Comparative matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression and activity during endotheliochorial and hemochorial trophoblastic invasiveness

Fibroblast growth factor 7 facilitates invasion of human trophoblast cells through the JNK pathway during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the role of FGF7 in trophoblast invasion under high estrogen and progesterone levels, focusing on the JNK signaling pathway. The aim is to demonstrate that FGF7 enhances human trophoblast cell invasion via JNK activation, crucial for establishing pregnancy.

METHODS

We investigated the expression of FGF7 in primary human trophoblasts to evaluate the effects of elevated estrogen and progesterone levels on trophoblast invasion. The study focused on the role of FGF7 in gestational regulation and its mechanism of activating the JNK signaling pathway through FGFR2.

RESULTS

The study unveiled that FGF7 and FGFR2 are expressed in trophoblast cells during normal pregnancies, with the expression of FGF7 being upregulated by estrogen and progesterone. In trophoblastic cells, FGF7 activates the MAPK/JNK signaling pathway, resulting in upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, concomitant downregulation of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression, and ultimately enhanced invasive capacity. However, in cases of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), the levels of FGF7/FGFR2 expression exhibited a notable decrease. These results indicate that the involvement of FGF7/FGFR2 could be significant in maintaining normal pregnancy by regulating trophoblast invasiveness, and their impaired expression could contribute to RSA.

DISCUSSION

The present study elucidates the role of FGF7 in facilitating trophoblast invasion through activation of the MAPK/JNK pathway and upregulation of MMPs, thereby providing potential therapeutic insights for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) attributed to impaired trophoblast invasion.

Histological Changes in the Cat Placenta Throughout Gestation

This study on cat placental organogenesis provides a detailed histological description, emphasizing the stages that have been less described. Thirty-seven gestational sacs were obtained by ovariohysterectomy, and the gestational age of the embryos/fetuses was determined based on developmental characteristics. The placentas were measured and processed by routine histological techniques. Additionally, fresh tissue from a term placenta was processed for ultrastructural analysis. An in-depth histological analysis was performed, and several morphometric variables (placental and lamellar width, placental and labyrinthine thickness, area and number of decidual cells) were recorded and related mainly to gestational age. A significant increase was observed in fetal length from 31 dpc, while placental thickness rose until 39 dpc; lamellae became abundant, parallel, longer, and narrower. Many CTB cells gradually fused into the STB; however, it progressively reduced. Medium-sized decidual cells, arranged in groups at the junctional zone, were progressively incorporated into the lamellae; there, they persisted until term, decreasing in number and becoming larger and frequently binucleated. The description of temporal modifications in lamellar, trophoblastic, and decidual features widens current knowledge on feline placental morphogenesis. In addition, these findings might be valuable for elucidating mechanisms behind placental development, which in turn affect its efficiency.

Escherichia coli induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and type IV collagen degradation is regulated by progesterone in human maternal decidual

BACKGROUND

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the main bacteria associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes by increasing pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (proMMP-9) and degradation of type IV collagen in human feto-maternal interface (HFMi). proMMP-9 is regulated by progesterone (P4) but it is unclear whether P4 inhibits proMMP in human maternal decidual (MDec). This study aimed to determine a role of P4 on proMMP-2 and - 9 and type IV collagen induced by E. coli infection in MDec.

METHODS

Nine HFMi were mounted in a Transwell system. MDec was stimulated with P4 or E. coli for 3-, 6-, or 24-hours. proMMP-2, -9 and type IV collagen were assessed.

RESULTS

Gelatin zymography revealed an increase in proMMP-9 after 3, 6, and 24 h of stimulating MDec with E. coli. Using immunofluorescence, it was confirmed the increase in the HFMi tissue and a reduction on the amount of type IV collagen leading to the separation of fetal amniochorion and MDEc. The degradative activity of proMMP-9 was reduced by 20% by coincubation with P4.

CONCLUSIONS

P4 modulates the activity of proMMP-9 induced by E. coli stimulation but it was unable to completely reverse the degradation of type IV collagen in human MDec tissue.

The Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of the Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Narrative Review

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders are characterized by abnormal trophoblastic invasion into the myometrium, leading to significant maternal health risks. PAS includes placenta accreta (invasion < 50% of the myometrium), increta (invasion > 50%), and percreta (invasion through the entire myometrium). The condition is most associated with previous cesarean deliveries and increases in chance with the number of prior cesarians. The increasing global cesarean rates heighten the importance of early PAS diagnosis and management. This review explores genetic expression and key regulatory processes, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, and inflammation, focusing on signaling pathways, genetic expression, biomarkers, and non-coding RNAs involved in trophoblastic invasion. It compiles the recent scientific literature (2014-2024) from the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Identifying new biomarkers like AFP, sFlt-1, β-hCG, PlGF, and PAPP-A aids in early detection and management. Understanding genetic expression and non-coding RNAs is crucial for unraveling PAS complexities. In addition, aberrant signaling pathways like Notch, PI3K/Akt, STAT3, and TGF-β offer potential therapeutic targets to modulate trophoblastic invasion. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary care, early diagnosis, and ongoing research into PAS biomarkers and molecular mechanisms to improve prognosis and quality of life for affected women.

HOTAIR/miR-1277-5p/FBN2 signaling axis is involved in recurrent spontaneous abortion by regulating the growth, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells†

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the specific pathways by which HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA contributes to the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the differential expression levels of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in chorionic villi tissues from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion patients and women with voluntarily terminated pregnancies. HTR-8/SVneo served as a cellular model. Knockdown and overexpression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in the cells were achieved through siRNA transfection and pcDNA3.1 transfection, respectively. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated using cell counting kit-8, scratch, and Transwell assays, respectively. The interaction among the HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA /miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 axis was predicted through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed through in vitro experiments. Furthermore, the regulatory effects of the HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA /miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 signaling axis on cellular behaviors were validated in HTR-8/SVneo cells.

RESULTS

We found that HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA was downregulated in chorionic villi tissues from unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion patients. Overexpression of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA significantly enhanced the viability, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, while knockdown of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA had the opposite effects. We further confirmed the regulatory effect of the HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA /miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 signaling axis in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Specifically, HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA and fibrillin 2 were found to reduce the risk of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion by enhancing cell viability, migration, and invasion, whereas miR-1277-5p exerted the opposite effects.

CONCLUSION

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA promotes unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion development by targeting inhibition of miR-1277-5p/fibrillin 2 axis.

The dependence between glycodelin and selected metalloproteinases concentrations in bovine placenta during early gestation and parturition with and without retained foetal membranes

Pregnancy course depends on the appropriate connection between the mother and the developing foetus. Pregnancy is completed when the placenta is timely expelled. Placental retention is one of the possible pregnancy complications. Extracellular matrix, including adhesive proteins and enzymes that can break down collagens, seems to be responsible for it. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of one of the adhesive proteins - glycodelin (Gd) - on selected metalloproteinases degrading collagens (MMP2, MMP3, MMP7). Placental tissues from healthy pregnant cows collected during early-mid pregnancy (2nd month n = 7, 3rd month n = 8, 4th month n = 6) and in cows that properly released placenta (NR; n = 6) and cows with retained foetal membranes (R; n = 6) were experimental material. The concentrations of glycodelin and protein content of selected metalloproteinases were measured by ELISA in the maternal and foetal placental homogenates as well as in the culture of epithelial cells derived from the maternal part of the placenta. The presence of these protein molecules was confirmed by Western Blotting. In the bovine placenta, the concentrations of examined proteins exhibit significant changes during placental formation. Gd, MMP3 and MMP7 concentrations decrease with pregnancy progress (between the 2nd and 4th month), while MMP2 concentrations were on the same level in this period. During parturition, concentrations of Gd and MMP3 were significantly higher in the R group compared to the NR group. In parallel, MMP2 concentrations did not show significant differences between the groups (NR vs R), and MMP7 concentrations decreased significantly in the maternal part of the placenta in cows with retained foetal membranes (R). Obtained results show correlations between the gestational age and proteins' (Gd, MMP3, MMP7) concentration, both in the maternal and foetal part of the placenta.

Downregulation of FHL2 suppressed trophoblast migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in recurrent miscarriage

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is four and a half LIM domain 2 (FHL2) involved in trophoblast migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in recurrent miscarriage?

