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Tang M, Xin Y, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Zhang M, Sun D, Zhu X, Yao Y, Fei W, Zheng C. Placenta-anchored tadalafil liposomes rescues intrauterine growth restriction through continuous placental blood perfusion improvement. J Control Release 2024; 368:466-480. [PMID: 38452820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.004] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Physiological or pathological hypoperfusion of the placenta is one of the main causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) which poses a significant risk to the health of the fetus and newborn. Tadalafil, a 5-type phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has previously been found to improve the symptoms of IUGR in various clinical studies. Unfortunately, its clinical utility is hindered by its limited water solubility, rapid metabolism, and lack of specific distribution in target tissues rendering tadalafil unable to maintain long-term placental perfusion. In this study, iRGD-modified tadalafil-loaded liposomes (iRGD-lipo@Tad) featuring a size of approximately 480 nm were designed to rectify the shortcomings of tadalafil. The prepared iRGD-lipo@Tad exhibited superior stability, sustained drug release capacity, and low cytotoxicity. The fluorescence study, tissue slice study, and drug biodistribution study together demonstrated the placenta-anchored ability of iRGD-modified liposomes. This was achieved by a dual approach consisting of the iRGD-mediated placenta-targeting effect and special particle size-mediated placenta resident effect. The pharmacokinetic study revealed a significant improvement in the in vivo process of tadalafil encapsulated by the iRGD-modified liposomes. In comparison to the tadalafil solution, the peak plasma concentration of iRGD-lipo@Tad was significantly increased, and the area under the curve was increased by about 7.88 times. In the pharmacodynamic study, iRGD-lipo@Tad achieved a continuous and efficient improvement of placental blood perfusion. This was achieved by decreasing the ratio of plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase to placental growth factor and increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and nitric oxide. Consequently, iRGD-lipo@Tad resulted in a significant increase in embryo weight and a reduction in the miscarriage rate of N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced IUGR pregnant mice without detectable toxicity. In summary, the nanotechnology-assisted therapy strategy presented here not only overcomes the limitations of tadalafil in the clinical treatment of IUGR but also offers new avenues to address the treatment of other placenta-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yunchun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Dongli Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Weidong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Ortiz-Cerda T, Mosso C, Alcudia A, Vázquez-Román V, González-Ortiz M. Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia and L-Arginine/L-Citrulline Supplementation as a Potential Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:127-148. [PMID: 37466772 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
In preeclampsia, the shallow invasion of cytotrophoblast cells to uterine spiral arteries, leading to a reduction in placental blood flow, is associated with an imbalance of proangiogenic/antiangiogenic factors to impaired nitric oxide (NO) production. Proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF), require NO to induce angiogenesis through antioxidant regulation mechanisms. At the same time, there are increases in antiangiogenic factors in preeclampsia, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase type 1 receptor (sFIt1) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), which are mechanism derivates in the reduction of NO bioavailability and oxidative stress in placenta.Different strategies have been proposed to prevent or alleviate the detrimental effects of preeclampsia. However, the only intervention to avoid the severe consequences of the disease is the interruption of pregnancy. In this scenario, different approaches have been analysed to treat preeclamptic pregnant women safely. The supplementation with amino acids is one of them, especially those associated with NO synthesis. In this review, we discuss emerging concepts in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia to highlight L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation as potential strategies to improve birth outcomes. Clinical and experimental data concerning L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation have shown benefits in improving NO availability in the placenta and uterine-placental circulation, prolonging pregnancy in patients with gestational hypertension and decreasing maternal blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ortiz-Cerda
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Constanza Mosso
- Departamento de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ana Alcudia
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Victoria Vázquez-Román
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Dangudubiyyam SV, Mishra JS, Song R, Kumar S. Maternal PFOS exposure during rat pregnancy causes hypersensitivity to angiotensin II and attenuation of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the uterine arteries. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1072-1083. [PMID: 35835584 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac141] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show a strong association between environmental exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that gestational PFOS exposure leads to pregnancy complications via alterations in uterine vascular endothelium-independent angiotensin II-related mechanisms and endothelium-derived factors such as nitric oxide. