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Shimada H, Powell TL, Jansson T. Regulation of placental amino acid transport in health and disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14157. [PMID: 38711335 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal fetal growth, i.e., intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) and fetal overgrowth, is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and is strongly linked to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disease in childhood and later in life. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in placental amino acid transport may contribute to abnormal fetal growth. This review is focused on amino acid transport in the human placenta, however, relevant animal models will be discussed to add mechanistic insights. At least 25 distinct amino acid transporters with different characteristics and substrate preferences have been identified in the human placenta. Of these, System A, transporting neutral nonessential amino acids, and System L, mediating the transport of essential amino acids, have been studied in some detail. Importantly, decreased placental Systems A and L transporter activity is strongly associated with IUGR and increased placental activity of these two amino acid transporters has been linked to fetal overgrowth in human pregnancy. An array of factors in the maternal circulation, including insulin, IGF-1, and adiponectin, and placental signaling pathways such as mTOR, have been identified as key regulators of placental Systems A and L. Studies using trophoblast-specific gene targeting in mice have provided compelling evidence that changes in placental Systems A and L are mechanistically linked to altered fetal growth. It is possible that targeting specific placental amino acid transporters or their upstream regulators represents a novel intervention to alleviate the short- and long-term consequences of abnormal fetal growth in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Shimada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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He H, Chen M, Long F, Ma C, Wang H, Qin J, Chen L. The "toxic window" of amoxicillin exposure during pregnancy on long bone development in fetal mice. Life Sci 2024; 350:122759. [PMID: 38815897 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat infectious diseases in pregnant women. Studies have shown that prenatal amoxicillin exposure (PAmE) has developmental toxicity on fetal development. However, the effect of PAmE on long bone development has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the "toxic window" of PAmE on long bone development and explore its possible mechanism in fetal mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant mice were administered amoxicillin by gavage at different stages (gestational day (GD)10-12 and GD16-18), different doses (150 and 300 mg/kg·d) and different courses (single and multiple courses). Fetal femurs were collected at GD18 and bone development related indicators were detected. KEY FINDINGS The results showed that PAmE significantly reduced the length of the femur and primary ossification center of fetal mice, and inhibited the development of fetal growth plate. Meanwhile, PAmE inhibited the development of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts and endothelial cells in fetal long bone. Further, we found the fetal long bone developmental toxicity induced by PAmE was most significant at late-pregnancy (GD16-18), high dose (300 mg/kg·d) and multiple-course group. Besides, PAmE inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in fetal long bone. The β-catenin mRNA expression was significantly positively correlated with the development indexes of fetal long bone. SIGNIFICANCE PAmE has toxic effects on long bone development, and there was an obvious "toxic window" of PAmE on the long bone development in fetal mice. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may mediate PAmE-induced fetal long bone development inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangyuan He
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fei Long
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chi Ma
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Fussell JC, Jauniaux E, Smith RB, Burton GJ. Ambient air pollution and adverse birth outcomes: A review of underlying mechanisms. BJOG 2024; 131:538-550. [PMID: 38037459 PMCID: PMC7615717 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological data provide varying degrees of evidence for associations between prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants and adverse birth outcomes (suboptimal measures of fetal growth, preterm birth and stillbirth). To assess further certainty of effects, this review examines the experimental literature base to identify mechanisms by which air pollution (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone) could cause adverse effects on the developing fetus. It likely that this environmental insult impacts multiple biological pathways important for sustaining a healthy pregnancy, depending upon the composition of the pollutant mixture and the exposure window owing to changes in physiologic maturity of the placenta, its circulations and the fetus as pregnancy ensues. The current body of evidence indicates that the placenta is a target tissue, impacted by a variety of critical processes including nitrosative/oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, epigenetic changes, as well as vascular dysregulation of the maternal-fetal unit. All of the above can disturb placental function and, as a consequence, could contribute to compromised fetal growth as well increasing the risk of stillbirth. Furthermore, given that there is often an increased inflammatory response associated with preterm labour, inflammation is a plausible mechanism mediating the effects of air pollution on premature delivery. In the light of increased urbanisation and an ever-changing climate, both of which increase ambient air pollution and negatively affect vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, it is hoped that the collective evidence may contribute to decisions taken to strengthen air quality policies, reductions in exposure to air pollution and subsequent improvements in the health of those not yet born.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Fussell
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Jauniaux
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Mohn Centre for Children’s Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Graham J. Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge
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Schroeder M, Fuenzalida B, Yi N, Shahnawaz S, Gertsch J, Pellegata D, Ontsouka E, Leiva A, Gutiérrez J, Müller M, Brocco MA, Albrecht C. LAT1-dependent placental methionine uptake is a key player in fetal programming of metabolic disease. Metabolism 2024; 153:155793. [PMID: 38295946 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis sustains that exposure to different stressors during prenatal development prepares the offspring for the challenges to be encountered after birth. We studied the gestational period as a particularly vulnerable window where different stressors can have strong implications for fetal programming of the offspring's life-long metabolic status via alterations of specific placentally expressed nutrient transporters. To study this mechanism, we used a murine prenatal stress model, human preeclampsia, early miscarriage, and healthy placental tissue samples, in addition to in vitro models of placental cells. In stressed mice, placental overexpression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (Lat1) and subsequent global placental DNA hypermethylation was accompanied by fetal and adult hypothalamic dysregulation in global DNA methylation and gene expression as well as long-term metabolic abnormalities exclusively in female offspring. In human preeclampsia, early miscarriage, and under hypoxic conditions, placental LAT1 was significantly upregulated, leading to increased methionine uptake and global DNA hypermethylation. Remarkably, subgroups of healthy term placentas with high expression of stress-related genes presented increased levels of placental LAT1 mRNA and protein, DNA and RNA hypermethylation, increased methionine uptake capacity, one-carbon metabolic pathway disruption, higher methionine concentration in the placenta and transport to the fetus specifically in females. Since LAT1 mediates the intracellular accumulation of methionine, global DNA methylation, and one-carbon metabolism in the placenta, our findings hint at a major sex-specific global response to a variety of prenatal stressors affecting placental function, epigenetic programming, and life-long metabolic disease and provide a much-needed insight into early-life factors predisposing females/women to metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Schroeder
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Barbara Fuenzalida
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nan Yi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Saira Shahnawaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Sargodha Medical College, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Sargodha Medical College, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Pellegata
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Edgar Ontsouka
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Leiva
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad of San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad of San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martin Müller
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcela A Brocco
- Institute of Biotechnological Research, University of San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Griffith JA, King RD, Dunn AC, Lewis SE, Maxwell BA, Nurkiewicz TR, Goldsmith WT, Kelley EE, Bowdridge EC. Maternal nano-titanium dioxide inhalation exposure alters placental cyclooxygenase and oxidant balance in a sexually dimorphic manner. ADVANCES IN REDOX RESEARCH 2024; 10:10.1016/j.arres.2023.100090. [PMID: 38562524 PMCID: PMC10979698 DOI: 10.1016/j.arres.2023.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in nutrient-waste exchange between the maternal and fetal circulation, and thus impacts fetal growth and development. We have previously shown that nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) inhalation exposure during gestation decreased fetal female pup and placenta mass [1], which persists in the following generation [2]. In utero exposed females, once mated, their offspring's placentas had increased capacity for H2O2 production. Generation of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), have been shown to impact cyclooxygenase activity, specifically metabolites such as prostacyclin (PGI2) or thromboxane (TXA2). Therefore, we hypothesized that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure during gestation results in alterations in placental production of prostacyclin and thromboxane mediated by enhanced H2O2 production in a sexually dimorphic manner. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to nano-TiO2 aerosols or filtered air (sham--control) from gestational day (GD) 10-19. Dams were euthanized on GD 20, and fetal serum and placental tissue were collected based on fetal sex. Fetal placental zones (junctional zone (JZ) and labyrinth zone (LZ)) were assessed for xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity, H2O2, and catalase activity, as well as 6-keto-PGF1α and TXB2 levels. Nano-TiO2 exposed fetal female LZ demonstrated significantly greater XOR activity compared to exposed males. Exposed fetal female LZ also demonstrated significantly diminished catalase activity compared to sham-control females. Exposed fetal female LZ had significantly increased abundance of 6-keto-PGF1α compared to sham-control females and increased TXB2 compared to exposed males. In the aggregate these data indicate that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure has a greater impact on redox homeostasis and PGI2/TXA2 balance in the fetal female LZ. Future studies need to address if treatment with an XO inhibitor during gestation can prevent diminished fetal female growth during maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Griffith
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rachel D. King
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Allison C. Dunn
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sara E. Lewis
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Brooke A. Maxwell
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Timothy R. Nurkiewicz
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - William T. Goldsmith
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Eric E. Kelley
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Bowdridge
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
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6
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Song W, Guo Q, Puttabyatappa M, Elangovan VR, Wang J, Li F, Liu F, Bi X, Li H, Fu G, Padmanabhan V, Wu X. FGR-associated placental insufficiency and capillary angiogenesis involves disruptions in human placental miRNAs and mRNAs. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28007. [PMID: 38509973 PMCID: PMC10951647 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28007] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most common pregnancy complications culminating in adverse fetal outcome, including preterm birth, neonatal mortality and stillbirth. Compromised placental development and function, especially disruption in angiogenesis and inadequate nutrient supply are contributing factors. Fetal sex also influences placental function. Knowledge of gene expression changes and epigenetic factors contributing to placental dysfunction in FGR pregnancies will help identify biomarkers and help target interventions. This study tested the hypothesis that FGR pregnancies are associated with disruptions in miRNA - an epigenetic factor and mRNAs involving key mediators of angiogenesis and microvessel development. Changes in expression of key genes/proteins involved in placental dysfunction by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry and miRNA changes by RNA sequencing were undertaken with term placenta from 12 control and 20 FGR pregnancies. Findings showed changes in expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, steroid action, IGF family members, inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors in FGR pregnancies. In addition, upregulation of MIR451A and downregulation of MIR543 in placentas from FGR group with female newborns and upregulation of MIR520G in placentas from FGR group with male newborns were also noted. MIR451A and MIR543 have been implicated in angiogenesis. Consistent with gene changes, CD34, the microvessel angiogenesis marker, also showed reduced staining only in female FGR group. These findings provide evidence that epigentically regulated gene expression changes in angiogenesis and capillary development influence placental impairment in FGR pregnancies. Our preliminary observations also support for these changes to be driven in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | | | | | - Jianping Wang
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Fang Li
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xuejie Bi
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Haiying Li
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Guangping Fu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College for Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | | | - XiaoHua Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
