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Abe Y, Inoue M, Sekiguchi K, Nakano S, Tomaru Y, Maeda T, Shimizu N, Ihara K. Clinical characteristics of preterm and term infants with Ureaplasma in gastric fluid. Pediatr Neonatol 2024; 65:170-176. [PMID: 37741759 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.04.016] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ureaplasma spp. is an endemic microorganism that causes placental chorioamnionitis or preterm delivery in pregnant women, and the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or intraventricular hemorrhaging in preterm infants after birth, although the pathogenicity of Ureaplasma remains controversial. The association between Ureaplasma exposure and the symptoms or outcomes of infected mothers or their infants born at term remains poorly understood. We investigated the clinical characteristics of preterm and term infants with or without Ureaplasma in their gastric fluid. METHODS Gastric fluid samples were collected from 47 newborns in the neonatal intensive-care unit immediately after birth and tested using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting Ureaplasma spp., Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. The clinical findings and outcomes of the neonates and their mothers were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS Ureaplasma spp. were detected in 9/47 samples (19%) by multiplex PCR assays. In all cases, the subspecies was U. parvum. The Ureaplasma-positive group had a significantly higher incidence of chorioamnionitis in utero than the Ureaplasma-negative group. Regarding preterm infants, the IgM levels in the Ureaplasma-positive group were significantly higher than in the Ureaplasma-negative group. In contrast, in term infants, the rates of a non-reassuring fetal status, a maternal fever, and maternal leukocyte counts and maternal C-reactive protein levels within five days before delivery in the Ureaplasma-positive group were significantly higher than those in the Ureaplasma-negative group. All three extremely-low-birth-weight infants with Ureaplasma developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The length of hospitalization in the Ureaplasma-positive group was almost same as that in the Ureaplasma-negative group for term infants. CONCLUSION Mothers or their fetuses with exposure to Ureaplasma expressed characteristic clinical features during pregnancy and after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiichi Abe
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Koseiren Tsurumi Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Masanori Inoue
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
| | - Kazuhito Sekiguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Satoko Nakano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Tomaru
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Maeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Norio Shimizu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Ihara
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
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Kelleher MA, Lee JY, Roberts VHJ, Novak CM, Baschat AA, Morgan TK, Novy MJ, Räsänen JP, Frias AE, Burd I. Maternal azithromycin therapy for Ureaplasma parvum intraamniotic infection improves fetal hemodynamics in a nonhuman primate model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:578.e1-578.e11. [PMID: 32343954 PMCID: PMC7591241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ureaplasma parvum infection is a prevalent cause of intrauterine infection associated with preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, fetal inflammatory response syndrome, and adverse postnatal sequelae. Elucidation of diagnostic and treatment strategies for infection-associated preterm labor may improve perinatal and long-term outcomes for these cases. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effect of intraamniotic Ureaplasma infection on fetal hemodynamic and cardiac function and the effect of maternal antibiotic treatment on these outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Chronically catheterized pregnant rhesus monkeys were assigned to control (n=6), intraamniotic inoculation with Ureaplasma parvum (107 colony-forming units/mL, n=15), and intraamniotic infection plus azithromycin treatment (12.5 mg/kg twice a day intravenously, n=8) groups. At approximately 135 days' gestation (term=165 days), pulsed and color Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain measurements of fetal hemodynamics (pulsatility index of umbilical artery, ductus venosus, descending aorta, ductus arteriosus, aortic isthmus, right pulmonary artery, middle cerebral artery and cerebroplacental ratio, and left and right ventricular cardiac outputs) and cardiac function (ratio of peak early vs late transmitral flow velocity [marker of ventricular function], Tei index [myocardial performance index]). These indices were stratified by amniotic fluid proinflammatory mediator levels and cardiac histology. RESULTS Umbilical and fetal pulmonary artery vascular impedances were significantly increased in animals from the intraamniotic inoculation with Ureaplasma parvum group (P<.05). Azithromycin treatment restored values to control levels. Amniotic fluid prostaglandin F2 alpha levels were significantly higher in animals with abnormal umbilical artery pulsatility index (>1.1) than in those with normal blood flow (P<.05; Spearman ρ=0.6, P<.05). In the intraamniotic inoculation with Ureaplasma parvum group, left ventricular cardiac output was significantly decreased (P<.001), and more animals had abnormal right-to-left ventricular cardiac output ratios (defined as >1.6, P<.05). Amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentrations were elevated in cases of abnormal right-to-left ventricular cardiac output ratios compared with those in normal cases (P<.05). CONCLUSION Fetal hemodynamic alterations were associated with intraamniotic Ureaplasma infection and ameliorated after maternal antibiotic treatment. Doppler ultrasonographic measurements merit continuing investigation as a diagnostic method to identify fetal cardiovascular and hemodynamic compromise associated with intrauterine infection or inflammation and in the evaluation of therapeutic interventions or clinical management of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Kelleher
- Division of Reproductive and Development Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR.