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PFOS 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL through drinking water from gestational day 4 to 20, and dams with PFOS 50 μg/mL were used to assess mechanisms. PFOS exposure dose-dependently increased maternal blood pressure but decreased fetal weights. Uterine artery blood flow was lower and resistance index was higher in the PFOS dams. In PFOS dams, uterine artery contractile responses to angiotensin II were significantly greater, whereas contractile responses to K+ depolarization and phenylephrine were unaffected. Plasma angiotensin II levels were not significantly different between control and PFOS dams; however, PFOS exposure significantly increased AGTR1 and decreased AGTR2 protein levels in uterine arteries. Endothelium-dependent relaxation response to acetylcholine was significantly reduced with decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the uterine arteries of PFOS dams. Left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis were observed, along with increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening in PFOS dams. These results suggest that elevated maternal PFOS levels decrease uterine blood flow and increase vascular resistance via heightened angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which provides a molecular mechanism linking elevated maternal PFOS levels with gestational hypertension and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Vidya Dangudubiyyam
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ruolin Song
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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Wang Y, Li B, Zhao Y. Inflammation in Preeclampsia: Genetic Biomarkers, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883404. [PMID: 35880174 PMCID: PMC9307876 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Preeclampsia is a common and serious complication of pregnancy, posing a threat to maternal and fetal safety due to the lack of effective biomarkers and treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers that can be used to predict preeclampsia and identify the molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia pathogenesis and drug prediction at the transcriptome level. Methods We analyzed differential expression genes (DEGs) in preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia groups in the GSE75010 dataset, cross-linking with extracted inflammatory response-related genes to obtain differentially expressed inflammation-related genes (DINRGs). Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to understand the functions and enrichment pathways. Machine learning models were used to identify key genes associated with preeclampsia and build a nomogram in the training set, which was validated in the validation set. The R package RcisTarget was used to predict transcription factors, and Cytoscape was used to construct miRNA-mRNA pathways, which could identify the molecular mechanisms. Then, we conducted molecular docking of the obtained key genes INHBA (inhibin subunit beta A), OPRK1 (opioid receptor kappa 1), and TPBG (trophoblast glycoprotein), as well as predicted transcription factors with drug molecules. Additionally, the CIBERSORT method explored the differences in immune cell infiltration between preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia samples based on the GSE75010 dataset. Results A total of 69 DINRGs associated with preeclampsia patients were screened. INHBA, OPRK1, and TPBG were the key genes based on machine learning models. A nomogram for prediction was further constructed, and the receiver operating curves (ROCs) showed good performance. Based on the transcriptome level of key genes, we proposed that RELA-miR-548K/miR-1206-TPBG may be a potential RNA regulatory pathway regulating the progression of early preeclampsia. Molecular docking suggested the effectiveness of curcumin in the treatment of preeclampsia. Additionally, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and resting mast cells were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion In summary, we identified three key inflammation-associated genes, namely INHBA, OPRK1, and TPBG, which can be used as potential genetic biomarkers for preeclampsia prediction and treatment, and established a nomogram as a predictive model. Additionally, we provided insights into the mechanisms of preeclampsia development at the transcriptome level and performed corresponding drug predictions.
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Red Light Mitigates the Deteriorating Placental Extracellular Matrix in Late Onset of Preeclampsia and Improves the Trophoblast Behavior. J Pregnancy 2022; 2022:3922368. [PMID: 35494491 PMCID: PMC9045993 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3922368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder which in extreme cases may lead to maternal and fetal injury or death. Preexisting conditions which increase oxidative stress, e.g., hypertension and diabetes, increase the mother's risk to develop preeclampsia. Previously, we established that when the extracellular matrix is exposed to oxidative stress, trophoblast function is impaired, and this may lead to improper placentation. We investigated how the oxidative ECM present in preeclampsia alters the behavior of first trimester extravillous trophoblasts. We demonstrate elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and lipid oxidation end product 4-hydroxynonenal in preeclamptic ECM (28%, and 32% increase vs control, respectively) accompanied with 35% and 82% more 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine vs control, respectively. Furthermore, we hypothesized that 670 nm phototherapy, which has antioxidant properties, reverses the observed trophoblast dysfunction as depicted in the improved migration and reduction in apoptosis. Since NO is critical for placentation, we examined eNOS activity in preeclamptic placentas compared to healthy ones and found no differences; however, 670 nm light treatment triggered enhanced NO availability presumably by using alternative NO sources. Light exposure decreased apoptosis and restored trophoblast migration to levels in trophoblasts cultured on preeclamptic ECM. Moreover, 670 nm irradiation restored expression of Transforming Growth Factor (TGFβ) and Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) to levels observed in trophoblasts cultured on healthy placental ECM. We conclude the application of 670 nm light can successfully mitigate the damaged placental microenvironment of late onset preeclampsia as depicted by the restored trophoblast behavior.