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Meng Q, Mitra S, Del Rosario I, Jerrett M, Janzen C, Devaskar SU, Ritz B. Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and their association with oxidative stress among pregnant women in Los Angeles. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4119505. [PMID: 38562764 PMCID: PMC10984082 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4119505/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been linked to adverse birth outcomes, but few epidemiological studies to date have evaluated associations between urinary PAH metabolites and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy. Methods We measured a total of 7 PAH metabolites and 2 oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) in urine samples collected up to three times during pregnancy in 159 women enrolled at antenatal clinics at the University of California Los Angeles during 2016-2019. Using multiple linear regression models, we estimated the percentage change (%) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in 8-OHdG and MDA measured at each sample collection time per doubling of PAH metabolite concentrations. Results Most PAH metabolites were positively associated with both urinary oxidative stress biomarkers, MDA and 8-OHdG, with stronger associations in early and late pregnancy. Women pregnant with male fetuses exhibited slightly larger increases in both MDA and 8-OHdG in association with PAH exposures in early and late pregnancy. Conclusion Urinary OH-PAH biomarkers are associated with increases in oxidative stress during pregnancy, especially in early and late pregnancy. Sex differences in associations between PAH exposures and oxidative stress need to be further explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Meng
- University of California, Los Angeles
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Dai Y, Peng Y, Hu W, Liu Y, Wang H. Prenatal amoxicillin exposure induces developmental toxicity in fetal mice and its characteristics. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 137:287-301. [PMID: 37980015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Amoxicillin, a widely used antibiotic in human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, is now considered as an "emerging contaminant" because it exists widespreadly in the environment and brings a series of adverse outcomes. Currently, systematic studies about the developmental toxicity of amoxicillin are still lacking. We explored the potential effects of amoxicillin exposure on pregnancy outcomes, maternal/fetal serum phenotypes, and fetal multiple organ development in mice, at different doses (75, 150, 300 mg/(kg·day)) during late-pregnancy, or at a dose of 300 mg/(kg·day) during different stages (mid-/late-pregnancy) and courses (single-/multi-course). Results showed that prenatal amoxicillin exposure (PAmE) had no significant influence on the body weights of dams, but it could inhibit the physical development and reduce the survival rate of fetuses, especially during the mid-pregnancy. Meanwhile, PAmE altered multiple maternal/fetal serum phenotypes, especially in fetuses. Fetal multi-organ function results showed that PAmE inhibited testicular/adrenal steroid synthesis, long bone/cartilage and hippocampal development, and enhanced ovarian steroid synthesis and hepatic glycogenesis/lipogenesis, and the order of severity might be gonad (testis, ovary) > liver > others. Further analysis found that PAmE-induced multi-organ developmental and functional alterations had differences in stages, courses and fetal gender, and the most obvious changes might be in high-dose, late-pregnancy and multi-course, but there was no typical rule of a dose-response relationship. In conclusion, this study confirmed that PAmE could cause abnormal development and multi-organ function alterations, which deepens our understanding of the risk of PAmE and provides an experimental basis for further exploration of the long-term harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Zhao M, Lei J, Deng F, Zhao C, Xu T, Ji B, Fu M, Wang X, Sun M, Zhang M, Gao Q. Gestational Hypoxia Impaired Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthesis Via miR-155-5p/NADPH Oxidase/Reactive Oxygen Species Axis in Male Offspring Vessels. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032079. [PMID: 38240225 PMCID: PMC11056123 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is the most important vasodilator secreted by vascular endothelial cells, and its abnormal synthesis is involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. The prenatal period is a critical time for development and largely determines lifelong vascular health in offspring. Given the high incidence and severity of gestational hypoxia in mid-late pregnancy, it is urgent to further explore whether it affects the long-term synthesis of NO in offspring vascular endothelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic (10.5% O2) chamber from gestation days 10 to 20. The thoracic aortas of fetal and adult male offspring were isolated for experiments. Gestational hypoxia significantly reduces the NO-dependent vasodilation mediated by acetylcholine in both the fetal and adult offspring thoracic aorta rings. Meanwhile, acetylcholine-induced NO synthesis is impaired in vascular endothelial cells from hypoxic offspring thoracic aortas. We demonstrate that gestational hypoxic offspring exhibit a reduced endothelial NO synthesis capacity, primarily due to increased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and enhanced reactive oxygen species. Additionally, gestational hypoxic offspring show elevated levels of miR-155-5p in vascular endothelial cells, which is associated with increased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and reactive oxygen species generation, as well as impaired NO synthesis. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to demonstrate that gestational hypoxia impairs endothelial NO synthesis via the miR-155-5p/NADPH oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species axis in offspring vessels. These novel findings indicate that the detrimental effects of gestational hypoxia on fetal vascular function can persist into adulthood, providing new insights into the development of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third People’s Hospital of Bengbu Affiliated to Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Fengying Deng
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Chenxuan Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Mengyu Fu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xietong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Miao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health CommissionShandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Morales-Prieto DM, Wieditz K, Götze J, Pastuschek J, Weber M, Göhner C, Groten T, Markert UR. Transplacental migration of maternal natural killer and T cells assessed by ex vivo human placenta perfusion. Placenta 2024; 146:42-49. [PMID: 38169218 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The transplacental passage of cells between a mother and her fetus, known as microchimerism, is a less studied process during pregnancy. The frequency of maternal microchimeric cells in fetal tissues in physiological pregnancies and mechanisms responsible for transplacental cell trafficking are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the placental trafficking of maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using human ex vivo placenta perfusion. METHODS Ten placentas and maternal PBMC were obtained after healthy pregnancies. Flow cytometry was used to characterize PBMC subtypes. They showed a higher percentage of CD3+ T cells compared to CD56+ NK cells. The isolated PBMC were stained with a fluorescent dye and perfused through the maternal circuit of the placenta in an ex vivo perfusion system. Subsequent immunofluorescence staining for CD3+ T cells and CD56+ NK cells was performed on placental tissue sections, and the number of detectable PBMC in different tissue areas was counted using fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS The applied method allowed discrimination of perfused autologous maternal cells from cells resident in the placenta before perfusion. Further, it allows additional immunohistochemical labelling and distinction of immune cell subsets. Perfused PBMC were detected in all analyzed placentas, mostly in contact to the syncytiotrophoblast. CD3+ T cells were identified more frequently than CD56+ NK cells and some CD3+ T cells were found inside fetoplacental tissues and vasculature. The results indicate that also other PBMCs than T or NK cells adhere to or enter villous tissue, but they have not been specified in this analysis. DISCUSSION Previous studies have detected maternal cells in the fetal circulation which we could mimick in our ex vivo placenta perfusion experiments with fluorescence labelled autologous maternal PBMC. The applied experimental settings did not allow comparison of transmigration abilities of PBMC subsets, but slight modifications of the model will permit further studies of cell transfer processes and microchimerism in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Morales-Prieto
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Kathrin Wieditz
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Juliane Götze
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana Pastuschek
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Maja Weber
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Claudia Göhner
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Tanja Groten
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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11
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Estrella CAS, Gatford KL, Xiang R, Javadmanesh A, Ghanipoor-Samami M, Nattrass GS, Shuaib E, McAllister MM, Beckman I, Thomsen DA, Clifton VL, Owens JA, Roberts CT, Hiendleder S, Kind KL. Asymmetric growth-limiting development of the female conceptus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1306513. [PMID: 38362586 PMCID: PMC10867182 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1306513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sex differences in prenatal growth may contribute to sex-dependent programming effects on postnatal phenotype. Methods We integrated for the first time phenotypic, histomorphological, clinico-chemical, endocrine and gene expression analyses in a single species, the bovine conceptus at mid-gestation. Results We demonstrate that by mid-gestation, before the onset of accelerated growth, the female conceptus displays asymmetric lower growth compared to males. Female fetuses were smaller with lower ponderal index and organ weights than males. However, their brain:body weight, brain:liver weight and heart:body weight ratios were higher than in males, indicating brain and heart 'sparing'. The female placenta weighed less and had lower volumes of trophoblast and fetal connective tissue than the male placenta. Female umbilical cord vessel diameters were smaller, and female-specific relationships of body weight and brain:liver weight ratios with cord vessel diameters indicated that the umbilico-placental vascular system creates a growth-limiting environment where blood flow is redistributed to protect brain and heart growth. Clinico-chemical indicators of liver perfusion support this female-specific growth-limiting phenotype, while lower insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene expression in brain and heart, and lower circulating IGF2, implicate female-specific modulation of key endocrine mediators by nutrient supply. Conclusion This mode of female development may increase resilience to environmental perturbations in utero and contribute to sex-bias in programming outcomes including susceptibility to non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Amor S. Estrella
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Kathryn L. Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ruidong Xiang
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Ali Javadmanesh
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Mani Ghanipoor-Samami
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Greg S. Nattrass
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Livestock Systems, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Entesar Shuaib
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Milton M. McAllister
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Ian Beckman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Dana A. Thomsen
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie A. Owens
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Claire T. Roberts
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stefan Hiendleder
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Karen L. Kind
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Epigenetics and Genetics Group and Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
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12
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Hercus JC, Metcalfe KX, Christians JK. Sex differences in growth and mortality in pregnancy-associated hypertension. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296853. [PMID: 38206980 PMCID: PMC10783718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is hypothesized that male fetuses prioritize growth, resulting in increased mortality, whereas females reduce growth in the presence of adversity. Preeclampsia reflects a chronic condition, in which fetuses have the opportunity to adjust growth. If females reduce their growth in response to preeclampsia, but males attempt to maintain growth at the cost of survival, we predict that differences in birthweight between preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic pregnancies will be greater among females, whereas differences in mortality will be greater among males. METHODS We analysed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We compared pregnancies with pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH) and controls. RESULTS The difference in birthweight between pregnancies affected by PAH and controls varied by fetal sex and gestational age. Among pregnancies of White individuals, at 34-35 weeks, the difference between PAH and controls was higher among females, as predicted. However, this pattern was reversed earlier in pregnancy and around term. Such variation was not significant in Black pregnancies. In both Black and White pregnancies, early in gestation, males had lower odds of death in PAH pregnancies, but higher odds of death in control pregnancies, counter to our prediction. Later, males had higher odds of death in PAH and controls, although the increased odds of death in males was not higher in PAH pregnancies than in controls. Overall, the difference in birthweight between surviving and non-surviving infants was greater in males than in females, opposite to our prediction. CONCLUSIONS The impact of PAH on birthweight and survival varies widely throughout gestation. Differences in birthweight and survival between male and female PAH and controls are generally not consistent with the hypothesis that males prioritize fetal growth more than females, and that this is a cause of increased mortality in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess C. Hercus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katherine X. Metcalfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian K. Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Wei L, Wang T, Luo M, Zhang S, Lu M, Zhou X, Cheng X, Wang H, Xu D. A "toxic window" study on the hippocampal development of mice offspring exposed to azithromycin at different doses, courses, and time during pregnancy. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 387:110814. [PMID: 37995777 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110814] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Azithromycin, one of the new-generation macrolides, is an effective medicine for the treatment of mycoplasma infection during pregnancy. Epidemiological studies have reported adverse pregnancy outcomes with prenatal azithromycin exposure (PAzE). However, the effect of PAzE on fetal hippocampal development is unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanism of PAzE-induced fetal hippocampal development at different doses, courses, and time. METHOD Pregnant mice were administered azithromycin by gavage at different doses (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg.d), different courses (gestational day (GD)15-17 for three consecutive days, or GD17 once a day) and different time (GD10-12, GD15-17). RESULTS Compared with the control group, morphological development damage of the fetal hippocampus was observed in the PAzE group, with a dysbalance in neuronal proliferation and apoptosis, decreased expression of the neuronal-specific marker Snap25, NeuN, PSD95 and Map2, increased expression of the glial-specific marker Iba1, GFAP, and S-100β, and decreased expression of P2ry12. The PAzE-induced hippocampal developmental deficiency varied based on different doses, courses, and time, and the developmental toxicity was most significant in the late pregnancy, high dose, multi-course group (AZHT). The significant reduction of SOX2 and Wnt, which were related to regulation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) proliferation in PAzE fetus compared with the control group indicated that the SOX2/Wnt signaling may be involved in PAzE-induced hippocampal developmental toxicity. CONCLUSION In this study, PAzE was associated with hippocampal developmental toxicity in a variety of nerve cells. Hippocampal developmental toxicity due to azithromycin was most significant in the late pregnancy, high-dose (equivalent to maximum clinical dose) and multi-course group (AZHT). The findings provide an experimental and theoretical foundation for guiding the sensible use of medications during pregnancy and effectively assessing the risk of fetal hippocampal developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyi Wei
