotic infection upregulates neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) expression at the maternal-fetal interface at term: implications for infection-related preterm birth. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:713-22. [PMID: 21421891 DOI: 10.1177/1933719110396722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a ubiquitous lipocalin that serves as a critical component of innate immunity and a transport shuttle for numerous substances (retinoids, arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, fatty acids, steroids, iron, and MMPs). Despite the well-documented association between intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) and preterm birth, NGAL expression in the uterus has not previously been examined. This study investigates NGAL expression at the maternal-fetal interface in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin expression in term placenta with/without IAI was examined by immunohistochemistry. Trophoblast and decidual stromal cells were retrieved from elective cesarean, purified, and depleted of leukocytes. On days 1 (cytotrophoblast cells) and 4 (syncytiotrophoblast), cells were stimulated with/without interleukin 1β (IL-1β; 1 ng/mL), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α; 1 ng/mL), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μg/mL). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were measured by immunocytochemistry/Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. RESULTS Under basal conditions, NGAL is expressed in trophoblast, but not decidua. Trophoblast NGAL is significantly upregulated in tissues with evidence of IAI vs controls. NGAL expression was increased after stimulation with all 3 pro-inflammatory mediators in day 1 (cytotrophoblast) but not day 4 cells (syncytiotrophoblast). IL-1β and TNF-α (not LPS) upregulated NGAL gene expression in cytotrophoblast (not syncytiotrophoblast) cells. CONCLUSIONS Intra-amniotic infection/inflammation is associated with increased expression of NGAL in trophoblast tissues in vivo. IL-1β, TNF-α, and LPS stimulated NGAL in cytotrophoblast cells (not syncytiotrophoblast and decidua) in vitro. These data suggest that, in keeping with its role as a mediator of innate immunity, NGAL may have a central role to play in IAI-induced preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkalem Tadesse
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Mittal P, Romero R, Tarca AL, Draghici S, Nhan-Chang CL, Chaiworapongsa T, Hotra J, Gomez R, Kusanovic JP, Lee DC, Kim CJ, Hassan SS. A molecular signature of an arrest of descent in human parturition. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011; 204:177.e15-33. [PMID: 21284969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to identify the molecular basis of an arrest of descent. STUDY DESIGN Human myometrium was obtained from women in term labor (TL; n = 29) and arrest of descent (AODes; n = 21). Gene expression was characterized using Illumina HumanHT-12 microarrays. A moderated Student t test and false discovery rate adjustment were applied for analysis. Confirmatory quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot were performed in an independent sample set. RESULTS Four hundred genes were differentially expressed between women with an AODes compared with those with TL. Gene Ontology analysis indicated enrichment of biological processes and molecular functions related to inflammation and muscle function. Impacted pathways included inflammation and the actin cytoskeleton. Overexpression of hypoxia inducible factor-1a, interleukin -6, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 in AODes was confirmed. CONCLUSION We have identified a stereotypic pattern of gene expression in the myometrium of women with an arrest of descent. This represents the first study examining the molecular basis of an arrest of descent using a genome-wide approach.
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Lee HJ, Snegovskikh VV, Park JS, Foyouzi N, Han KT, Hodgson EJ, Guller S, Norwitz ER. Role of GnRH–GnRH receptor signaling at the maternal-fetal interface. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:2680-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Noguchi T, Sado T, Naruse K, Shigetomi H, Onogi A, Haruta S, Kawaguchi R, Nagai A, Tanase Y, Yoshida S, Kitanaka T, Oi H, Kobayashi H. Evidence for activation of Toll-like receptor and receptor for advanced glycation end products in preterm birth. Mediators Inflamm 2010; 2010:490406. [PMID: 21127710 PMCID: PMC2993025 DOI: 10.1155/2010/490406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with inflammation have a myriad of pregnancy aberrations including increasing their preterm birth risk. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and their ligands were all found to play a key role in inflammation. In the present study, we reviewed TLR and RAGE expression, their ligands, and signaling in preterm birth. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed and ScienceDirect up to July 2010, combining the keywords "preterm birth," "TLR", "RAGE", "danger signal", "alarmin", "genomewide," "microarray," and "proteomics" with specific expression profiles of genes and proteins. RESULTS This paper provides data on TLR and RAGE levels and critical downstream signaling events including NF-kappaB-dependent proinflammatory cytokine expression in preterm birth. About half of the genes and proteins specifically present in preterm birth have the properties of endogenous ligands "alarmin" for receptor activation. The interactions between the TLR-mediated acute inflammation and RAGE-mediated chronic inflammation have clear implications for preterm birth via the TLR and RAGE system, which may be acting collectively. CONCLUSIONS TLR and RAGE expression and their ligands, signaling, and functional activation are increased in preterm birth and may contribute to the proinflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taketoshi Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sado
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Naruse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shigetomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Akira Onogi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shoji Haruta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Akira Nagai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shozo Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takashi Kitanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Oi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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Novel insights into molecular mechanisms of abruption-induced preterm birth. Expert Rev Mol Med 2010; 12:e35. [PMID: 21040617 DOI: 10.1017/s1462399410001675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) complicates more than 12% of all deliveries. Despite significant research, the aetiology of most cases of PTB remains elusive. Two major antecedents of PTB, intra-amniotic infection and decidual haemorrhage (abruption), can exhibit dissimilar demographic and genetic predispositions, despite sharing common molecular and cellular pathways. The use of high-throughput, high-dimensional technologies reveals substantial crosstalk between the coagulation and inflammation pathways. Tissue factor, thrombin and cytokines are key mediators of this crosstalk. Abruptions are associated with excess thrombin generated from decidual-cell-expressed tissue factor. Although thrombin is a primary mediator of the coagulation cascade, it can also promote inflammation-associated PTB by enhancing expression of matrix metalloproteinase and neutrophil-chemoattracting and -activating chemokines. Here, we provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and pathways leading to PTB in the setting of placental abruption.