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Arias A, Schander JA, Bariani MV, Correa F, Domínguez Rubio AP, Cella M, Cymeryng CB, Wolfson ML, Franchi AM, Aisemberg J. Dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restriction modulates expression of placental vascular growth factors and fetal and placental growth. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab006. [PMID: 33528567 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids (GC) is a central topic of interest in medicine since GCs are essential for the maturation of fetal organs and intrauterine growth. Synthetic glucocorticoids, which are used in obstetric practice, exert beneficial effects on the fetus, but have also been reported to lead to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In this study, a model of growth restriction in mice was established through maternal administration of dexamethasone during late gestation. We hypothesised that GC overexposure may adversely affect placental angiogenesis and fetal and placental growth. Female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control or dexamethasone treatment, either left to give birth or euthanised on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation followed by collection of maternal and fetal tissue. The IUGR rate increased to 100% in the dexamethasone group (8 mg/kg body weight on gestational days 14 and 15) and pups had clinical features of symmetrical IUGR at birth. Dexamethasone administration significantly decreased maternal body weight gain and serum corticosterone levels. Moreover, prenatal dexamethasone treatment not only induced fetal growth retardation but also decreased placental weight. In IUGR placentas, VEGFA protein levels and mRNA expression of VEGF receptors were reduced and NOS activity was lower. Maternal dexamethasone administration also reduced placental expression of the GC receptor, αGR. We demonstrated that maternal dexamethasone administration causes fetal and placental growth restriction. Furthermore, we propose that the growth retardation induced by prenatal GC overexposure may be caused, at least partially, by an altered placental angiogenic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arias
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - J A Schander
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M V Bariani
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Correa
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A P Domínguez Rubio
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinario de Dinámica Celular y Nanoherramientas, Instituto de Química Biológica Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-UBA-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Cella
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C B Cymeryng
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Molecular, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Wolfson
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A M Franchi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Aisemberg
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Dai Y, Zhang J, Liu R, Xu N, Yan SB, Chen Y, Li TH. The role and mechanism of asymmetric dimethylarginine in fetal growth restriction via interference with endothelial function and angiogenesis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1083-1095. [PMID: 32215825 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a high-risk pregnancy, and placental dysfunction is the main cause of FGR. The upregulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is linked to FGR pathology, but the mechanism needs to be investigated. METHODS The levels of ADMA and other related molecules were measured in human biological samples. We further used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to reveal the mechanism of ADMA-induced FGR in vitro. RESULTS Compared with the control group, FGR patients had higher placental resistance, and ADMA levels were increased in the maternal blood, cord blood, and placenta; additionally, nitric oxide (NO) production decreased, accompanied by a decreased expression of endogenous NO synthase (eNOS). The expression of vascular growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PLGF) in the maternal blood during the third trimester and umbilical cord of the FGR group was lower than the control group. The PLGF levels in the placentas of the FGR group were also reduced, while the expression of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) increased. In in vitro cell experiments, NO production was obviously lower when the cells were exposed to 100 μM of ADMA, with no difference in eNOS expression. There was a dose-dependent decrease in PLGF expression with increasing doses of ADMA, and the levels of sFlt-1 increased. Moreover, we confirmed that tube formation in HUVECs was lower after ADMA treatment compared with the control group. CONCLUSION The accumulation of ADMA during pregnancy has an adverse effect on fetal development via interference with placental endothelial function and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Dai
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Na Xu
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Song-Biao Yan
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China.
| | - Tian-He Li
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, 251# Yao Jia Yuan Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100026, China.
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Malaria in Pregnancy and Adverse Birth Outcomes: New Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Trends Parasitol 2019; 36:127-137. [PMID: 31864896 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Malaria infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we discuss the impact of malaria in pregnancy on three pathways that are important regulators of healthy pregnancy outcomes: L-arginine-nitric oxide biogenesis, complement activation, and the heme axis. These pathways are not mutually exclusive, and they collectively create a proinflammatory, antiangiogenic milieu at the maternal-fetal interface that interferes with placental function and development. We hypothesize that targeting these host-response pathways would mitigate the burden of adverse birth outcomes attributable to malaria in pregnancy.