- Department of Obstetric, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Obstetric, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mingcui Luo
- Department of Obstetric, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Obstetric, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mengxi Lu
- Department of Obstetric, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xuelei Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Obstetric, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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14
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Meng Q, Del Rosario I, Sung K, Janzen C, Devaskar SU, Carpenter CL, Ritz B. Maternal dietary patterns and placental outcomes among pregnant women in Los Angeles. Placenta 2024; 145:72-79. [PMID: 38100961 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemiological studies have linked prenatal maternal diet to fetal growth, but whether diet affects placental outcomes is poorly understood. METHODS We collected past month dietary intake from 148 women in mid-pregnancy enrolled at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) antenatal clinics from 2016 to 2019. We employed the food frequency Diet History Questionnaire II and generated the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), the Alternate Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P), and the Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED). We conducted T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in mid-pregnancy (1st during 14-17 and 2nd during 19-24 gestational weeks) to evaluate placental volume (cm3) and we measured placenta weight (g) at delivery. We estimated change and 95 % confidence interval (CI) in placental volume and associations of placenta weight with all dietary index scores and diet items using linear regression models. RESULTS Placental volume in mid-pregnancy was associated with an 18.9 cm3 (95 % CI 5.1, 32.8) increase per 100 gestational days in women with a higher HEI-2015 (≥median), with stronger results for placentas of male fetuses. We estimated positive associations between placental volume at the 1st and 2nd MRI and higher intake of vegetables, high-fat fish, dairy, and dietary intake of B vitamins. A higher aMED (≥median) score was associated with a 40.5 g (95 % CI 8.5, 72.5) increase in placenta weight at delivery, which was mainly related to protein intake. DISCUSSION Placental growth represented by volume in mid-pregnancy and weight at birth is influenced by the quality and content of the maternal diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Meng
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Irish Del Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kyunghyun Sung
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Carla Janzen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sherin U Devaskar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | | | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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15
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Siwakoti RC, Cathey A, Ferguson KK, Hao W, Cantonwine DE, Mukherjee B, McElrath TF, Meeker JD. Prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in relation to preterm birth subtypes and size-for-gestational age in the LIFECODES cohort 2006-2008. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116967. [PMID: 37634691 PMCID: PMC10913455 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products. Numerous studies have linked prenatal PFAS exposures to increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational age (SGA).However, limited evidence is available for the effects of PFAS on PTB subtypes and large-for-gestational age (LGA). OBJECTIVE To examine the associations of PFAS with PTB [overall, placental (pPTB), spontaneous (sPTB)], BW Z-score, and size-for-gestational age (SGA, LGA). METHODS Our nested case-control study included 128 preterm cases and 373 term controls from the LIFECODES cohort between 2006 and 2008 (n = 501). Plasma concentrations of nine PFAS were measured in early pregnancy samples. Logistic regression was used to assess individual PFAS-birth outcome associations, while Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was used to evaluate the joint effects of all PFAS. Effect modification by fetal sex was examined, and stratified analyses were conducted to obtain fetal sex-specific estimates. RESULTS Compared to term births, the odds of pPTB were higher from an interquartile range increase in perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.00-2.56), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06-2.61), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.00-3.12), with stronger associations observed in women who delivered males. BKMR analysis identified PFNA as the most important PFAS responsible for pPTB (conditional PIP = 0.78), with increasing ORs at higher percentiles of PFAS mixture. For LGA, positive associations were observed with PFDA and perfluorooctanoic acid in females only, and with PFUA in males only. BKMR analysis showed increasing, but null effects of PFAS mixture on LGA. CONCLUSIONS The effect of prenatal exposure to single and multiple PFAS on PTB and LGA depended on fetal sex. Future studies should strongly consider examining PTB subtypes and sex-specific effects of PFAS on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram C Siwakoti
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amber Cathey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Wei Hao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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16
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Rubin JM, Pinter SZ, Halloran KM, Pallas BD, Fowlkes JB, Vyas AK, Padmanabhan V, Kripfgans OD. Placental assessment using spectral analysis of the envelope of umbilical venous waveforms in sheep. Placenta 2023; 142:119-127. [PMID: 37699274 PMCID: PMC10954287 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study was designed to test the efficacy of an ultrasound flow measurement method to evaluate placental function in a hyperandrogenic sheep model that produces placental morphologic changes and an intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant ewes were assigned randomly between control (n = 12) and testosterone-treatment (T-treated, n = 22) groups. The T-treated group was injected twice weekly intramuscularly (IM) with 100 mg testosterone propionate. Control sheep were injected with corn oil vehicle. Lambs were delivered at 119.5 ± 0.48 days gestation. At the time of delivery of each lamb, flow spectra were generated from one fetal artery and two fetal veins, and the spectral envelopes examined using fast Fourier transform analysis. Base 10 logarithms of the ratio of the amplitudes of the maternal and fetal spectral peaks (LRSP) in the venous power spectrum were compared in the T-treated and control populations. In addition, we calculated the resistive index (RI) for the artery defined as ((peak systole - min diastole)/peak systole). Two-tailed T-tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS LRSPs, after removal of significant outliers, were -0.158 ± 0.238 for T-treated and 0.057 ± 0.213 for control (p = 0.015) animals. RIs for the T-treated sheep fetuses were 0.506 ± 0.137 and 0.497 ± 0.086 for controls (p = 0.792) DISCUSSION: LRSP analysis distinguishes between T-treated and control sheep, whereas RIs do not. LRSP has the potential to identify compromised pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Rubin
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
| | - Stephen Z Pinter
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
| | - Katherine M Halloran
- University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics, 7510 MSRB1, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA.
| | - Brooke D Pallas
- University of Michigan Address Unit Lab Animal Medicine, 2800 Plymouth Rd. NCRC-G090, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.
| | - J Brian Fowlkes
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
| | - Arpita K Vyas
- Washington University in St. Louis Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Place, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics, 7510 MSRB1, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA.
| | - Oliver D Kripfgans
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
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17
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Santos HP, Enggasser AE, Clark J, Roell K, Zhabotynsky V, Gower WA, Yanni D, Yang NG, Washburn L, Gogcu S, Marsit CJ, Kuban K, O'Shea TM, Fry RC. Sexually dimorphic methylation patterns characterize the placenta and blood from extremely preterm newborns. BMC Biol 2023; 21:173. [PMID: 37608375 PMCID: PMC10464100 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01662-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health outcomes among children born prematurely are known to be sexually dimorphic, with male infants often more affected, yet the mechanism behind this observation is not clear. CpG methylation levels in the placenta and blood also differ by sex and are associated with adverse health outcomes. We contrasted CpG methylation levels in the placenta and neonatal blood (n = 358) from the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn (ELGAN) cohort based on the EPIC array, which assays over 850,000 CpG sites across the epigenome. Sex-specific epigenome-wide association analyses were conducted for the placenta and neonatal blood samples independently, and the results were compared to determine tissue-specific differences between the methylation patterns in males and females. All models were adjusted for cell type heterogeneity. Enrichment pathway analysis was performed to identify the biological functions of genes related to the sexually dimorphic CpG sites. RESULTS Approximately 11,500 CpG sites were differentially methylated in relation to sex. Of these, 5949 were placenta-specific and 5361 were blood-specific, with only 233 CpG sites overlapping in both tissues. For placenta-specific CpG sites, 90% were hypermethylated in males. For blood-specific CpG sites, 95% were hypermethylated in females. In the placenta, keratinocyte differentiation biological pathways were enriched among the differentially methylated genes. No enrichment pathways were observed for blood. CONCLUSIONS Distinct methylation patterns were observed between male and female children born extremely premature, and keratinocyte differentiation pathways were enriched in the placenta. These findings provide new insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic health outcomes among extremely premature infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson P Santos
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
| | - Adam E Enggasser
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeliyah Clark
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kyle Roell
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vasyl Zhabotynsky
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William Adam Gower
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Diana Yanni
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nou Gao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Washburn
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Semsa Gogcu
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karl Kuban
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Boston. University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Roberts VH, Castro JN, Wessel BM, Conrad DF, Lewis AD, Lo JO. Rhesus macaque fetal and placental growth demographics: A resource for laboratory animal researchers. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23526. [PMID: 37244752 PMCID: PMC10528524 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are amongst the most common nonhuman primate species used in biomedical research. These animals provide a precious resource for translational studies and opportunities to maximize rhesus data use are encouraged. Here we compile data produced from 10 years of investigator-driven pregnancy studies conducted at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). All pregnancies were generated within the consistent and reproducible protocols of the ONPRC time-mated breeding program. The data included are from control animals who did not experience in utero perturbations or experimental manipulations. A total of 86 pregnant rhesus macaques were delivered by cesarean section over a range of gestational days (G) 50 to G159 (where term is G165 ± 10 days in the rhesus macaque), with subsequent immediate tissue harvesting following standardized protocols. Fetal and placental growth measures, and all major organ weights are reported. All data are presented relative to gestational age for the entire cohort and in addition, data are stratified by fetal sex. The outcome is a large reference resource for use by laboratory animal researchers in future comparative fetal development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H.J. Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jenna N. Castro
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Brady M. Wessel
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Division of Genetics, ONPRC, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Anne D. Lewis
- Division of Animal Research Resources and Services, ONPRC, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jamie O. Lo
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Stenhouse C, Bazer FW, Ashworth CJ. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and function: Comparative physiology with an emphasis on the pig. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:684-696. [PMID: 35466463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23573] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Across mammalian species, it has been demonstrated that sex influences birth weight, with males being heavier than females; a characteristic that can be observed from early gestation. Male piglets are more likely to be stillborn and have greater preweaning mortality than their female littermates, despite the additional maternal investment into male fetal growth. Given the conserved nature of the genome between the sexes, it is hypothesized that these developmental differences between males and females are most likely orchestrated by differential placental adaptation. This review summarizes the current understanding of fetal sex-specific differences in placental and endometrial structure and function, with an emphasis on pathways found to be differentially regulated in the pig including angiogenesis, apoptosis, and proliferation. Given the importance of piglet sex in agricultural enterprises, and the potential for skewed litter sex ratios, it is imperative to improve understanding of the relationship between fetal sex and molecular signaling in both the placenta and endometria across gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl J Ashworth