| | - Ji Yeon Lee
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Victoria H J Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Development Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR
| | - Christopher M Novak
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Terry K Morgan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Miles J Novy
- Division of Reproductive and Development Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR
| | - Juha P Räsänen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR; University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antonio E Frias
- Division of Reproductive and Development Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Morrison JL, Berry MJ, Botting KJ, Darby JRT, Frasch MG, Gatford KL, Giussani DA, Gray CL, Harding R, Herrera EA, Kemp MW, Lock MC, McMillen IC, Moss TJ, Musk GC, Oliver MH, Regnault TRH, Roberts CT, Soo JY, Tellam RL. Improving pregnancy outcomes in humans through studies in sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R1123-R1153. [PMID: 30325659 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00391.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies that are relevant to human pregnancy rely on the selection of appropriate animal models as an important element in experimental design. Consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of any animal model of human disease is fundamental to effective and meaningful translation of preclinical research. Studies in sheep have made significant contributions to our understanding of the normal and abnormal development of the fetus. As a model of human pregnancy, studies in sheep have enabled scientists and clinicians to answer questions about the etiology and treatment of poor maternal, placental, and fetal health and to provide an evidence base for translation of interventions to the clinic. The aim of this review is to highlight the advances in perinatal human medicine that have been achieved following translation of research using the pregnant sheep and fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mary J Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Clint L Gray
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Richard Harding
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria , Australia
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Pathophysiology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Mitchell C Lock
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - I Caroline McMillen
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Moss
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria , Australia
| | - Gabrielle C Musk
- Animal Care Services, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Mark H Oliver
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, and Children's Health Research Institute , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Jia Yin Soo
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ross L Tellam
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Segal S, Pancaro C, Bonney I, Marchand JE. Noninfectious Fever in the Near-Term Pregnant Rat Induces Fetal Brain Inflammation. Anesth Analg 2017; 125:2134-2140. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000002479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Yawno T, Sabaretnam T, Li J, McDonald C, Lim R, Jenkin G, Wallace EM, Miller SL. Human Amnion Epithelial Cells Protect Against White Matter Brain Injury After Repeated Endotoxin Exposure in the Preterm Ovine Fetus. Cell Transplant 2016; 26:541-553. [PMID: 27938480 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x693572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine inflammation is a significant cause of injury to the developing fetal brain. Using a preterm fetal sheep model of in utero infection, we asked whether human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) were able to reduce inflammation-induced fetal brain injury. Surgery was undertaken on pregnant sheep at ∼105 days gestation (term is 147 days) for implantation of vascular catheters. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 150 ng/kg bolus) or saline was administered IV at 109, 110, and 111 days. Sixty million fluorescent-labeled hAECs were administered at 110, 111, and 112 days gestation via the brachial artery catheter. Brains were collected at 114 days for histological assessment. hAECs were observed within the cortex, white matter, and hippocampus. Compared to control lambs, LPS administration was associated with significant and widespread fetal brain inflammation and injury as evidenced by increased number of activated microglia in the periventricular white matter (p = 0.02), increased pyknosis, cell degeneration (p = 0.01), and a nonsignificant trend of fewer oligodendrocytes in the subcortical and periventricular white matter. Administration of hAECs to LPS-treated animals was associated with a significant mitigation in both inflammation and injury as evidenced by fewer activated microglia (p = 0.03) and pyknotic cells (p = 0.03), significantly more oligodendrocytes in the subcortical and periventricular white matter (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively), and more myelin basic protein-positive cells within the periventricular white matter (p = 0.02). hAEC administration to fetal sheep exposed to multiple doses of LPS dampens the resultant fetal inflammatory response and mitigates associated brain injury.
