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Mohd Kamal DA, Ibrahim SF, Mokhtar MH. Androgen effect on connexin expression in the mammalian female reproductive system: A systematic review. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2020; 20:293-302. [PMID: 31881167 PMCID: PMC7416182 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of androgen and connexin in the mammalian female reproductive system are suggested to be related. Previous research has shown that androgen affects connexin expression in the female reproductive system, altering its function. However, no definitive conclusion on their cause-effect relationship has been drawn yet. In addition, a high prevalence of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), who are characterized by elevated androgen levels and failure of ovulation, has prompted the studies on the relationship between androgen and connexin in the ovaries. This systematic review aims to investigate the effect of androgen on connexin expression in the mammalian female reproductive system. The literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE via EBSCOhost and the Scopus database and the following keywords: “androgen” or “testosterone” or “androgen blocker” or “anti-androgen” or “androstenedione” or “dehydroepiandrosterone” or “flutamide AND connexin” or “gap junction” or “cell junction”. We only considered in vitro and in vivo studies that involved treatment by androgen or androgen receptor blockers and measured connexin expression as one of the parameters. Our review showed that the exposure to androgen or androgen blocker affects connexin expression but not its localization in the mammalian ovary. However, it is not clear whether androgen downregulates or upregulates connexin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Fatimah Ibrahim
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Comparison of the myometrial transcriptome from singleton and twin pregnancies by RNA-Seq. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227882. [PMID: 31951633 PMCID: PMC6968856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is recognized as the primary cause of infant mortality worldwide. Twin pregnancies are significantly more at risk of preterm birth than singleton pregnancies. A greater understanding of why this is and better modes of treatment and prevention are needed. Key to this is determining the differing pathophysiological mechanisms of preterm birth in twins, including the role of the myometrium and premature uterine contraction. We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of human myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies at term (> 37+0 weeks) and preterm (< 37+0 weeks), collected during pre-labour Caesarean Section. RNA-Seq libraries were prepared from polyA-selected RNA and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment were conducted using R software. Significance was determined with a false discovery rate-adjusted P value of <0.05. Only 3 DEGs were identified between gestational age-matched singleton and twin myometrium and only 1 DEG identified between singleton term and twin preterm tissues. Comparison of singleton preterm myometrium with twin term myometrium however, revealed 75 down-regulated and 24 up-regulated genes in twin myometrium. This included genes associated with inflammation and immune response, T cell maturation and differentiation and steroid biosynthesis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses for biologically relevant processes and functions also revealed several terms related to inflammation and immune response, as well as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and chemokine receptor signalling. Data indicate that little or no differences exist in the transcriptome of singleton and twin myometrium when matched for gestational age. The significant up- and down-regulation of genes identified between preterm singleton and twin myometrium at term may point to transcriptome changes associated with the chronic levels of uterine stretch in twin pregnancy or genes associated with the myometrium transitioning to labour onset.
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Patel R, Moffatt JD, Mourmoura E, Demaison L, Seed PT, Poston L, Tribe RM. Effect of reproductive ageing on pregnant mouse uterus and cervix. J Physiol 2017; 595:2065-2084. [PMID: 28083928 PMCID: PMC5350451 DOI: 10.1113/jp273350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Older pregnant women have a greater risk of operative delivery, still birth and post-term induction. This suggests that maternal age can influence the timing of birth and processes of parturition. We have found that increasing maternal age in C57BL/6J mice is associated with prolongation of gestation and length of labour. Older pregnant mice also had delayed progesterone withdrawal and impaired myometrial function. Uterine ageing and labour dysfunction should be investigated further in older primigravid women. ABSTRACT Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) is associated with increased rates of operative delivery, stillbirth and post-term labour induction. The physiological causes remain uncertain, although impaired myometrial function has been implicated. To investigate the hypothesis that maternal age directly influences successful parturition, we assessed the timing of birth and fetal outcome in pregnant C57BL/6J mice at 3 months (young) and 5 months (intermediate) vs. 8 months (older) of age using infrared video recording. Serum progesterone profiles, myometrium and cervix function, and mitochondrial electron transport chain complex enzymatic activities were also examined. Older pregnant mice had a longer mean gestation and labour duration (P < 0.001), as well as reduced litter size (P < 0.01) vs. 3-month-old mice. Older mice did not exhibit the same decline in serum progesterone concentrations as younger mice. Cervical tissues from older mice were more distensible than younger mice (P < 0.05). Oxytocin receptor and connexin-43 mRNA expression were reduced in the myometrium from 8-month-old vs. 3-month-old mice (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively) in tandem with more frequent but shorter duration spontaneous myometrial contractions (P < 0.05) and an attenuated contractile response to oxytocin. Myometrial mitochondrial copy number was reduced in older mice, although there were no age-induced changes to the enzymatic activities of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. In conclusion, 8-month-old mice provide a useful model of reproductive ageing. The present study has identified potential causes of labour dysfunction amenable to investigation in older primigravid women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Patel
- Division of Women's Health, King's College London, Women's Health Academic CentreKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas' HospitalLondonUK
| | - James D. Moffatt
- Division of Biomedical SciencesSt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Evangelia Mourmoura
- Université Joseph FourierLaboratoire de Bioénergétique Fondamentale et AppliquéeGrenobleFrance
| | - Luc Demaison