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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20
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Castro JJ, Umana-Perez A, Castaño-Moreno E, Casanello P, Ronco AM. DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy in Women with Obesity Normalizes IGF2R Levels in the Placenta of Male Newborns. Int J Endocrinol 2023; 2023:1515033. [PMID: 37408866 PMCID: PMC10319466 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1515033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Insulin-like growth factor receptor 2 (IGF2R) regulates placental nutrient transport, and its soluble form is related to obesity in adults. If the placental expression of IGF2R is altered in women with obesity is unknown. Whether maternal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, has a modulatory role in IGF2R's function has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that maternal obesity (Ob) would be associated with alterations in placental IGF2R expression, which may be prevented with DHA supplementation during pregnancy. Methods At delivery, we obtained placentas from women with Ob (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 17), Ob supplemented with 800 mg/day of DHA during pregnancy (Ob + DHA, n = 13), and normal-weight women (Nw, BMI ≥ 18.5 ≤ 24.9 kg/m2, n = 14). The IGF2R mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Moreover, we quantified the gene expression of molecules that modulate the IGF2R function in the extracellular domain, such as TACE/ADAM17, PLAU, and IGF2. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests were used to compare results between two or three groups accordingly. Results The IGF2R levels in the Ob placentas of the male offspring were higher than in the Nw group. The DHA supplementation prevented this effect, suggesting an unknown relationship between IGF2R-Ob-DHA in placental tissues. Conclusion We report, for the first time, that DHA supplementation during pregnancy in women with obesity normalizes the increased IGF2R levels in male placentas, reducing the risk of adverse outcomes related to the IGF2/IGF2R system in male newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Castro
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Grupo de Investigación en Hormonas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Código Postal: 111321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Umana-Perez
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Grupo de Investigación en Hormonas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Código Postal: 111321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Erika Castaño-Moreno
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Regulation, Human Nutrition Unit, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Doctor Fernando Monckeberg Barros (INTA), University of Chile, Post Code 7830490, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico
| | - Paola Casanello
- Department of Neonatology and Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Post Code: 8330024, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana María Ronco
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Regulation, Human Nutrition Unit, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Doctor Fernando Monckeberg Barros (INTA), University of Chile, Post Code 7830490, Santiago, Chile
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21
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Gräfe EL, Reid HMO, Shkolnikov I, Conway K, Kit A, Acosta C, Christie BR. Women are Taking the Hit: Examining the Unique Consequences of Cannabis Use Across the Female Lifespan. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 70:101076. [PMID: 37217080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has risen dramatically in recent years due to global decriminalization and a resurgence in the interest of potential therapeutic benefits. While emerging research is shaping our understanding of the benefits and harms of cannabis, there remains a paucity of data specifically focused on how cannabis affects the female population. The female experience of cannabis use is unique, both in the societal context and because of the biological ramifications. This is increasingly important given the rise in cannabis potency, as well as the implications this has for the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Therefore, this scoping review aims to discuss the prevalence of cannabis use and CUD in women throughout their lifespan and provide a balanced prospective on the positive and negative consequences of cannabis use. In doing so, this review will highlight the necessity for continued research that goes beyond sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Gräfe
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - H M O Reid
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - I Shkolnikov
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - K Conway
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Kit
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C Acosta
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B R Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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22
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Dong J, Xu Q, Chen S, Lei H, Wang J, Yan S, Qian C, Wang X. Comparative Proteomic and Phospho-proteomic Analysis of Mouse Placentas Generated via In Vivo and In Vitro Fertilization. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1143-1156. [PMID: 36280645 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01109-4] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have increased risk of suffering from gestational complications, and placental dysfunction is related with the adverse outcomes. Studies have revealed that abnormal or adaptive changes can occur in ART placentas, but the potential reasons are not fully understood. Hereby, we tried to use proteomics and phospho-proteomics to find the underlying mechanisms responsible for the changes of ART placentas. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was utilized to perform proteome and phospho-proteome detection on mouse placentas. The differential expressed proteins (DEPs) or phospho-proteins (DEPPs) were analyzed based on subcellular localization, functional classification, and enrichment. Western blot was used to verify the DEPs (Afadin, ZO-1, Ace2, Agt, Slc7a5, and Slc38a10) and measure mTOR signaling activities (mTOR, Rps6, and 4Ebp1). The data showed that 161 DEPs and 304 DEPPs were found in proteome and phospho-proteome, respectively. Multiple biological processes were enriched based on those DEPs and DEPPs, and renin-angiotensin system, cell junction, and PI3K-Akt pathway were investigated. By protein expression identification, two key proteins associated with renin-angiotensin system (Ace2 and Agt) were down-regulated, and the levels of Afadin and ZO-1 (related with cell junction) as well as Slc38a10 were increased in IVF placentas. In addition, mTOR downstream activities were increased as shown by p-Rps6 and p-4Ebp1 in IVF placentas. In conclusion, IVF leads to the changes of cell junction, renin-angiotensin system, amino acid transport, and increased mTOR signaling in mouse placentas, which may be associated with the altered structure and function of IVF placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Song Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
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23
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Gu H, Li B, Liu L, Li X, Wang H, Chen L. Stage-, dose-, and course-dependent inhibition of prenatal amoxicillin exposure on fetal articular cartilage development in fetal mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 463:116429. [PMID: 36796495 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116429] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Amoxicillin is widely used in the treatment of infectious diseases during pregnancy; however, the effects of prenatal amoxicillin exposure (PAE) on fetal development remain largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of PAE on fetal cartilage at different stage-, dose-, and course. Pregnant Kunming mice were orally administered 300 mg/kg·d (converted from clinical dose) amoxicillin on gestational days (GD) 10-12 or 16-18 (mid or late pregnancy stage), 150 or 300 mg/kg.d amoxicillin on GD16-18 (different doses), 300 mg/kg·d amoxicillin on GD16 (single course) or 16-18 (multiple courses), respectively. The fetal articular cartilage of the knee was collected on GD18. The number of chondrocytes and the expression of matrix synthesis/degradation, proliferation/apoptosis-related markers, and the TGF-β signaling pathway were detected. The results showed that the number of chondrocytes and the expression of matrix synthesis markers were reduced in male fetal mice treated with PAE (GD16-18, 300 mg/kg.d, single course and multiple courses), whereas the above indices in female mice showed no changes. The inhibited expression of PCNA, increased expression of Caspase-3, and down-regulated expression of the TGF-β signaling pathway were found in male PAE fetal mice. Accordingly, PAE exerted its "toxic effect window" on the knee cartilage development in male fetal mice, which manifested as reduced chondrocyte number and inhibited expression of matrix synthesis at a clinical dose of multiple courses in the late pregnancy stage. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for elucidating the risk of chondrodevelopmental toxicity associated with amoxicillin during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Gu
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bin Li
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xufeng Li
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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24
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Salazar-Petres E, Pereira-Carvalho D, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Maternal and Intrauterine Influences on Feto-Placental Growth Are Accompanied by Sexually Dimorphic Changes in Placental Mitochondrial Respiration, and Metabolic Signalling Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:797. [PMID: 36899933 PMCID: PMC10000946 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse maternal environments such as small size, malnutrition, and metabolic conditions are known to influence fetal growth outcomes. Similarly, fetal growth and metabolic alterations may alter the intrauterine environment and affect all fetuses in multiple gestation/litter-bearing species. The placenta is the site of convergence between signals derived from the mother and the developing fetus/es. Its functions are fuelled by energy generated by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The aim of this study was to delineate the role of an altered maternal and/or fetal/intrauterine environment in feto-placental growth and placental mitochondrial energetic capacity. To address this, in mice, we used disruptions of the gene encoding phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) p110α, a growth and metabolic regulator to perturb the maternal and/or fetal/intrauterine environment and study the impact on wildtype conceptuses. We found that feto-placental growth was modified by a perturbed maternal and intrauterine environment, and effects were most evident for wildtype males compared to females. However, placental mitochondrial complex I+II OXPHOS and total electron transport system (ETS) capacity were similarly reduced for both fetal sexes, yet reserve capacity was additionally decreased in males in response to the maternal and intrauterine perturbations. These were also sex-dependent differences in the placental abundance of mitochondrial-related proteins (e.g., citrate synthase and ETS complexes), and activity of growth/metabolic signalling pathways (AKT and MAPK) with maternal and intrauterine alterations. Our findings thus identify that the mother and the intrauterine environment provided by littermates modulate feto-placental growth, placental bioenergetics, and metabolic signalling in a manner dependent on fetal sex. This may have relevance for understanding the pathways leading to reduced fetal growth, particularly in the context of suboptimal maternal environments and multiple gestation/litter-bearing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Daniela Pereira-Carvalho
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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25
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Sferruzzi‐Perri AN, Lopez‐Tello J, Salazar‐Petres E. Placental adaptations supporting fetal growth during normal and adverse gestational environments. Exp Physiol 2023; 108:371-397. [PMID: 36484327 PMCID: PMC10103877 DOI: 10.1113/ep090442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the topic of this review? How the placenta, which transports nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, may alter its support of fetal growth developmentally and with adverse gestational conditions. What advances does it highlight? Placental formation and function alter with the needs of the fetus for substrates for growth during normal gestation and when there is enhanced competition for substrates in species with multiple gestations or adverse gestational environments, and this is mediated by imprinted genes, signalling pathways, mitochondria and fetal sexomes. ABSTRACT The placenta is vital for mammalian development and a key determinant of life-long health. It is the interface between the mother and fetus and is responsible for transporting the nutrients and oxygen a fetus needs to develop and grow. Alterations in placental formation and function, therefore, have consequences for fetal growth and birthweight, which in turn determine perinatal survival and risk of non-communicable diseases for the offspring in later postnatal life. However, the placenta is not a static organ. As this review summarizes, research from multiple species has demonstrated that placental formation and function alter developmentally to the needs of the fetus for substrates for growth during normal gestation, as well as when there is greater competition for substrates in polytocous species and monotocous species with multiple gestations. The placenta also adapts in response to the gestational environment, integrating information about the ability of the mother to provide nutrients and oxygen with the needs of the fetus in that prevailing environment. In particular, placental structure (e.g. vascularity, surface area, blood flow, diffusion distance) and transport capacity (e.g. nutrient transporter levels and activity) respond to suboptimal gestational environments, namely malnutrition, obesity, hypoxia and maternal ageing. Mechanisms mediating developmentally and environmentally induced homeostatic responses of the placenta that help support normal fetal growth include imprinted genes, signalling pathways, subcellular constituents and fetal sexomes. Identification of these placental strategies may inform the development of therapies for complicated human pregnancies and advance understanding of the pathways underlying poor fetal outcomes and their consequences for health and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Nancy Sferruzzi‐Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Jorge Lopez‐Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Esteban Salazar‐Petres
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Facultad de CienciasDepartamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santo TomásValdiviaChile