DESIGN

Villus tissue was collected from 24 patients who had experienced recurrent miscarriage and 24 healthy controls. FHL2 mRNA and protein expression in villus specimens were observed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Small interfering RNA and overexpression plasmid were used to change the FHL2 expression. JAR and HTR8/SVneo cell lines were used to conduct scratch-wound assay and transwell assay to detect trophoblast migration and invasion of FHL2. Downstream molecule expression of mRNA and protein and EMT markers were verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Significantly lower FHL2 mRNA (P = 0.019) and protein (P = 0.0014) expression was found in trophoblasts from the recurrent miscarriage group compared with healthy controls. FHL2 knockdown repressed migration (P = 0.0046), invasion (P < 0.001) and EMT, as shown by significant differences in mRNA and protein expression of the EMT markers N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail (all P < 0.05) of extravillus trophoblasts. FHL2 overexpression enhanced migration (P = 0.025), invasion (P < 0.001) and EMT of extravillus trophoblasts (all EMT markers P < 0.05). The positive upstream factor FHL2 in the extracellular signal-related kinase pathway induced JunD expression, thereby promoting trophoblast migration and invasion via matrix metalloproteinase 2.

CONCLUSIONS

FHL2 is involved in a regulatory pathway of trophoblast migration, invasion and EMT during early pregnancy, and may have a role in recurrent miscarriage pathogenesis, which can serve as a possible target for novel therapeutic development.

Involvement of metalloproteinase and nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide mechanisms in early decidual angiogenesis-vascularization of normal and experimental pathological mouse placenta related to maternal alcohol exposure

Successful pregnancy for optimal fetal growth requires adequate early angiogenesis and remodeling of decidual spiral arterioles during placentation. Prior to the initiation of invasion and endothelial replacement by trophoblasts, interactions between decidual stromal cells and maternal leukocytes, such as uterine natural killer cells and macrophages, play crucial roles in the processes of early maternal vascularization, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, and matrix and vessel remodeling. These placental angiogenic events are highly dependent on the coordination of several mechanisms at the early maternal-fetal interface, and one of them is the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). Inadequate balances of MMPs and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in several placentopathies and pregnancy complications. Since alcohol consumption during gestation can affect fetal growth associated with abnormal placental development, recently, we showed, in a mouse model, that perigestational alcohol consumption up to organogenesis induces fetal malformations related to deficient growth and vascular morphogenesis of the placenta at term. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the early processes of maternal vascularization that lead to the formation of the definitive placenta and the roles of angiogenic MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms during normal and altered early gestation in mice. Then, we propose hypothetical defective decidual cellular and MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms involved in abnormal decidual vascularization induced by perigestational alcohol consumption in an experimental mouse model. This review highlights the important roles of decidual cells and their MMP and NOS balances in the physiological and pathophysiological early maternal angiogenesis-vascularization during placentation in mice.

Embryonic-placental relationship in Lagostomus maximus as compared to other hystricognath rodents and eutherian mammals

Reproductive specializations in caviomorphs (infraorder Hystricognathi), are very peculiar within the Order Rodentia. These include long gestations, the birth of offspring with an extreme degree of precociality, and short lactation periods. This study describes the embryo-placental relationship of viable implantation sites (IS) of the plains viscacha, Lagostomus maximus, after 46 post-coital days. The observations recorded in this study are comparatively discussed with those of other hystricognaths and eutherians. At this stage, the embryo resembles that of other eutherians. At this time of embryo development, the placenta exhibits a size, shape, and organization similar to that it will have in its mature state. Besides, the subplacenta is already highly folded. These characteristics are adequate to sustain the development of future precocial offspring. The mesoplacenta, a structure present in other hystricognaths and related to uterine regeneration is described for the first time in this species. This detailed description of the placental and embryonic structure contributes to the knowledge of the reproductive and developmental biology of the viscacha, as well as that of hystricognaths. These characteristics will allow testing other hypotheses related to the morphology and physiology of the placenta and subplacenta, and their relationship with the growth and development of precocial offspring in Hystricognathi.

Hyperin promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells via activation of JAK1/STAT3 pathway in recurrent spontaneous abortions

The proliferation of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and their further migration, invasion, and differentiation into the decidual and myometrial vasculature are vital for spiral artery remodeling. These physiological functions of EVT are also essential steps in the implantation of the human embryo and the formation of the placenta and are closely related to pregnancy maintenance and the occurrence of abortion. Hyperin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, pro-proliferative, and anti-apoptotic properties. Consequently, we investigated the previously unexplored effects of hyperin on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Human extravillous trophoblast-derived HTR-8/SVneo cells were incubated with different concentrations of hyperin (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM) to observe the changes in cell proliferation, migration, invasive capacity, and pathway activation. Proliferation, migration, and invasion were promoted by activating the JAK1/STAT3 pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells treated with hyperin. In addition, brepocitinib (PF-06700841) significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion effects of hyperin on HTR-8/SVneo cells. In vivo experiments confirmed that hyperin reduces the embryo loss rate in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) model mice. Furthermore, our study revealed that hyperin promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells via activation of the JAK1/STAT3 pathway, further improving pregnancy outcomes in RSA.

