Cadmium exposure reduces invasion of the human trophoblast-derived HTR-8/SVneo cells by inhibiting cell adhesion and matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion

Exploring characteristics of placental transcriptome and cord serum metabolome associated with low birth weight in Kele pigs

The neonate with low birth weight (LBW) resulted from intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) exists a substantial risk of postpartum death. Placental insufficiency is responsible for inadequate fetal growth; however, the pathological mechanisms of placental dysfunction-induced IUGR in pigs remain unclear. In this study, the characteristics of placental morphology, placental transcriptome, and cord serum metabolome were explored between the Kele piglets with LBW and the ones with normal birth weight (NBW). Results showed that LBW was a common occurrence in Kele piglets. The LBW placentas showed inferior villus development and lower villi density compared to NBW placentas. There were 1024 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by transcriptome analysis between the LBW and NBW placentas, of which 218 and 806 genes were up- and down-regulated in the LBW placentas, respectively. PPI network analysis showed that ITGB2, CD4, IL6, ITGB3, LCK, RAC2, CD8A, JAK3, TYROBP, and CXCR4 were hub genes in all DEGs. From GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, DEGs were primarily enriched in immunological response, cell adhesion, immune response, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. By using metabolomic analysis, a total of 115 differential metabolites in the cord serum of LBW and NBW piglets were found, mostly linked to amino acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. In comparison to NBW piglets, LBW piglets had lower levels of arginine, isoleucine, and aspartic acid in the cord. Taken together, these data revealed dysplasia of the placental villus, insufficient supply of nutrients, and abnormal immune function of the placenta may be associated with the occurrence and development of LBW in Kele pigs.

Chronic Cadmium Exposure and Genetic Polymorphisms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a Population Exposed to Steel Slag in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

Genetic polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family genes may be associated with cadmium (Cd) levels and its adverse effects. This study investigated the impact of MMP-2 and MMP-9 polymorphisms on Cd levels in 238 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built over an industrial steel slag waste. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan validated assays, and the Cd levels were measured in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Associations were evaluated by linear correlation coefficients and multiple logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 50 ± 15 years; 58% were female, 69% non-smokers. Mean concentrations for BCd and UCd were 0.70 ± 0.2 μg L^-1 and 0.56 ± 0.55 μg L^-1, respectively. Smoking status was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L^-1 (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6-5.9). MMP-9 rs17576 A > G was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L^-1 (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.10-4.05) and UCd ≥ 0.56 μg L^-1 (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.82-7.65). Knowing possible individual predisposing factors is essential to understand Cd toxicity, and to improve the monitoring of high-risk populations.