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26
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Moog NK, Cummings PD, Jackson KL, Aschner JL, Barrett ES, Bastain TM, Blackwell CK, Bosquet Enlow M, Breton CV, Bush NR, Deoni SCL, Duarte CS, Ferrara A, Grant TL, Hipwell AE, Jones K, Leve LD, Lovinsky-Desir S, Miller RK, Monk C, Oken E, Posner J, Schmidt RJ, Wright RJ, Entringer S, Simhan HN, Wadhwa PD, O'Connor TG, Musci RJ, Buss C. Intergenerational transmission of the effects of maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment in the USA: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e226-e237. [PMID: 36841563 PMCID: PMC9982823 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00025-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment is associated with adverse health outcomes and this risk can be transmitted to the next generation. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to maternal childhood maltreatment and common childhood physical and mental health problems, neurodevelopmental disorders, and related comorbidity patterns in offspring. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, which was launched to investigate the influence of early life exposures on child health and development in 69 cohorts across the USA. Eligible mother-child dyads were those with available data on maternal childhood maltreatment exposure and at least one child health outcome measure (autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], internalising problems, obesity, allergy, and asthma diagnoses). Maternal history of childhood maltreatment was obtained retrospectively from the Adverse Childhood Experiences or Life Stressor Checklist questionnaires. We derived the prevalence of the specified child health outcome measures in offspring across childhood and adolescence by harmonising caregiver reports and other relevant sources (such as medical records) across cohorts. Child internalising symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist. Associations between maternal childhood maltreatment and childhood health outcomes were measured using a series of mixed-effects logistic regression models. Covariates included child sex (male or female), race, and ethnicity; maternal and paternal age; maternal education; combined annual household income; maternal diagnosis of depression, asthma, ADHD, allergy, or autism spectrum disorder; and maternal obesity. Two latent class analyses were conducted: to characterise patterns of comorbidity of child health outcomes; and to characterise patterns of co-occurrence of childhood maltreatment subtypes. We then investigated the association between latent class membership and maternal childhood maltreatment and child health outcomes, respectively. FINDINGS Our sample included 4337 mother-child dyads from 21 longitudinal cohorts (with data collection initiated between 1999 and 2016). Of 3954 mothers in the study, 1742 (44%) had experienced exposure to abuse or neglect during their childhood. After adjustment for confounding, mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment were more likely to have children with internalising problems in the clinical range (odds ratio [OR] 2·70 [95% CI 1·95-3·72], p<0·0001), autism spectrum disorder (1·70 [1·13-2·55], p=0·01), ADHD (2·09 [1·63-2·67], p<0·0001), and asthma (1·54 [1·34-1·77], p<0·0001). In female offspring, maternal childhood maltreatment was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity (1·69 [1·17-2·44], p=0·005). Children of mothers exposed to childhood maltreatment were more likely to exhibit a diagnostic pattern characterised by higher risk for multimorbidity. Exposure to multiple forms of maltreatment across all subtypes of maternal childhood maltreatment was associated with the highest risk increases for most offspring health outcomes, suggesting a dose-response relationship. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest that maternal childhood maltreatment experiences can be a risk factor for disease susceptibility in offspring across a variety of outcomes and emphasise the need for policies focusing on breaking the intergenerational transmission of adversity. FUNDING Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora K Moog
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter D Cummings
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn L Jackson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judy L Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Courtney K Blackwell
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sean C L Deoni
- Advanced Baby Imaging Lab, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Cristiane S Duarte
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Assiamira Ferrara
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Torie L Grant
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alison E Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn Jones
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leslie D Leve
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Hyagriv N Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pathik D Wadhwa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Rashelle J Musci
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Buss
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.
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Elkin ER, Su AL, Dou JF, Colacino JA, Bridges D, Padmanabhan V, Harris SM, Boldenow E, Loch-Caruso R, Bakulski KM. Sexually concordant and dimorphic transcriptional responses to maternal trichloroethylene and/or N-acetyl cysteine exposure in Wistar rat placental tissue. Toxicology 2023; 483:153371. [PMID: 36396003 PMCID: PMC10078828 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Numerous Superfund sites are contaminated with the volatile organic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE). In women, exposure to TCE in pregnancy is associated with reduced birth weight. Our previous study reported that TCE exposure in pregnant rats decreased fetal weight and elevated oxidative stress biomarkers in placentae, suggesting placental injury as a potential mechanism of TCE-induced adverse birth outcomes. In this study, we investigated if co-exposure with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuates TCE exposure effects on RNA expression. Timed-pregnant Wistar rats were exposed orally to 480 mg TCE/kg/day on gestation days 6-16. Exposure of 200 mg NAC/kg/day alone or as a pre/co-exposure with TCE occurred on gestation days 5-16 to stimulate antioxidant genes prior to TCE exposure. Tissue was collected on gestation day 16. In male and female placentae, we evaluated TCE- and/or NAC-induced changes to gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses using false discovery rate (FDR) and fold-change criteria. In female placentae, exposure to TCE caused significant differential expression 129 genes while the TCE+NAC altered 125 genes, compared with controls (FDR< 0.05 + fold-change >1). In contrast, in male placentae TCE exposure differentially expressed 9 genes and TCE+NAC differentially expressed 35 genes, compared with controls (FDR< 0.05 + fold-change >1). NAC alone did not significantly alter gene expression in either sex. Differentially expressed genes observed with TCE exposure were enriched in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways in females whereas immune system pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways were differentially expressed in both sexes (FDR<0.05). TCE treatment was differentially enriched for genes regulated by the transcription factors ATF6 (both sexes) and ATF4 (males only), indicating a cellular condition triggered by misfolded proteins during endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study demonstrates novel genes and pathways involved in TCE-induced placental injury and showed antioxidant co-treatment largely did not attenuate TCE exposure effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Elkin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Anthony L Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John F Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dave Bridges
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erica Boldenow
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Parayiwa C, Harley D, Richardson A, Behie A. Severe cyclones and sex-specific birth outcomes in Queensland, Australia: An interrupted time-series analysis. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23846. [PMID: 36484299 PMCID: PMC10078530 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A male is less adaptable to biological stressors than a female fetus with consequent higher morbidity and mortality. Adverse birth outcomes increase and male livebirths decrease after environmental disasters, economic crises, and terrorist events. We hypothesized the ratio of male to female livebirths would decrease in areas affected by severe tropical cyclones (TCs) in Queensland, Australia. Additionally, in male livebirths, there would be an increase in preterm and low birthweight births. Lastly, we hypothesized that the pregnancy stage at which exposure occurred would modify the association between TC exposure and observed outcomes. METHODS Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze Queensland administrative birth records from July 2007 to June 2018 for significant changes in the sex ratio at birth, measured as the proportion of male livebirths. Adjusted generalized linear models were fitted to births in areas affected by two category five TCs: cyclones Yasi (February 2011) and Marcia (February 2015). To explore male mortality and morbidity risk, additional analysis was conducted on the proportion of male stillborn, low birthweight, and preterm births. The association between estimated pregnancy stage during the TC and the proportion of male births was also analyzed. RESULTS Contrary to our hypothesis, increases in the proportion of male livebirths were observed following early-pregnancy exposure to cyclone Yasi and mid-pregnancy exposure to Marcia, although the latter was not statistically significant. No significant changes were observed in proportions of male stillborn, low birthweight, and preterm births. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant association between severe TCs and sex ratio at birth. The stage of pregnancy at which maternal stressors were experienced modified this association. Among people exposed in early to mid-pregnancy, the proportion of male births was higher. This may be because of differential loss of females in utero. Studying sex differences in birth outcomes provides insight into in utero vulnerabilities associated with environmental stressors. Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. Understanding fetal vulnerability to environmental stressors will provide crucial information supporting early life health interventions that mitigate the immediate and long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Parayiwa
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - David Harley
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alice Richardson
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison Behie
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Bhadsavle SS, Golding MC. Paternal epigenetic influences on placental health and their impacts on offspring development and disease. Front Genet 2022; 13:1068408. [PMID: 36468017 PMCID: PMC9716072 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1068408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Our efforts to understand the developmental origins of birth defects and disease have primarily focused on maternal exposures and intrauterine stressors. Recently, research into non-genomic mechanisms of inheritance has led to the recognition that epigenetic factors carried in sperm also significantly impact the health of future generations. However, although researchers have described a range of potential epigenetic signals transmitted through sperm, we have yet to obtain a mechanistic understanding of how these paternally-inherited factors influence offspring development and modify life-long health. In this endeavor, the emerging influence of the paternal epigenetic program on placental development, patterning, and function may help explain how a diverse range of male exposures induce comparable intergenerational effects on offspring health. During pregnancy, the placenta serves as the dynamic interface between mother and fetus, regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange and coordinating fetal growth and maturation. Studies examining intrauterine maternal stressors routinely describe alterations in placental growth, histological organization, and glycogen content, which correlate with well-described influences on infant health and adult onset of disease. Significantly, the emergence of similar phenotypes in models examining preconception male exposures indicates that paternal stressors transmit an epigenetic memory to their offspring that also negatively impacts placental function. Like maternal models, paternally programmed placental dysfunction exerts life-long consequences on offspring health, particularly metabolic function. Here, focusing primarily on rodent models, we review the literature and discuss the influences of preconception male health and exposure history on placental growth and patterning. We emphasize the emergence of common placental phenotypes shared between models examining preconception male and intrauterine stressors but note that the direction of change frequently differs between maternal and paternal exposures. We posit that alterations in placental growth, histological organization, and glycogen content broadly serve as reliable markers of altered paternal developmental programming, predicting the emergence of structural and metabolic defects in the offspring. Finally, we suggest the existence of an unrecognized developmental axis between the male germline and the extraembryonic lineages that may have evolved to enhance fetal adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael C. Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Pereira-Carvalho D, Salazar-Petres E, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Maternal and Fetal PI3K-p110α Deficiency Induces Sex-Specific Changes in Conceptus Growth and Placental Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Reserve in Mice. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090501. [PMID: 36136716 PMCID: PMC9506205 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth is reliant on placental formation and function, which, in turn, requires the energy produced by the mitochondria. Prior work has shown that both mother and fetus operate via the phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-p110α signalling pathway to modify placental development, function, and fetal growth outcomes. This study in mice used genetic inactivation of PI3K-p110α (α/+) in mothers and fetuses and high resolution respirometry to investigate the influence of maternal and fetal PI3K-p110α deficiency on fetal and placental growth, in relation to placental mitochondrial bioenergetics, for each fetal sex. The effect of PI3K-p110α deficiency on maternal body composition was also determined to understand more about the maternal-driven changes in feto-placental development. These data show that male fetuses were more sensitive than females to fetal PI3K-p110α deficiency, as they had greater reductions in fetal and placental weight, when compared to their WT littermates. Placental weight was also altered in males only of α/+ dams. In addition, α/+ male, but not female, fetuses showed an increase in mitochondrial reserve capacity, when compared to their WT littermates in α/+ dams. Finally, α/+ dams exhibited reduced adipose depot masses, compared to wild-type dams. These findings, thus, demonstrate that maternal nutrient reserves and ability to apportion nutrients to the fetus are reduced in α/+ dams. Moreover, maternal and fetal PI3K-p110α deficiency impacts conceptus growth and placental mitochondrial bioenergetic function, in a manner dependent on fetal sex.