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Pearson C, Littlewood E, Douglas P, Robertson S, Gant TW, Hansell AL. Exposures and health outcomes in relation to bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities: a systematic review of occupational and community studies. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2015; 18:43-69. [PMID: 25825807 PMCID: PMC4409048 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2015.1009961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The number of composting sites in Europe is rapidly increasing, due to efforts to reduce the fraction of waste destined for landfill, but evidence on possible health impacts is limited. This article systematically reviews studies related to bioaerosol exposures within and near composting facilities and associated health effects in both community and occupational health settings. Six electronic databases and bibliographies from January 1960 to July 2014 were searched for studies reporting on health outcomes and/or bioaerosol emissions related to composting sites. Risk of bias was assessed using a customized score. Five hundred and thirty-six papers were identified and reviewed, and 66 articles met the inclusion criteria (48 exposure studies, 9 health studies, 9 health and exposure studies). Exposure information was limited, with most measurements taken in occupational settings and for limited time periods. Bioaerosol concentrations were highest on-site during agitation activities (turning, shredding, and screening). Six studies detected concentrations of either Aspergillus fumigatus or total bacteria above the English Environment Agency's recommended threshold levels beyond 250 m from the site. Occupational studies of compost workers suggested elevated risks of respiratory illnesses with higher bioaerosol exposures. Elevated airway irritation was reported in residents near composting sites, but this may have been affected by reporting bias. The evidence base on health effects of bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities is still limited, although there is sufficient evidence to support a precautionary approach for regulatory purposes. While data to date are suggestive of possible respiratory effects, further study is needed to confirm this and to explore other health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Pearson
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Littlewood
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa Douglas
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Robertson
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy W. Gant
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L. Hansell
- Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health & NIHR HPRU in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Public Health and Primary Care, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Lear CA, Davidson JO, Booth LC, Wassink G, Galinsky R, Drury PP, Fraser M, Bennet L, Gunn AJ. Biphasic changes in fetal heart rate variability in preterm fetal sheep developing hypotension after acute on chronic lipopolysaccharide exposure. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 307:R387-95. [PMID: 24944248 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00110.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to infection is highly associated with adverse outcomes. Experimentally, acute, severe exposure to gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is associated with increased fetal heart rate variability (FHRV). It is unknown whether FHRV is affected by subclinical infection with or without acute exacerbations. We therefore tested the hypothesis that FHRV would be associated with hypotension after acute on chronic exposure to LPS. Chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation were exposed to a continuous low-dose LPS infusion (n = 12, 100 ng/kg over 24 h, followed by 250 ng·kg(-1)·24 h(-1) for a further 96 h) or the same volume of saline (n = 10). Boluses of either 1 μg LPS or saline were given at 48, 72, and 96 h. Low-dose infusion was not associated with hemodynamic or FHRV changes. The first LPS bolus was associated with tachycardia and suppression of nuchal electromyographic activity in all fetuses. Seven of twelve fetuses developed hypotension (a fall in mean arterial blood pressure ≥5 mmHg). FHRV was transiently increased only at the onset of hypotension, in association with increased cytokine induction and electroencephalogram suppression. FHRV then fell before the nadir of hypotension, with transient suppression of short-term FHRV. After the second LPS bolus, the hypotension group showed a biphasic pattern of a transient increase in FHRV followed by more prolonged suppression. These findings suggest that infection-related hypotension in the preterm fetus mediates the transient increase in FHRV and that repeated exposure to LPS leads to progressive loss of FHRV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mhoyra Fraser