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McDonald CR, Cahill LS, Gamble JL, Elphinstone R, Gazdzinski LM, Zhong KJY, Philson AC, Madanitsa M, Kalilani-Phiri L, Mwapasa V, Ter Kuile FO, Sled JG, Conroy AL, Kain KC. Malaria in pregnancy alters l-arginine bioavailability and placental vascular development. Sci Transl Med 2019. [PMID: 29514999 PMCID: PMC6510298 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan6007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Reducing adverse birth outcomes due to malaria in pregnancy (MIP) is a global health priority. However, there are few safe and effective interventions. L-arginine is an essential amino acid in pregnancy and an immediate precursor in the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO), but there are limited data on the impact of MIP on NO biogenesis. We hypothesized that hypoarginemia contributes to the pathophysiology of MIP and that L-arginine supplementation would improve birth outcomes. In a prospective study of pregnant Malawian women, we show that MIP was associated with lower concentrations of L- arginine and higher concentrations of endogenous inhibitors of NO biosynthesis, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine, which were associated with adverse birth outcomes. In a model of experimental MIP, L-arginine supplementation in dams improved birth outcomes (decreased stillbirth and increased birth weight) compared with controls. The mechanism of action was via normalized angiogenic pathways and enhanced placental vascular development, as visualized by placental microcomputerized tomography imaging. These data define a role for dysregulation of NO biosynthetic pathways in the pathogenesis of MIP and support the evaluation of interventions to enhance L-arginine bioavailability as strategies to improve birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe R McDonald
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3HT, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Joel L Gamble
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Robyn Elphinstone
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lisa M Gazdzinski
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3HT, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kathleen J Y Zhong
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Adrienne C Philson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, P.O. Box 280, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3HT, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada. .,Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
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10
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Weckman AM, McDonald CR, Baxter JAB, Fawzi WW, Conroy AL, Kain KC. Perspective: L-arginine and L-citrulline Supplementation in Pregnancy: A Potential Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes in Low-Resource Settings. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:765-777. [PMID: 31075164 PMCID: PMC6743852 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmz015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The available data support the hypothesis that L-arginine or L-citrulline supplementation would be suitable for implementation in resource-constrained settings and will enhance placental vascular development and improve birth outcomes. In resource-constrained settings, the rates of adverse birth outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight, are disproportionately high. Complications resulting from preterm birth are now the leading cause of mortality in children <5 y of age worldwide. Despite the global health burden of adverse birth outcomes, few effective interventions are currently available and new strategies are urgently needed, especially for low-resource settings. L-arginine is a nutritionally essential amino acid in pregnancy and an immediate precursor of nitric oxide. During pregnancy, placental and embryonic growth increases the demand for L-arginine, which can exceed endogenous synthesis of L-arginine from L-citrulline, necessitating increased dietary intake. In many low-resource settings, dietary intake of L-arginine in pregnancy is inadequate owing to widespread protein malnutrition and depletion of endogenous L-arginine due to maternal infections, in particular malaria. Here we examine the role of the L-arginine-nitric oxide biosynthetic pathway in pregnancy including placental vascular development and fetal growth. We review the evidence for the relations between altered L-arginine bioavailability and pregnancy outcomes, and strategies for arginine supplementation in pregnancy. Existing studies of L-arginine supplementation in pregnancy in high-resource settings have shown improved maternal and fetal hemodynamics, prevention of pre-eclampsia, and improved birth outcomes including higher birth weight and longer gestation. Arginine supplementation studies now need to be extended to pregnant women in low-resource settings, especially those at risk of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Weckman
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chloe R McDonald
- Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jo-Anna B Baxter
- Department of Nutritional Sciences,Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology,Sandra A Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada,Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Address correspondence to KCK (e-mail: )
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11
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Dymara-Konopka W, Laskowska M. The Role of Nitric Oxide, ADMA, and Homocysteine in The Etiopathogenesis of Preeclampsia-Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112757. [PMID: 31195628 PMCID: PMC6600256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a serious, pregnancy-specific, multi-organ disease process of compound aetiology. It affects 3–6% of expecting mothers worldwide and it persists as a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. In fact, hallmark features of preeclampsia (PE) result from vessel involvement and demonstrate maternal endothelium as a target tissue. Growing evidence suggests that chronic placental hypoperfusion triggers the production and release of certain agents that are responsible for endothelial activation and injury. In this review, we will present the latest findings on the role of nitric oxide, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and homocysteine in the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia and their possible clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Dymara-Konopka
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland, 20-950 Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, Poland.
| | - Marzena Laskowska
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland, 20-950 Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, Poland.