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Xu T, Ji B, Li L, Lei J, Zhao M, Sun M, Xu Z, Gao Q. Antenatal Dexamethasone Exposure Impairs Vascular Contractile Functions via Upregulating IP3 Receptor 1 and Cav1.2 in Adult Male Offspring. Hypertension 2022; 79:1997-2007. [PMID: 35762340 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of antenatal glucocorticoids remains common practice for treating preterm delivery. Antenatal glucocorticoid exposure increased the risk of developing vascular diseases in later life, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of antenatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoids) on vascular functions in adult male offspring. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received dexamethasone or vehicle during the last week of pregnancy. Male offspring were killed at gestational day 21 (Fetus) or postnatal day 120 (adult offspring). Mesenteric arteries were collected for vascular function, electrophysiology, target gene expression, and promotor methylation studies. RESULTS Antenatal dexamethasone exposure increased phenylephrine-mediated vascular contractility in offspring, which was resulted by the activated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor and L-type Ca2+ channels. Specifically, increases of IP3R1 (IP3 receptor 1) and Cav1.2 (L-type Ca2+ channels subunit alpha1 C) were responsible for an activated IP3-Ca2+ pathway in the vasculature, and eventually predisposed the antenatal dexamethasone offspring to vascular hypercontractility. In addition, IP3R1 and Cav1.2 was upregulated through transcriptional mechanism; the overall changes in promotor histone modifications were consistent with the corresponding changes in transcriptional levels of the 2 genes, suggesting that antenatal dexamethasone exposure activated the transcription of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 via altering promotor histone modifications. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study demonstrated that antenatal dexamethasone exposure resulted in vascular adverse outcomes in male offspring that is linked to the increases of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 mediated by epigenetic modifications in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Zhice Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
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Mirzakhani H, Weiss ST. Fetal sex and risk of preeclampsia: Dose maternal race matter? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:3379-3387. [PMID: 32924669 PMCID: PMC7954987 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1818221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether maternal race could affect the relationship between fetal sex and preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was a cohort analysis using prospectively collected data from pregnant women who participated in the Vitamin Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART). Preeclampsia was the secondary outcome of VDAART. We examined the association of fetal sex with preeclampsia and its potential interaction with maternal race in 813 pregnant women (8% with preeclampsia) in logistic regression models with adjustment for preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation), maternal age, education, and body mass index at enrollment and clinical center. We further conducted a race stratified analysis and also examined whether any observed association was dependent on the gestational age at delivery and prematurity. RESULTS In an analysis of all races combined, preeclampsia was not more common among pregnant women with a male fetus compared to those with a female fetus (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.81, 2.24). There was an interaction between African American race and fetal sex in association with preeclampsia after adjustment for preterm delivery and other potential confounders (p = .014). In race stratified analyses, we observed higher odds of preeclampsia among African American pregnant women who carried male fetuses after adjustment for preterm delivery and other potential confounders (adjusted OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.12, 5.60). CONCLUSION We observed fetal sexual dimorphic differences in the occurrence of preeclampsia in African American women, but not in Whites. Information on fetal sex may ultimately improve the prediction of pre-eclampsia in African American mothers, who might be at higher risk for this adverse condition in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Mirzakhani
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott T. Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Partners Center for Personalized Medicine, Partners Health Care, Boston, MA, USA
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Liu XS, Su XJ, Li GH, Huang SJ, Liu Y, Sun HX, Du QL. Maternal Thyroid Function and Birth Weight in Twins. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6596543. [PMID: 35642607 PMCID: PMC9237444 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid hormones are associated with birth weight in singleton pregnancy. Twin pregnancies need more thyroid hormones to maintain the normal growth and development of the fetuses compared with single pregnancy. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the association of thyroid hormones and birth weight in twins. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study in a Chinese population. Pregnant women who received regular antenatal health care and delivered live-born twins from 2014 to 2019 were included (n = 1626). Linear mixed model with restricted cubic splines and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of thyroid hormones with birth weight and birth weight discordance in twins. RESULTS We observed that both thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were not associated with birth weight in twins overall, while when stratifying on fetal sex or chorionicity, there were nonlinear association between FT4 levels and birth weight in boys (Pnonlinear < .001) and in dichorionic (DC) twins (Pnonlinear = 0.03). Women with levels of FT4 lower than the 10th percentile had a higher risk of birth weight discordance in their offspring than women with normal FT4 levels (range, 2.5 to 97.5 percentiles) (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.05-2.33). CONCLUSION Our study suggests there was an association of FT4, but not TSH, with birth weight and birth weight discordance varied by sex and chorionicity. These findings could have implications for obstetricians to be aware of the importance of FT4 levels in preventing birth weight discordance in twin pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guo Hua Li
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shi Jia Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Han Xiang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qiao Ling Du
- Correspondence: Qiao Ling Du, PhD, Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 2699, Wt Gaoke Rd, Shanghai, 200092 China.
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Richardson BS, Rajagopaul A, de Vrijer B, Eastabrook G, Regnault TRH. Fetal sex impacts birth to placental weight ratio and umbilical cord oxygen values with implications for regulatory mechanisms. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:35. [PMID: 35768846 PMCID: PMC9245359 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We determined the effect of fetal sex on birth/placental weight and umbilical vein and artery oxygen values with implications for placental efficiency and regulatory mechanisms underlying fetal–placental growth differences.
Methods A hospital database was used to obtain birth/placental weight, cord PO2 and other information on patients delivering between Jan 1, 1990 and Jun 15, 2011 with GA > 34 weeks (N = 69,836). Oxygen saturation was calculated from the cord PO2 and pH data, while fractional O2 extraction was calculated from the oxygen saturation data. The effect of fetal sex on birth/placental weight, cord PO2, O2 saturation, and fractional O2 extraction was examined in all patients adjusting for pregnancy and labor/delivery covariates, and in a subset of low-risk patients. Results Birth/placental weights were lower in females indicating decreased placental efficiency. Umbilical vein oxygen values were higher in females attributed to increased uterine blood flow, while artery oxygen values were lower in females attributed to decreased hemoglobin and umbilical blood flow, and increased oxygen consumption. Fetal O2 extraction was increased in females confirming increased O2 consumption relative to delivery. Conclusions Sex-related differences in uterine/umbilical blood flows, placental development, and fetal O2 consumption can be linked to the differences observed in cord oxygen. The lower umbilical artery oxygen in females as a measure of systemic oxygenation signaling growth could account for their decreased birth weights, while slower development in female placentae could account for their lower placental weights, which could be differentially effected contributing to their lower birth/placental weights. Birth/placental wt is decreased in females as a measure of placental efficiency. Cord vein O2 is increased in females as a measure of placental O2 transport. Cord artery O2 is decreased in females as a measure of fetal systemic O2 levels. Sex differences in placental development link to cord O2-birth/placental wt findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, Canada. .,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada. .,Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Canada. .,Children's Health Research Institute, London, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, 800 Commissioners Road E, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
| | - Akasham Rajagopaul
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Genevieve Eastabrook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, Canada
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Yu P, Zhou J, Ge C, Fang M, Zhang Y, Wang H. Differential expression of placental 11β-HSD2 induced by high maternal glucocorticoid exposure mediates sex differences in placental and fetal development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154396. [PMID: 35259391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A variety of adverse environmental factors during pregnancy cause maternal chronic stress. Caffeine is a common stressor, and its consumption during pregnancy is widespread. Our previous study showed that prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) increased maternal blood glucocorticoid levels and caused abnormal development of offspring. However, the placental mechanism for fetal development inhibition caused by PCE-induced high maternal glucocorticoid has not been reported. This study investigated the effects of PCE-induced high maternal glucocorticoid level on placental and fetal development by regulating placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2) expression and its underlying mechanism. First, human placenta and umbilical cord blood samples were collected from women without prenatal use of synthetic glucocorticoids. We found that placental 11β-HSD2 expression was significantly correlated with umbilical cord blood cortisol level and birth weight in male newborns but not in females. Furthermore, we established a rat model of high maternal glucocorticoids induced by PCE (caffeine, 60 mg/kg·d, ig), and found that the expression of 11β-HSD2 in male PCE placenta was decreased and negatively correlated with the maternal/fetal/placental corticosterone levels. Meanwhile, we found abnormal placental structure and nutrient transporter expression. In vitro, BeWo cells were used and confirm that 11β-HSD2 mediated inhibition of placental nutrient transporter expression induced by high levels of glucocorticoid. Finally, combined with the animal and cell experiments, we further confirmed that high maternal glucocorticoid could activate the GR-C/EBPα-Egr1 signaling pathway, leading to decreased expression of 11β-HSD2 in males. However, there was no significant inhibition of placental 11β-HSD2 expression, placental and fetal development in females. In summary, we confirmed that high maternal glucocorticoids could regulate placental 11β-HSD2 expression in a sex-specific manner, leading to differences in placental and fetal development. This study provides the theoretical and experimental basis for analyzing the inhibition of fetoplacental development and its sex difference caused by maternal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Man Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Dai Y, Kou H, Gui S, Guo X, Liu H, Gong Z, Sun X, Wang H, Guo Y. Prenatal dexamethasone exposure induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance of male offspring rats: Role of the epigenetic repression of ACE2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154095. [PMID: 35219660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents has been rising gradually, which is relevant to adverse environment during development, especially prepartum. We aimed to explore the effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) on β-cell function and glucose homeostasis in juvenile offspring rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were subcutaneously administered with dexamethasone [0.1, 0.2, 0.4mg/(kg.d)] from gestational day 9 to 20. PDE impaired glucose tolerance in the male offspring rather than the females. In male offspring, PDE impaired the development and function of β-cells, accompanied with lower H3K9ac, H3K14ac and H3K27ac levels in the promoter region of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as well as suppressed ACE2 expression. Meanwhile, PDE increased expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in fetal pancreas. Dexamethasone also inhibited ACE2 expression and insulin production in vitro. Recombinant expression of ACE2 restored insulin production inhibited by dexamethasone. In addition, dexamethasone activated GR and HDAC3, increased protein interaction of GR with HDAC3, and promoted the binding of GR-HDAC3 complex to ACE2 promoter region. Both RU486 and TSA abolished dexamethasone-induced decline of histone acetylation and ACE2 expression. In summary, suppression of ACE2 is involved in PDE induced β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance in juvenile male offspring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxia Gui
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Heze Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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Björvang RD, Mamsen LS. Sexually Dimorphic Accumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fetuses. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:909307. [PMID: 35656542 PMCID: PMC9152108 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.909307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Living in an industrialized era, we are exposed to man-made chemicals including persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Previous studies have shown associations of POP exposure with adverse outcomes in humans, wildlife, and the environment, making it a global concern. Exposure during sensitive windows of susceptibility such as fetal development is of particular concern because of the potential increased risk of developing diseases in childhood and adulthood. However, there are limited studies on the sexual dimorphism of POP accumulation during the prenatal period. In this mini-review, we focus on differences in POP concentrations in the placenta and fetal tissues between males and females. We also show the sexually dimorphic adverse outcomes of prenatal exposure to POPs. Overall, our summary shows that males may accumulate higher concentrations of POPs in the placenta and fetal tissues compared to females, although studies are sparse and inconsistent. In addition, there are differences in adverse health outcomes associated to prenatal POP exposure according to sex. Hence, we highly urge researchers investigating the health effects of POP exposure to consider sexual dimorphism in their studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle D. Björvang
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Linn Salto Mamsen,
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Steane SE, Kumar V, Cuffe JSM, Moritz KM, Akison LK. Prenatal Choline Supplementation Alters One Carbon Metabolites in a Rat Model of Periconceptional Alcohol Exposure. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091874. [PMID: 35565848 PMCID: PMC9100923 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure disturbs fetal and placental growth and can alter DNA methylation (DNAm). Supplementation with the methyl donor choline can increase fetal and placental growth and restore DNAm, suggesting converging effects on one-carbon metabolism (1CM). We investigated the impact of periconceptional ethanol (PCE) exposure and prenatal choline supplementation on 1CM in maternal, placental, and fetal compartments. Female Sprague Dawley rats were given a liquid diet containing 12.5% ethanol (PCE) or 0% ethanol (control) for 4 days before and 4 days after conception. Dams were then placed on chow with different concentrations of choline (1.6 g, 2.6 g, or 7.2 g choline/kg chow). Plasma and tissues were collected in late gestation for the analysis of 1CM components by means of mass spectrometry and real-time PCR. PCE reduced placental components of 1CM, particularly those relating to folate metabolism, resulting in a 3−7.5-fold reduction in the ratio of s-adenosylmethionine:s-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH) (p < 0.0001). Choline supplementation increased placental 1CM components and the SAM:SAH ratio (3.5−14.5-fold, p < 0.0001). In the maternal and fetal compartments, PCE had little effect, whereas choline increased components of 1CM. This suggests that PCE impairs fetal development via altered placental 1CM, highlighting its role in modulating nutritional inputs to optimize fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Steane
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.E.S.); (V.K.); (J.S.M.C.); (K.M.M.)