- Department of Physiology, and The Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Inflammatory-induced hibernation in the fetus: priming of fetal sheep metabolism correlates with developmental brain injury. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29503. [PMID: 22242129 PMCID: PMC3248450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal inflammation is considered an important factor contributing to preterm birth and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The impact of prenatal inflammation on fetal bioenergetic status and the correlation of specific metabolites to inflammatory-induced developmental brain injury are unknown. We used a global metabolomics approach to examine plasma metabolites differentially regulated by intrauterine inflammation. Preterm-equivalent sheep fetuses were randomized to i.v. bolus infusion of either saline-vehicle or LPS. Blood samples were collected at baseline 2 h, 6 h and daily up to 10 days for metabolite quantification. Animals were killed at 10 days after LPS injection, and brain injury was assessed by histopathology. We detected both acute and delayed effects of LPS on fetal metabolism, with a long-term down-regulation of fetal energy metabolism. Within the first 3 days after LPS, 121 metabolites were up-regulated or down-regulated. A transient phase (4–6 days), in which metabolite levels recovered to baseline, was followed by a second phase marked by an opposing down-regulation of energy metabolites, increased pO2 and increased markers of inflammation and ADMA. The characteristics of the metabolite response to LPS in these two phases, defined as 2 h to 2 days and at 6–9 days, respectively, were strongly correlated with white and grey matter volumes at 10 days recovery. Based on these results we propose a novel concept of inflammatory-induced hibernation of the fetus. Inflammatory priming of fetal metabolism correlated with measures of brain injury, suggesting potential for future biomarker research and the identification of therapeutic targets.
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Dijkstra F, Jozwiak M, De Matteo R, Duncan J, Hale N, Harding R, Rees S. Erythropoietin ameliorates damage to the placenta and fetal liver induced by exposure to lipopolysaccharide. Placenta 2010; 31:282-8. [PMID: 20106521 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Revised: 12/22/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine infection and inflammation have been causally linked to preterm birth and fetal brain injury. Using an ovine model of endotoxin-induced brain injury we have recently shown that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) reduces brain injury and protects against damage to myelination in major myelinated axon tracts. Our present objective was to determine whether rhEPO is also protective of the placenta and the fetal liver, organs which could influence fetal well-being. At 107 +/- 1 days of gestational age (DGA) chronically catheterized fetal sheep were randomly assigned to receive, on 3 consecutive days, either: 1) an i.v. bolus dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; approximately 0.9 microg/kg; n = 8); 2) i.v. bolus dose of LPS, followed at 1 h by 5000 IU/kg of rhEPO (LPS + rhEPO, n = 8); 3) rhEPO (n = 3). Seven untreated fetuses served as controls (n = 7). The placenta and fetal liver were examined histologically at 116 +/- 1 DGA; a placental injury index was formulated comprising measures of placental area, apoptosis, tissue injury and the size of the intervillous space. In LPS-exposed fetuses this index was greater than in control or rhEPO alone fetuses (p < 0.02). Treatment of LPS-exposed fetuses with rhEPO resulted in a reduction in the index (p < 0.05) and in the extent of liver necrosis. We conclude that rhEPO offers protection to the placenta and fetal liver in the presence of acute inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Dijkstra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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10
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The effects of lead exposure on placental NF-κB expression and the consequences for gestation. Reprod Toxicol 2009; 27:190-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2008.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2008] [Revised: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Shah DK, Doyle LW, Anderson PJ, Bear M, Daley AJ, Hunt RW, Inder TE. Adverse neurodevelopment in preterm infants with postnatal sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis is mediated by white matter abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging at term. J Pediatr 2008; 153:170-5, 175.e1. [PMID: 18534228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2007] [Revised: 02/04/2008] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that the impact of postnatal sepsis/necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) on neurodevelopment may be mediated by white matter abnormality (WMA), which can be demonstrated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN A prospective cohort of 192 unselected preterm infants (gestational age <30 weeks), who were evaluated for sepsis and NEC, underwent imaging at term-equivalent age and neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. RESULTS Sixty-eight preterm (35%) infants had 100 episodes of confirmed sepsis, and 9 (5%) infants had confirmed NEC. Coagulase-negative staphylococci accounted for 73% (73/100) of the episodes of confirmed sepsis. Infants with sepsis/NEC had significantly more WMA on MRI at term compared with infants in the no-sepsis/NEC group. They also had poorer psychomotor development that persisted after adjusting for potential confounders but which became nonsignificant after adjusting for WMA. CONCLUSIONS Preterm infants with sepsis/NEC are at greater risk of motor impairment at 2 years, which appears to be mediated by WMA. These findings may assist in defining a neuroprotective target in preterm infants with sepsis/NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyen K Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63105, USA.