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18
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Mittal P, Romero R, Tarca AL, Gonzalez J, Draghici S, Xu Y, Dong Z, Nhan-Chang CL, Chaiworapongsa T, Lye S, Kusanovic JP, Lipovich L, Mazaki-Tovi S, Hassan SS, Mesiano S, Kim CJ. Characterization of the myometrial transcriptome and biological pathways of spontaneous human labor at term. J Perinat Med 2010; 38:617-43. [PMID: 20629487 PMCID: PMC3097097 DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2010.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS to characterize the transcriptome of human myometrium during spontaneous labor at term. METHODS myometrium was obtained from women with (n=19) and without labor (n=20). Illumina HumanHT-12 microarrays were utilized. Moderated t-tests and false discovery rate adjustment of P-values were applied. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed for a select set of differentially expressed genes in a separate set of samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot were utilized to confirm differential protein production in a third sample set. RESULTS 1) Four hundred and seventy-one genes were differentially expressed; 2) gene ontology analysis indicated enrichment of 103 biological processes and 18 molecular functions including: a) inflammatory response; b) cytokine activity; and c) chemokine activity; 3) systems biology pathway analysis using signaling pathway impact analysis indicated six significant pathways: a) cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction; b) Jak-STAT signaling; and c) complement and coagulation cascades; d) NOD-like receptor signaling pathway; e) systemic lupus erythematosus; and f) chemokine signaling pathway; 4) qRT-PCR confirmed over-expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2, heparin binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor, chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2/MCP1), leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor, subfamily A member 5, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 6 (CXCL6/GCP2), nuclear factor of kappa light chain gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor zeta, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and decreased expression of FK506 binding-protein 5 and aldehyde dehydrogenase in labor; 5) IL-6, CXCL6, CCL2 and SOCS3 protein expression was significantly higher in the term labor group compared to the term not in labor group. CONCLUSIONS myometrium of women in spontaneous labor at term is characterized by a stereotypic gene expression pattern consistent with over-expression of the inflammatory response and leukocyte chemotaxis. Differential gene expression identified with microarray was confirmed with qRT-PCR using an independent set of samples. This study represents an unbiased description of the biological processes involved in spontaneous labor at term based on transcriptomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Mittal
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Juan Gonzalez
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sorin Draghici
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Chia-Ling Nhan-Chang
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen Lye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Leonard Lipovich
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shali Mazaki-Tovi
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Progesterone induces scolex evagination of the human parasite Taenia solium: evolutionary implications to the host-parasite relationship. J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2010:591079. [PMID: 20037735 PMCID: PMC2796346 DOI: 10.1155/2010/591079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium cysticercosis is a health problem in underdeveloped and developed countries. Sex hormones are involved in cysticercosis prevalence in female and male pigs. Here, we evaluated the effects of progesterone and its antagonist RU486 on scolex evagination, which is the initial step in the development of the adult worm. Interestingly, progesterone increased T. solium scolex evagination and worm growth, in a concentration-independent pattern. Progesterone effects could be mediated by a novel T. solium progesterone receptor (TsPR), since RU486 inhibits both scolex evagination and worm development induced by progesterone. Using RT-PCR and western blot, sequences related to progesterone receptor were detected in the parasite. A phylogenetic analysis reveals that TsPR is highly related to fish and amphibian progesterone receptors, whereas it has a distant relation with birds and mammals. Conclusively, progesterone directly acts upon T. solium cysticerci, possibly through its binding to a progesterone receptor synthesized by the parasite.
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Rebarber A, Saltzman D, Ferrara LA, Istwan NB, Rhea DJ, Stanziano GJ, Hanley M. Reply. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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