| | - Vinod Kumar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.E.S.); (V.K.); (J.S.M.C.); (K.M.M.)
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.E.S.); (V.K.); (J.S.M.C.); (K.M.M.)
| | - Karen M. Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.E.S.); (V.K.); (J.S.M.C.); (K.M.M.)
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Lisa K. Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (S.E.S.); (V.K.); (J.S.M.C.); (K.M.M.)
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Are there sex differences in fetal growth strategies and in the long-term effects of pregnancy complications on cognitive functioning? J Dev Orig Health Dis 2022; 13:766-778. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Males and females have been proposed to have different prenatal growth strategies, whereby males invest more in fetal growth and less in placental development, leaving them more susceptible to early-life adversity. We tested predictions of this hypothesis using data from the National Collaborative Perinatal Project. Male newborns were heavier than females, but there was no difference in placental weight, adjusting for birthweight. Among infants born prior to 33 weeks, the difference in birthweight between males and females was greater among those who did not survive than among those who did, potentially reflecting a strategy whereby males maintained growth in the face of prenatal insults, while females adjusted growth. However, there was no significant difference in mortality between the sexes. Being born small-for-gestational age or very preterm (prior to 33 weeks) was associated with significantly reduced performance for most of the cognitive traits examined at 7 years, although maternal preeclampsia was associated with reduced performance in fewer traits. Generally, these effects of early-life adversity (poor fetal growth, prematurity, and preeclampsia) did not differ between the sexes. However, analyzing the sexes separately (rather than testing the interaction between sex and adversity) resulted in numerous spurious sex-specific effects, whereby the effect of early-life adversity appeared to be significant in one sex but not the other. Overall, we found little support for the hypothesis that males prioritize growth more than females, and that this makes them more susceptible to early-life adversity. Furthermore, our results show that analyzing the sexes separately, rather than testing the adversity by sex interaction, can be highly misleading.
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Garcia-Santillan JA, Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy ML, Rodriguez-Saldaña GC, Solis-Barbosa MA, Corona-Figueroa MA, Gonzalez-Dominguez MI, Gomez-Zapata HM, Malacara JM, Barbosa-Sabanero G. Placental Nutrient Transporters and Maternal Fatty Acids in SGA, AGA, and LGA Newborns From Mothers With and Without Obesity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:822527. [PMID: 35399516 PMCID: PMC8990844 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.822527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse environmental factors in early life result in fetal metabolic programming and increased risk of adult diseases. Birth weight is an indirect marker of the intrauterine environment, modulated by nutrient availability and placental transport capacity. However, studies of placental transporters in idiopathic birth weight alterations and in maternal obesity in relation to neonatal metabolic outcomes are scarce. We aimed to analyze the placental nutrient transporter protein expression in small (SGA, n = 14), adequate (AGA, n = 18), and large (LGA n = 10) gestational age term for newborns from healthy or obese mothers (LGA-OB, n = 9) and their association with maternal fatty acids, metabolic status, placental triglycerides, and neonatal outcomes. The transporter expression was determined by Western blot. The fatty acid profile was evaluated by gas chromatography, and placental triglycerides were quantified by an enzymatic colorimetric method. GLUT1 was higher in LGA and lower in SGA and positively correlated with maternal HbA1c and placental weight (PW). SNAT2 was lower in SGA, while SNAT4 was lower in LGA-OB. FATP1 was lower in SGA and higher in LGA. SNAT4 correlated negatively and FATP1 correlated positively with the PW and birth anthropometry (BA). Placental triglycerides were higher in LGA and LGA-OB and correlated with pregestational BMI, maternal insulin, and BA. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was higher in SGA, specifically in male placentas, correlating negatively with maternal triglycerides, PW, cord glucose, and abdominal perimeter. Palmitic acid (PA) correlated positively with FATP4 and cord insulin, linoleic acid correlated negatively with PA and maternal cholesterol, and arachidonic acid correlated inversely with maternal TG and directly with FATP4. Our study highlights the importance of placental programming in birth weight both in healthy and obese pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miguel-Angel Solis-Barbosa
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Campus Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Juan-Manuel Malacara
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Campus Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Gloria Barbosa-Sabanero
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Campus Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Gloria Barbosa-Sabanero,
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Engström K, Axmon A, Nielsen C, Rignell-Hydbom A. High in Utero Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances from Drinking Water and Birth Weight: A Cohort Study among Infants in Ronneby, Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042385. [PMID: 35206572 PMCID: PMC8871928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In 2013, the drinking water for one-third of the households in Ronneby, Sweden, was found to be contaminated by perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS, >10,000 ng/L) from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). In utero PFAS exposure can influence birth weight, but little is known about the effects at very high levels. This study aimed to examine the association between in utero PFAS exposure and birth weight. Infants with mothers from Ronneby exposed to contaminated water at home (high exposure) and infants with mothers from Ronneby not exposed to contaminated water at home (low exposure) were compared to infants with mothers from Blekinge county excluding Ronneby (referents). All infants born in Blekinge county 1995–2013 were included (n = 30,360). Differences in birth weight were only seen among infants born after 2005. For boys, Ronneby high exposure had a lower mean birth weight than referents (−54 g, 95% CI −97; −11). For girls, Ronneby high exposure had a higher mean birth weight than referents (47 g, 95% CI 4; 90). There were no differences in birth weight between referents and Ronneby low exposure. In conclusion, high exposure to PFAS may influence birth weight in a sex-specific way, although the effect estimates were relatively small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Engström
- EPI@LUND (Epidemiology, Population Studies, and Infrastructures at Lund University), Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; (A.A.); (A.R.-H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Axmon
- EPI@LUND (Epidemiology, Population Studies, and Infrastructures at Lund University), Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; (A.A.); (A.R.-H.)
| | - Christel Nielsen
- Epidemiology, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 223 63 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Anna Rignell-Hydbom
- EPI@LUND (Epidemiology, Population Studies, and Infrastructures at Lund University), Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; (A.A.); (A.R.-H.)
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Aparicio VA, Baena-García L, Flor-Alemany M, Martínez-González LJ, Varela-López A, Sánchez C, Quiles JL. Differences in maternal and neonatal cardiometabolic markers and placenta status by foetal sex. The GESTAFIT project. WOMEN'S HEALTH 2022; 18:17455057221117976. [PMID: 35989614 PMCID: PMC9393354 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221117976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To explore the differences in some maternal-neonatal metabolic markers and
placenta status by foetal sex. Methods: One hundred thirty-nine Caucasian pregnant women from the GESTAFIT project
and their new-borns were included in the present cross-sectional study.