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12
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Garnier Y, Kadyrov M, Gantert M, Einig A, Rath W, Huppertz B. Proliferative responses in the placenta after endotoxin exposure in preterm fetal sheep. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 138:152-7. [PMID: 17942214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2006] [Revised: 08/05/2007] [Accepted: 08/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antenatal infections are associated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Systemic application of endotoxins to the fetus results in an increase in placental vascular resistance and chronic reduction in umbilical blood flow. We studied morphological alterations of the placenta in response to fetal inflammation in the preterm sheep. STUDY DESIGN Therefore, 14 fetal sheep were chronically instrumented at a mean gestational age of 107+/-1 days (term is 147 days). Four days after surgery fetuses received 100 ng lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n=8) or saline (control; n=6) intravenously. Fetal heart rate and arterial blood pressure were monitored continuously while blood gases and acid-base balance were measured at time points 0, +1, +3, +6, +12, +24, +48 and +72 h. Three days after LPS application placental cotyledons were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and morphometry. Different primary antibodies like AE 1 and AE 3 against cytokeratins were used. Secondary antibodies were visualized with 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) or using the Vectastain kit (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA). Double staining was carried out first by utilizing Vectastain kit (black), followed by AEC staining (red). Counterstaining was performed with haematoxylin. RESULTS Fetal tachycardia and hypertension were induced transiently during the first 12h after LPS application. Fetuses suffered from mild hypoxaemia while acidemia was absent. Morphometry revealed a non-significant shift in the relation of maternal and fetal placental compartments towards the maternal parts in response to LPS treatment. Endotoxin induced an increased proliferation in both compartments of the placenta with a 3.2-fold increase on the maternal and a 1.8-fold increase on the fetal side. CONCLUSIONS Systemic endotoxin exposure of the preterm fetal sheep leads to a change in the gross organization of the placenta and changes in the proliferation patterns in both placental compartments. These rearrangements inside the placenta may disturb its organ function and subsequently lead to fetal morbidity associated with the fetal inflammatory response syndrome and chronic placental dysfunction, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Garnier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany.
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Duncan JR, Cock ML, Suzuki K, Scheerlinck JPY, Harding R, Rees SM. Chronic endotoxin exposure causes brain injury in the ovine fetus in the absence of hypoxemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 13:87-96. [PMID: 16443500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2005.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2005] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intrauterine infection has been linked to brain injury in human infants, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. We recently showed that repeated acute exposure of preterm fetal sheep to bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) results in fetal hypoxemia, hypotension, increased systemic proinflammatory cytokines, and brain damage, including white matter injury. However, it is not clear whether this injury is caused by reduced cerebral oxygen delivery or inflammatory pathways independent of hypoxia. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects on the fetal brain and placenta of a chronic intrauterine inflammatory state, induced by LPS infusion into the fetal circulation, a model that did not cause hypoxia. METHODS At 0.65 of term, eight catheterized fetal sheep received intravenous infusions of LPS (5 to 15 mug) over 5 days; control fetuses received saline. Fetal physiologic responses were monitored throughout the infusion. Fetal brain and placental tissues were examined histologically 6 days after the conclusion of the infusion. RESULTS LPS infusions did not result in physiologically significant alterations to fetal blood gases or mean arterial pressure; however, plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels were elevated. Following LPS exposure there was no difference in fetal body or brain weights (P >.05); placental weight was reduced (P <.05), consistent with reduced placentome cross-sectional area (P <.05). In the cerebral hemispheres subcortical white matter injury was present in six LPS-exposed fetuses and included axonal