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12
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Chimini JS, Possomato-Vieira JS, da Silva MLS, Dias-Junior CA. Placental nitric oxide formation and endothelium-dependent vasodilation underlie pravastatin effects against angiogenic imbalance, hypertension in pregnancy and intrauterine growth restriction. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 124:385-393. [PMID: 30318719 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are frequently associated with foeto-placental growth restriction, and that may be triggered by angiogenic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability seems to be involved in these pathophysiological changes observed in hypertensive pregnancy. Pravastatin has shown efficacy and to be safe during hypertension in pregnancy. However, NO involvement in pravastatin effects during maternal hypertension and foeto-placental development is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine pravastatin effects on placental NO formation, endothelium-dependent vasodilation, systolic blood pressure and foeto-placental development in hypertensive pregnant rats. Biochemical determinants of angiogenesis and oxidative stress were also assessed. Pregnant rats were distributed into four groups: normal pregnancy (Norm-Preg), pregnancy+pravastatin (Preg-Prava), hypertensive pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and hypertensive pregnancy+pravastatin (HTN-Preg+Prava). Our results showed that pravastatin treatment blunts hypertension and foeto-placental growth restriction. Also, increases in placental NO levels were found in the HTN-Preg+Prava group. Pravastatin prevents impaired endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, exacerbated contractile response to phenylephrine and increases in oxidative stress in the HTN-Preg+Prava group. Increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) ratio is reversed by pravastatin treatment in the HTN-Preg+Prava group. We conclude that NO formation and endothelium-dependent vasodilation underlie pleiotropic effects associated with pravastatin treatment against hypertension in pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, vascular dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sabbatine Chimini
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jose Sergio Possomato-Vieira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Santos da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Dias-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
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13
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Arginase controls soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sFlt1) to maintain pregnancy homeostasis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 499:150-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.03.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Placental explant culture, and cellular cytolysis and cellular differentiation have been previously studied. However, oxidative stress and nitric oxide profiles have not been evaluated in these systems. The aim of this study was to determine the release of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide from placental explants cultured over a seven day period. Placental explants were maintained for seven days in culture and the medium was changed every 24 hours. The response was assessed in terms of syncytiotrophoblast differentiation (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG), cellular cytolysis (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO). Levels of hCG increased progressively from day two to attain its highest level on days four and five after which it decreased gradually. In contrast, the levels of LDH, TBARS, and NO were elevated in the early days of placental culture when new syncytiotrophoblast from cytotrophoblast were forming and also in the last days of culture when tissue was declining. In conclusion, the levels of NO and lipid peroxidation follow a pattern similar to LDH and contrary to hCG. Future placental explant studies to evaluate oxidative stress and NO should consider the physiological changes inherent during the time of culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juvic M Goncalves
- a Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Central de Venezuela , Caracas , Venezuela and.,b Departamento de Biología de Organismos , Universidad Simón Bolívar , Baruta , Venezuela
| | - Ysabel C Casart
- a Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Central de Venezuela , Caracas , Venezuela and
| | - María I Camejo
- b Departamento de Biología de Organismos , Universidad Simón Bolívar , Baruta , Venezuela
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15
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Shah DA, Khalil RA. Bioactive factors in uteroplacental and systemic circulation link placental ischemia to generalized vascular dysfunction in hypertensive pregnancy and preeclampsia. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 95:211-26. [PMID: 25916268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-associated disorder characterized by hypertension, and could lead to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are unclear. Predisposing demographic, genetic and environmental risk factors could cause localized abnormalities in uteroplacental cytoactive factors such as integrins, matrix metalloproteinases, cytokines and major histocompatibility complex molecules leading to decreased vascular remodeling, uteroplacental vasoconstriction, trophoblast cells apoptosis, and abnormal development of the placenta. Defective placentation and decreased trophoblast invasion of the myometrium cause reduction in uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) and placental ischemia/hypoxia, an important event in preeclampsia. RUPP could stimulate the release of circulating bioactive factors such as the anti-angiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin that cause imbalance with the pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, or cause the release of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, hypoxia-induced factor-1 and AT1 angiotensin receptor agonistic autoantibodies. The circulating bioactive factors target endothelial cells causing generalized endotheliosis, endothelial dysfunction, decreased vasodilators such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin and increased vasoconstrictors such as endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2, leading to increased vasoconstriction. The bioactive factors also stimulate the mechanisms of VSM contraction including Ca(2+), protein kinase C, and Rho-kinase and induce extracellular matrix remodeling leading to further vasoconstriction and hypertension. While therapeutic options are currently limited, understanding the underlying mechanisms could help design new interventions for management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania A Shah