Neutrophil depletion in the pre-implantation phase impairs pregnancy index, placenta and fetus development

Maternal neutrophils cells are players in gestational tolerance and fetus delivery. Nonetheless, their actions in each phase of the pregnancy are unknown. We here investigated the role of maternal neutrophil depletion before the blastocyst implantation phase and outcomes in the pregnancy index, placenta, and fetus development. Neutrophils were pharmacologically depleted by i.p. injection of anti-Gr1 (anti-neutrophils; 200 µg) 24 hours after plug visualization in allogeneic-mated C57BL/6/BALB/c mice. Depletion of peripheral neutrophils lasted until 48 hours after anti-Gr1 injection (gestational day 1.5-3.5). On gestational day 5.5, neutrophil depletion impaired the blastocyst implantation, as 50% of pregnant mice presented reduced implantation sites. On gestational day 18.5, neutrophil depletion reduced the pregnancy rate and index, altered the placenta disposition in the uterine horns, and modified the structure of the placenta, detected by reduced junctional zone, associated with decreased numbers of giant trophoblast cells, spongiotrophoblast. Reduced number of placenta cells labeled for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), important markers of angiogenesis and adhesiveness, were detected in neutrophil depleted mice. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion promoted a higher frequency of monocytes, natural killers, and T regulatory cells, and lower frequency of cytotoxic T cells in the blood, and abnormal development of offspring. Associated data obtained herein highlight the pivotal role of neutrophils actions in the early stages of pregnancy, and address further investigations on the imbricating signaling evoked by neutrophils in the trophoblastic interaction with uterine epithelium.

(Dis)similarities between the Decidual and Tumor Microenvironment

Placenta-specific trophoblast and tumor cells exhibit many common characteristics. Trophoblast cells invade maternal tissues while being tolerated by the maternal immune system. Similarly, tumor cells can invade surrounding tissues and escape the immune system. Importantly, both trophoblast and tumor cells are supported by an abetting microenvironment, which influences invasion, angiogenesis, and immune tolerance/evasion, among others. However, in contrast to tumor cells, the metabolic, proliferative, migrative, and invasive states of trophoblast cells are under tight regulatory control. In this review, we provide an overview of similarities and dissimilarities in regulatory processes that drive trophoblast and tumor cell fate, particularly focusing on the role of the abetting microenvironments.

Early Abnormal Placentation and Evidence of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor System Dysregulation at the Feto-Maternal Interface After Periconceptional Alcohol Consumption

Adequate placentation, placental tissue remodeling and vascularization is essential for the success of gestation and optimal fetal growth. Recently, it was suggested that abnormal placenta induced by maternal alcohol consumption may participate in fetal growth restriction and relevant clinical manifestations of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Particularly, periconceptional alcohol consumption up to early gestation can alter placentation and angiogenesis that persists in pregnancy beyond the exposure period. Experimental evidence suggests that abnormal placenta following maternal alcohol intake is associated with insufficient vascularization and defective trophoblast development, growth and function in early gestation. Accumulated data indicate that impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system, including their downstream effectors, the nitric oxide (NO) and metalloproteinases (MMPs), is a pivotal spatio-temporal altered mechanism underlying the early placental vascular alterations induced by maternal alcohol consumption. In this review we propose that the periconceptional alcohol intake up to early organogenesis (first trimester) alters the VEGF-NO-MMPs system in trophoblastic-decidual tissues, generating imbalances in the trophoblastic proliferation/apoptosis, insufficient trophoblastic development, differentiation and migration, deficient labyrinthine vascularization, and uncompleted remodelation and transformation of decidual spiral arterioles. Consequently, abnormal placenta with insufficiency blood perfusion, vasoconstriction and reduced labyrinthine blood exchange can be generated. Herein, we review emerging knowledge of abnormal placenta linked to pregnancy complications and FASD produced by gestational alcohol ingestion and provide evidence of the early abnormal placental angiogenesis-vascularization and growth associated to decidual-trophoblastic dysregulation of VEGF system after periconceptional alcohol consumption up to mid-gestation, in a mouse model.