damage, microgliosis, oligodendrocyte injury, and increased beta amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) expression. CONCLUSIONS Chronic, systemic exposure of the fetus to LPS resulted in fetal brain damage in the absence of hypoxemia or hypotension, although the resulting injury was less severe than following repeated acute exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhodie R Duncan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Briscoe T, Duncan J, Cock M, Choo J, Rice G, Harding R, Scheerlinck JPY, Rees S. Activation of NF-κB transcription factor in the preterm ovine brain and placenta after acute LPS exposure. J Neurosci Res 2006; 83:567-74. [PMID: 16435393 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine infection may be causally related to inflammation and injury of the fetal brain, however the mechanisms by which this occurs are unclear. We have investigated whether nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, a transcription factor for proinflammatory cytokines, is activated in the fetal brain after acute LPS-exposure. At 95 days of gestation (term = approximately 147 days), 5 fetuses received a single intravenous bolus dose of LPS (1 microg/kg); 6 fetuses served as controls. Fetal blood samples were taken hourly for 6 hr post LPS-exposure to assess physiological status. Ewes and fetuses were then euthanased, placental and brain tissue examined histologically, and NF-kappaB activation assessed in several regions of the fetal brain using an electromobility shift assay (EMSA). Oxidative stress was measured using lipid peroxidation and 8-isoprostane biochemical assays and brain cytokine concentrations analysed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). LPS-exposed fetuses (relative to controls) were hypoxemic and the haematocrit and lactate levels had increased. In the brains of LPS-exposed fetuses compared to controls, NF-kappaB binding activity was elevated in the hippocampus and the thalamus/basal ganglia; 8-isoprostane levels were elevated overall (P < 0.05) in the parietal/occipital/temporal lobes and thalamus/basal ganglia. TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations were not elevated, however, there was a tendency for an elevation of IFN-gamma concentrations in the thalamus/basal ganglia. IFN-gamma concentration was elevated (P < 0.05) in the plasma 4 hr after LPS-exposure. In the placenta, NF-kappaB binding activity was increased (P < 0.05). We conclude that acute systemic administration of LPS leads to increased binding activity of NF-kappaB subunits in specific regions of the fetal brain and in the placenta, but that there is no clear-cut relationship between this elevation and vulnerability to endotoxic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Briscoe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rounioja S, Räsänen J, Ojaniemi M, Glumoff V, Autio-Harmainen H, Hallman M. Mechanism of acute fetal cardiovascular depression after maternal inflammatory challenge in mouse. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2005; 166:1585-92. [PMID: 15920144 PMCID: PMC1602402 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)62469-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes an acute inflammatory response and cardiac dysfunction in fetal mice. We hypothesized that the placenta protects the fetus against maternally administered bacterial toxins, delaying the onset of a fetal inflammatory response and vascular compromise. At 14 to 15 days of gestation, DBA mice were randomized to receive LPS (2.4 mg/kg) or vehicle intraperitoneally. Doppler ultrasonography of fetal cardiovascular hemodynamics was performed before and 6 hours after maternal LPS. Six hours after the LPS, maternal serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 (P < 0.05) were increased. Placenta showed severe maternal vascular dilatation and congestion. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1alpha, and IL-6 (P < 0.05) were increased, and the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 was constitutive in placenta. The expression of Toll-like receptor 2 increased (P < 0.05) and was detected in labyrinthine macrophages. No inflammatory activation was found in fetal tissues, and amniotic fluid revealed no significant increase in cytokines. The ultrasonographic examination demonstrated increased fetal cardiac afterload after LPS, with 65% of the fetuses exhibiting atrioventricular valve regurgitation. In conclusion, maternal inflammatory insult activates placental labyrinthine macrophages leading to an acute increase in placental vascular resistance and fetal cardiac dysfunction without an inflammatory response in fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Rounioja
- Department of Pediatrics and Biocenter Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu, Finland.
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