Serum cardiometabolic markers (i.e. lipid and glycaemic profile and uric
acid) were analysed at late pregnancy and at birth. In placenta, telomeres
length, proportion of deleted mitochondrial-DNA and mitochondrial-DNA
density, some minerals and interleukin 8, epidermal growth factor,
fibroblast growth factor-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor were
measured. The study was run between November 2015 and April 2018. Results: Mothers carrying a male showed higher serum triglycerides than mothers
carrying a female at late pregnancy (p < .05). Serum
total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were greater in males’
umbilical cord blood artery compared to females’ new-borns (both,
p < .05). Mothers of males and male new-borns
presented higher uric acid than mothers of females and female new-borns at
birth (p < .05). Female’s placentas presented greater
placental-newborn weight ratio, manganese content and fibroblast growth
factor-2 (all, p ⩽ .05), and evidence of statistical
significance in telomeres length, which were 17% longer
(p = .076). Conclusion: Our findings show weak differences in some cardiometabolic and placental
status markers by foetal sex. Notwithstanding, we observed a slightly more
proatherogenic profile in both, mothers carrying males’ foetuses and male
new-borns. We also found lower serum uric acid and better placenta status in
mothers carrying a female. These findings indicate that foetal sex might
need to be considered for a more personalized follow-up of pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia A Aparicio
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology and Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Baena-García
- Sport and Health University Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Institute of Biosanitary Research (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Flor-Alemany
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology and Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis J Martínez-González
- GENYO: Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Alfonso Varela-López
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology and Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology and Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Sport and Health University Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José L Quiles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology and Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Aykroyd BRL, Tunster SJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Loss of imprinting of the Igf2-H19 ICR1 enhances placental endocrine capacity via sex-specific alterations in signalling pathways in the mouse. Development 2022; 149:dev199811. [PMID: 34982814 PMCID: PMC8783045 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Imprinting control region (ICR1) controls the expression of the Igf2 and H19 genes in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Appropriate expression of the Igf2-H19 locus is fundamental for normal fetal development, yet the importance of ICR1 in the placental production of hormones that promote maternal nutrient allocation to the fetus is unknown. To address this, we used a novel mouse model to selectively delete ICR1 in the endocrine junctional zone (Jz) of the mouse placenta (Jz-ΔICR1). The Jz-ΔICR1 mice exhibit increased Igf2 and decreased H19 expression specifically in the Jz. This was accompanied by an expansion of Jz endocrine cell types due to enhanced rates of proliferation and increased expression of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 in the placenta of both fetal sexes. However, changes in the endocrine phenotype of the placenta were related to sexually-dimorphic alterations to the abundance of Igf2 receptors and downstream signalling pathways (Pi3k-Akt and Mapk). There was no effect of Jz-ΔICR1 on the expression of targets of the H19-embedded miR-675 or on fetal weight. Our results demonstrate that ICR1 controls placental endocrine capacity via sex-dependent changes in signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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Early Pregnancy Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution among Late-Onset Preeclamptic Cases Is Associated with Placental DNA Hypomethylation of Specific Genes and Slower Placental Maturation. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9120338. [PMID: 34941772 PMCID: PMC8708250 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (PE). Some suggested mechanisms behind this association are changes in placental DNA methylation and gene expression. The objective of this study was to identify how early pregnancy exposure to ambient nitrogen oxides (NOx) among PE cases and normotensive controls influence DNA methylation (EPIC array) and gene expression (RNA-seq). The study included placentas from 111 women (29 PE cases/82 controls) in Scania, Sweden. First-trimester NOx exposure was assessed at the participants’ residence using a dispersion model and categorized via median split into high or low NOx. Placental gestational epigenetic age was derived from the DNA methylation data. We identified six differentially methylated positions (DMPs, q < 0.05) comparing controls with low NOx vs. cases with high NOx and 14 DMPs comparing cases and controls with high NOx. Placentas with female fetuses showed more DMPs (N = 309) than male-derived placentas (N = 1). Placentas from PE cases with high NOx demonstrated gestational age deceleration compared to controls with low NOx (p = 0.034). No differentially expressed genes (DEGs, q < 0.05) were found. In conclusion, early pregnancy exposure to NOx affected placental DNA methylation in PE, resulting in placental immaturity and showing sexual dimorphism.
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Thomas KN, Zimmel KN, Roach AN, Basel A, Mehta NA, Bedi YS, Golding MC. Maternal background alters the penetrance of growth phenotypes and sex-specific placental adaptation of offspring sired by alcohol-exposed males. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22035. [PMID: 34748230 PMCID: PMC8713293 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101131r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms of paternal inheritance are an emerging area of interest in our efforts to understand fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In rodent models examining maternal alcohol exposures, different maternal genetic backgrounds protect or sensitize offspring to alcohol‐induced teratogenesis. However, whether maternal background can mitigate sperm‐inherited alterations in developmental programming and modify the penetrance of growth defects induced by preconception paternal alcohol exposures remains unaddressed. In our previous studies examining pure C57Bl/6J crosses, the offspring of alcohol‐exposed sires exhibited fetal growth restriction, enlarged placentas, and decreased placental efficiency. Here, we find that in contrast to our previous studies, the F1 offspring of alcohol‐exposed C57Bl/6J sires and CD‐1 dams do not exhibit fetal growth restriction, with male fetuses developing smaller placentas and increased placental efficiencies. However, in these hybrid offspring, preconception paternal alcohol exposure induces sex‐specific changes in placental morphology. Specifically, the female offspring of alcohol‐exposed sires displayed structural changes in the junctional and labyrinth zones, along with increased placental glycogen content. These changes in placental organization are accompanied by female‐specific alterations in the expression of imprinted genes Cdkn1c and H19. Although male placentae do not display overt changes in placental histology, using RNA‐sequencing, we identified programmed alterations in genes regulating oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial function, and Sirtuin signaling. Collectively, our data reveal that preconception paternal alcohol exposure transmits a stressor to developing offspring, that males and females exhibit distinct patterns of placental adaptation, and that maternal genetic background can modulate the effects of paternal alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara N Thomas
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Katherine N Zimmel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Alexis N Roach
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Alison Basel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole A Mehta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Yudhishtar S Bedi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Michael C Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Christians JK. The Placenta's Role in Sexually Dimorphic Fetal Growth Strategies. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1895-1907. [PMID: 34699045 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fetal sex affects the risk of pregnancy complications and the long-term effects of prenatal environment on health. Some have hypothesized that growth strategies differ between the sexes, whereby males prioritize growth whereas females are more responsive to their environment. This review evaluates the role of the placenta in such strategies, focusing on (1) mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in gene expression, (2) the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism in placental gene expression, (3) sexually dimorphic responses to nutrient supply, and (4) sexual dimorphism in morphology and histopathology. The sex chromosomes contribute to sex differences in placental gene expression, and fetal hormones may play a role later in development. Sexually dimorphic placental gene expression may contribute to differences in the prevalence of complications such as preeclampsia, although this link is not clear. Placental responses to nutrient supply frequently show sexual dimorphism, but there is no consistent pattern where one sex is more responsive. There are sex differences in the prevalence of placental histopathologies, and placental changes in pregnancy complications, but also many similarities. Overall, no clear patterns support the hypothesis that females are more responsive to the maternal environment, or that males prioritize growth. While male fetuses are at greater risk of a variety of complications, total prenatal mortality is higher in females, such that males exposed to early insults may be more likely to survive and be observed in studies of adverse outcomes. Going forward, robust statistical approaches to test for sex-dependent effects must be more widely adopted to reduce the incidence of spurious results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. .,Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. .,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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47
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Yu P, Chen Y, Ge C, Wang H. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and its contribution to health and diseases. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:555-570. [PMID: 34666604 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1977237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD), intrauterine exposure to adverse environments can affect fetus and birth outcomes and lead to long-term disease susceptibility. Evidence has shown that neonatal outcomes and the timing and severity of adult diseases are sexually dimorphic. As the link between mother and fetus, the placenta is an essential regulator of fetal development programming. It is found that the physiological development trajectory of the placenta has sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, under pathological conditions, the placental function undergoes sex-specific adaptation to ensure fetal survival. Therefore, the placenta may be an important mediator of sexual dimorphism in neonatal outcomes and adult disease susceptibility. Few systematic reviews have been conducted on sexual dimorphism in placental development and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, sex chromosomes and sex hormones, as the main reasons for sexual differentiation of the placenta, will be discussed. Besides, in the etiology of fetal-originated adult diseases, overexposure to glucocorticoids is closely related to adverse neonatal outcomes and long-term disease susceptibility. Studies have found that prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure leads to sexually dimorphic expression of placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms, resulting in different sensitivity of the placenta to glucocorticoids, and may further affect fetal development. The present review examines what is currently known about sex differences in placental development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of this sex bias. This review highlights the importance of placental contributions to the origins of sexual dimorphism in health and diseases. It may help develop personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for fetal development in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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Murrieta-Coxca JM, Aengenheister L, Schmidt A, Markert UR, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Morales-Prieto DM. Addressing microchimerism in pregnancy by ex vivo human placenta perfusion. Placenta 2021; 117:78-86. [PMID: 34773744 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The physical connection of mother and offspring during pregnancy allows the bi-directional exchange of a small number of cells through the placenta. These cells, which can persist long-term in the recipient individual are genetically foreign to it and therefore fulfill the principle of microchimerism. Over the last years, pioneer research on microchimeric cells revealed their role in immune adaptation during pregnancy and priming of tolerogenic responses in the progeny. However, the mechanisms involved in cell transfer across the placenta barrier remain poorly investigated. In this review, we summarize the evidence of fetomaternal microchimerism, propose a mechanism for cell trafficking through the placenta and discuss the different models and techniques available for its analysis. Likewise, we aim to generate interest in the use of ex vivo placenta perfusion to investigate microchimerism in physiological and pathological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonie Aengenheister
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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49
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Fetal Sex Does Not Impact Placental Blood Flow or Placental Amino Acid Transfer in Late Gestation Pregnant Sheep With or Without Placental Insufficiency. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1776-1789. [PMID: 34611848 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant sheep have been used to model complications of human pregnancies including placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction. Some of the hallmarks of placental insufficiency are slower uterine and umbilical blood flow rates, impaired placental transport of oxygen and amino acids, and lower fetal arterial concentrations of anabolic growth factors. An impact of fetal sex on these outcomes has not been identified in either human or sheep pregnancies. This is likely because most studies measuring these outcomes have used small numbers of subjects or animals. We undertook a secondary analysis of previously published data generated by our laboratory in late-gestation (gestational age of 133 ± 0 days gestational age) control sheep (n = 29 male fetuses; n = 26 female fetuses; n = 3 sex not recorded) and sheep exposed to elevated ambient temperatures to cause experimental placental insufficiency (n = 23 male fetuses; n = 17 female fetuses; n = 1 sex not recorded). The primary goal was to determine how fetal sex modifies the effect of the experimental insult on outcomes related to placental blood flow, amino acid and oxygen transport, and fetal hormones. Of the 112 outcomes measured, we only found an interaction between fetal sex and experimental insult for the uterine uptake rates of isoleucine, phenylalanine, and arginine. Additionally, most outcomes measured did not show a difference based on fetal sex when adjusting for the impact of placental insufficiency. Exceptions included fetal norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations, which were higher in female compared to male fetuses. For the parameters measured in the current analysis, the impact of fetal sex was not widespread.
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50
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Morey R, Farah O, Kallol S, Requena DF, Meads M, Moretto-Zita M, Soncin F, Laurent LC, Parast MM. Transcriptomic Drivers of Differentiation, Maturation, and Polyploidy in Human Extravillous Trophoblast. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702046. [PMID: 34540826 PMCID: PMC8446284 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, conceptus-derived extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invades the endomyometrium, anchors the placenta to the maternal uterus, and remodels the spiral arteries in order to establish maternal blood supply to the fetoplacental unit. Recent reports have described early gestation EVT as polyploid and senescent. Here, we extend these reports by performing comprehensive profiling of both the genomic organization and transcriptome of first trimester and term EVT. We define pathways and gene regulatory networks involved in both initial differentiation and maturation of this important trophoblast lineage at the maternal-fetal interface. Our results suggest that like first trimester EVT, term EVT undergoes senescence and endoreduplication, is primarily tetraploid, and lacks high rates of copy number variations. Additionally, we have highlighted senescence and polyploidy-related genes, pathways, networks, and transcription factors that appeared to be important in normal EVT differentiation and maturation and validated a key role for the unfolded protein response in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Omar Farah
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Matteo Moretto-Zita
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Louise C Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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