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratory, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratory, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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16
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Knuth A, Liu L, Nielsen H, Merril D, Torry DS, Arroyo JA. Placenta growth factor induces invasion and activates p70 during rapamycin treatment in trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 73:330-40. [PMID: 25271148 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Aberrant trophoblast invasion has been associated with human intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE). Our objective was to determine placenta growth factor (PlGF)-mediated regulation of cell invasion in trophoblast cells with reduced mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. METHOD OF STUDY First trimester SW 71 trophoblast cells were subjected to invasion assays with the following conditions: 10% FBS, 10% FBS with Rapamycin, and 10% FBS with Rapamycin and PlGF. mTOR siRNA was also done in these cells. Western blots were performed on cell lysates with antibodies against phospho- and total mTOR, 70-kDa ribosomal protein kinase I (p70), 4EBP1, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (AKT). RESULTS Compared to controls, trophoblast cells showed: (i) a 33% decrease in invasion following Rapamycin treatment, (ii) protection from decreased invasion following Rapamycin and PlGF treatment, (iii) a 31% decrease in mTOR phosphorylation with Rapamycin, (iv) increased phosphorylation of p70 (43%) with Rapamycin and PlGF, and (v) a 76% decrease in invasion following mTOR depletion. CONCLUSION We conclude that first trimester trophoblast invasion is functionally decreased when phosphorylation of mTOR is prevented and this decrease is recovered with the addition of PlGF. Mechanistically, this recovery involves the phosphorylation of p70 independent of mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Knuth
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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17
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Jeong JH, Kim HG, Choi OH. Sildenafil Inhibits Advanced Glycation End Products-induced sFlt-1 Release Through Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1. J Menopausal Med 2014; 20:57-68. [PMID: 25371895 PMCID: PMC4207003 DOI: 10.6118/jmm.2014.20.2.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We examined the effect of sildenafil citrate on advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) release in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. Methods Cells were incubated with control bovine serum albumin (BSA) or AGEs-BSA, and expression of sFlt-1 mRNA and protein release was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. AGEs-BSA increased sFlt-1 mRNA expression and protein release in a dose-dependent manner. Results Sildenafil citrate suppressed sFlt-1 mRNA expression and protein release in cells treated with AGEs-BSA in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, it inhibited the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NF-κB activity in these cells. Cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) and bilirubin also inhibited sFlt-1 release and ROS production in cells treated with AGEs-BSA, whereas zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX) antagonized the effect of sildenafil citrate. In cells transfected with the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) siRNA, sildenafil citrate failed to inhibit the sFlt-1 release and ROS production. Conclusion These results strongly suggest that sildenafil citrate inhibits sFlt-1 release and ROS production in cells treated with AGEs-BSA through upregulation of the HO-1 expression in JEG-3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyeok Jeong
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University, School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Hwi Gon Kim
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University, School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ook Hwan Choi
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University, School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
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18
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Zhang B, Che LQ, Lin Y, Zhuo Y, Fang ZF, Xu SY, Song J, Wang YS, Liu Y, Wang P, Wu D. Effect of Dietary N-Carbamylglutamate Levels on Reproductive Performance of Gilts. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:740-5. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - LQ Che
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - Y Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - Y Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - ZF Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - SY Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - J Song
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - YS Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - Y Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - P Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