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRA, UMR 1019, Clermont UniversitéUniversité d'AuvergneClermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Paul T. Seed
- Division of Women's Health, King's College London, Women's Health Academic CentreKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas' HospitalLondonUK
| | - Lucilla Poston
- Division of Women's Health, King's College London, Women's Health Academic CentreKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas' HospitalLondonUK
| | - Rachel M. Tribe
- Division of Women's Health, King's College London, Women's Health Academic CentreKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas' HospitalLondonUK
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Sivarajasingam SP, Imami N, Johnson MR. Myometrial cytokines and their role in the onset of labour. J Endocrinol 2016; 231:R101-R119. [PMID: 27647860 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human labour is an inflammatory event, physiologically driven by an interaction between hormonal and mechanical factors and pathologically associated with infection, bleeding and excessive uterine stretch. The initiation and communicators of inflammation is still not completely understood; however, a key role for cytokines has been implicated. We summarise the current understanding of the nature and role of cytokines, chemokines and hormones and their involvement in signalling within the myometrium particularly during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Sivarajasingam
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - N Imami
- Department of MedicineImperial College London, London, UK
| | - M R Johnson
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
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Kibschull M, Gellhaus A, Carette D, Segretain D, Pointis G, Gilleron J. Physiological roles of connexins and pannexins in reproductive organs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2879-98. [PMID: 26100514 PMCID: PMC11114083 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive organs are complex and well-structured tissues essential to perpetuate the species. In mammals, the male and female reproductive organs vary on their organization, morphology and function. Connectivity between cells in such tissues plays pivotal roles in organogenesis and tissue functions through the regulation of cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Connexins and pannexins can be seen as major regulators of these physiological processes. In the present review, we assembled several lines of evidence demonstrating that these two families of proteins are essential for male and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kibschull
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, M5T 3H7 Canada
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Diane Carette
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Dominique Segretain
- UMR S1147, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Versailles, 78035 Saint Quentin, France
| | - Georges Pointis
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
| | - Jerome Gilleron
- INSERM U 1065, University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, 151 Route Saint-Antoine de Ginestière, BP 2 3194, 06204 Nice Cedex 3, France
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Heng YJ, Liong S, Permezel M, Rice GE, Di Quinzio MKW, Georgiou HM. Human cervicovaginal fluid biomarkers to predict term and preterm labor. Front Physiol 2015; 6:151. [PMID: 26029118 PMCID: PMC4429550 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB; birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation) remains the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The current generation of biomarkers predictive of PTB have limited utility. In pregnancy, the human cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) proteome is a reflection of the local biochemical milieu and is influenced by the physical changes occurring in the vagina, cervix and adjacent overlying fetal membranes. Term and preterm labor (PTL) share common pathways of cervical ripening, myometrial activation and fetal membranes rupture leading to birth. We therefore hypothesize that CVF biomarkers predictive of labor may be similar in both the term and preterm labor setting. In this review, we summarize some of the existing published literature as well as our team's breadth of work utilizing the CVF for the discovery and validation of putative CVF biomarkers predictive of human labor. Our team established an efficient method for collecting serial CVF samples for optimal 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis resolution and analysis. We first embarked on CVF biomarker discovery for the prediction of spontaneous onset of term labor using 2D-electrophoresis and solution array multiple analyte profiling. 2D-electrophoretic analyses were subsequently performed on CVF samples associated with PTB. Several proteins have been successfully validated and demonstrate that these biomarkers are associated with term and PTL and may be predictive of both term and PTL. In addition, the measurement of these putative biomarkers was found to be robust to the influences of vaginal microflora and/or semen. The future development of a multiple biomarker bed-side test would help improve the prediction of PTB and the clinical management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing J Heng
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stella Liong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia ; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Permezel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia ; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Gregory E Rice
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Megan K W Di Quinzio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia ; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Harry M Georgiou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne Melbourne, VIC, Australia ; Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
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Arrowsmith S, Kendrick A, Hanley JA, Noble K, Wray S. Myometrial physiology - time to translate? Exp Physiol 2014; 99:495-502. [DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2013.076216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Arrowsmith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Crown Street Liverpool UK
| | - Annabelle Kendrick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Crown Street Liverpool UK
| | - Jacqui-Ann Hanley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Crown Street Liverpool UK
| | - Karen Noble
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Crown Street Liverpool UK
| | - Susan Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Institute of Translational Medicine; University of Liverpool; Crown Street Liverpool UK
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Turton P, Arrowsmith S, Prescott J, Ballard C, Bricker L, Neilson J, Wray S. A comparison of the contractile properties of myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63800. [PMID: 23671701 PMCID: PMC3646038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Over half of twin pregnancies in US and UK deliver prematurely but the reasons for this are unclear. The contractility of myometrium from twin pregnancies has not been directly investigated. The objective of this research was to determine if there are differences in the contractile activity and response to oxytocin, between myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies, across a range of gestational ages. Furthermore, we wished to determine if contractile activity correlates with increasing level of stretch, using neonatal birth weights as a marker of uterine stretch. Methods This was an in vitro, laboratory based study of myometrial contractility in women pregnant with one or two babies, using biopsies obtained from non-labouring women undergoing Caesarean section. Spontaneous, oxytocin-stimulated and depolarization induced contractile activity was compared. Results Direct measurements of myometrial contractility under controlled conditions show that the frequency of contractions and responses to oxytocin are significantly increased in twins compared to singletons. The duration of contraction however was significantly reduced. We find that contractile activity correlates with increasing levels of stretch, using neonatal birth weights as a surrogate for uterine stretch, with response to oxytocin being significantly positively correlated with birth weight. Conclusions We have found significant differences in contractile properties between myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies and that increasing uterine stretch can alter the contractile properties of myometrium. We discuss the implication of these findings to preterm delivery and future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Turton
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Arrowsmith
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Prescott
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Celia Ballard
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Bricker
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James Neilson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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9
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Abstract
The association between multiple pregnancy and preterm labour is well-established, with >50% of multiple births delivering before 37 weeks. However, there remains limited understanding of the factors predisposing to early delivery of twins. Physiological stimuli to the onset of parturition, including stretch, placental corticotrophin-releasing hormone and lung maturity factors, may be stronger in multiple pregnancies due to the increased fetal and placental mass. Pathological processes including infection and cervical insufficiency also have a role. Treatments that prevent preterm birth in singleton pregnancies, such as progesterone and cervical cerclage appear to be ineffective in multiple pregnancies. This article reviews aspects of preterm birth in twins and higher order multiples including epidemiology, prediction and prevention of preterm labour and potential mechanisms controlling onset of parturition. Evidence relating to the management of labour in preterm and term multiples is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Stock
- University of Edinburgh Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Room S7129, Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK.
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McCaig D, Lyall F. Heme oxygenase expression in human placental villous tissue in response to exposure to in vitro ischemia-reperfusion injury. Hypertens Pregnancy 2010; 28:256-72. [PMID: 19263288 DOI: 10.1080/10641950802132811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenases (HO-1 and HO-2) are responsible for the production of carbon monoxide, a vasodilator. The products of heme oxygenase are also anti-oxidants. HO is expressed within the placenta and is important in controlling placental blood flow. HO can be sensitive to oxygen, with responses differing depending on the cell type. Recent studies have suggested that in preeclampsia, the placenta would be subjected to fluctuations in oxygen tension analogous to an ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thus the present study tested the hypothesis that HO-1 and or HO-2 expression in placental villous explants would be altered by an ischemic-reperfusion insult. Human term placental explants were exposed to hypoxia then re-oxygenation in 5% or 20% O(2) or repeated cycles of hypoxia-re-oxygenation. HO protein concentrations were assessed by Western blotting. No changes in HO-1 or HO-2 were found with any treatment protocol. Chemical induction of HO-1 was possible in explants showing that HO-1 induction in explants is possible. The results suggest that cells in term placental villous tissue do not respond to hypoxia-re-oxygenation by altering the amount of HO-1 or HO-2 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- D McCaig
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine Section, Institute of Medical Genetics, Yorkhill, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Turton P, Neilson JP, Quenby S, Burdyga T, Wray S. A short review of twin pregnancy and how oxytocin receptor expression may differ in multiple pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2009; 144 Suppl 1:S40-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2009.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Moore LG. Fetal growth restriction and maternal oxygen transport during high altitude pregnancy. High Alt Med Biol 2003; 4:141-56. [PMID: 12855048 DOI: 10.1089/152702903322022767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
High altitude reduces birth weights, averaging a 100-g fall per 1000 m elevation gain, as the result of restriction of third trimester fetal growth. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) raises neonatal or infant mortality at low as well as at high altitude, but existing studies are unclear as to whether IUGR-specific mortality at high altitude is similar to, less than, or greater than at low altitude. Pregnancy increases maternal ventilation and raises arterial O(2) saturation at high altitude, which helps to protect against altitude-associated IUGR. Chronic hypoxia interferes with the maternal circulatory adjustments to pregnancy such that blood volume is lower and the rise in cardiac output diminished compared with sea level. The growth and remodeling of the uterine artery and other uteroplacental vessels is incomplete at high compared with low altitude, with the result that there is less redistribution of common iliac flow from the external iliac to the uterine arteries and lower uterine artery blood flow near term. Adaptations in multigenerational high altitude populations (e.g., Andeans and Tibetans) permit higher uterine artery blood flows and protect against altitude-associated IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna G Moore
- Women's Health Research Center and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.
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