| | - D Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition and Feed Science; Institute of Animal Nutrition; Sichuan Agricultural University; Ya'an China
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Nitric oxide (NO) reversed TNF-α inhibition of trophoblast interaction with endothelial cellular networks. Placenta 2014; 35:417-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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20
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Holwerda KM, Faas MM, van Goor H, Lely AT. Gasotransmitters: a solution for the therapeutic dilemma in preeclampsia? Hypertension 2013; 62:653-9. [PMID: 23959552 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.01625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Holwerda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30001, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
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21
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Chinnathambi V, Balakrishnan M, Ramadoss J, Yallampalli C, Sathishkumar K. Testosterone alters maternal vascular adaptations: role of the endothelial NO system. Hypertension 2013; 61:647-54. [PMID: 23339170 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.111.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone play an important role in vascular adaptations during pregnancy. However, little is known about the role of androgens. Plasma testosterone (T) levels are elevated in preeclampsia, mothers with polycystic ovary, and pregnant African American women, who have endothelial dysfunction and develop gestational hypertension. We tested whether increased T alters vascular adaptations during pregnancy and whether these alterations depend on endothelium-derived factors, such as prostacyclin, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and NO. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were injected with vehicle (n=12) or T propionate [0.5 mg/Kg per day from gestation day 15-19; n=12] to increase plasma T levels 2-fold, similar to that observed in preeclampsia. Telemetric blood pressures and endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity were assessed with wire-myograph system. Phospho-endothelial NO synthase and total endothelial NO synthase were examined in mesenteric arteries. Mean arterial pressures were significantly higher starting from gestation day19 until delivery in T-treated dams. Endothelium-dependent relaxation responses to acetylcholine were significantly lower in mesenteric arteries of T-treated dams (pD(2) [-log EC(50)]=7.05±0.06; E(max)=89.4±1.89) compared with controls (pD(2)=7.38±0.04; E(max)=99.9±0.97). Further assessment of endothelial factors showed NO-mediated relaxations were blunted in T-treated mesenteric arteries (E(max)=42.26±5.95) compared with controls (E(max)=76.49±5.06); however, prostacyclin- and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxations were unaffected. Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was unaffected with T-treatment. Phosphorylations of endothelial NO synthase at Ser(1177) were decreased and at Thr(495) increased in T-treated mesenteric arteries without changes in total endothelial NO synthase levels. In conclusion, increased maternal T, at concentrations relevant to abnormal clinical conditions, cause hypertension associated with blunting of NO-mediated vasodilation. T may induce the increased vascular resistance associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayakumar Chinnathambi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA
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22
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Effects of SAC on oxidative stress and NO availability in placenta: potential benefits to preeclampsia. Placenta 2012; 33:487-94. [PMID: 22405339 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of fetal growth restriction and perinatal mortality, which involves oxidative stress and vasodilator signaling disorder. S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) is one of the most abundant compounds in garlic extracts, and possesses several biological activities. This research was designed to investigate the protective effects of SAC against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative insults, as well as the effects on NO/cGMP signaling pathway in placenta. We used TEV-1 cells and placental explants to detect the effects of SAC. TEV-1 cells and human placental explants were separately exposed to SAC, H(2)O(2), or a combination of H(2)O(2) and SAC. Intracellular ROS was detected by flow cytometry; the NO level was detected by an NO metabolites (NOx) assay; the cGMP level was simultaneously measured by the method of radioimmunoassay; the expression of eNOS in TEV-1 cells was measured by immunochemistry and Western blot. Our findings showed that H(2)O(2) treatment increased ROS productions in TEV-1 cells and significantly decreased cGMP and NO level either in TEV-1 cells or explants compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). The expression of eNOS in TEV-1 cells also significantly decreased in H(2)O(2) treated group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Co-treatment of H(2)O(2) and SAC significantly decreased ROS productions, and increased NO, cGMP and eNOS level compared to the H(2)O(2) treated alone groups (p < 0.05), which were all reverted back to near control levels. Further more, SAC treatment increased NO and cGMP level of TEV-1 cells and explants in a dose-dependent manner even at non-oxidative stress status (p < 0.05). However, when the TEV-1 cells were cultured in the presence of NOS inhibitor (L-NAME) and NO donor (SNP), additional SAC treatment still significantly increased the NO level in comparison with SAC non-treated group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that ROS (H(2)O(2)-mediated) can induce insults to NO/cGMP pathway, while SAC could antagonize this insult. And SAC also possesses the ability to increase NO and cGMP level at non-oxidative stress status in TEV-1 cells and placenta explants. SAC is therefore hypothesized to be a potential drug for PE treatment.
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