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Ghadhanfar E, Alsalem A, Al-Kandari S, Naser J, Babiker F, Al-Bader M. The role of ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor axis in glucocorticoid-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:97. [PMID: 29321064 PMCID: PMC6389120 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma and urine levels of the potent vasodilator Ang-(1-7) are elevated in mid and late pregnancy and are correlated with elevated placental angiogenesis, fetal blood flow, and rapid fetal growth. We hypothesized that Ang-(1-7), its receptor (Mas1) and the enzymes involved in Ang-(1-7) production (ACE2 and Membrane metallo-endopeptidase; MME) are down regulated in response to glucocorticoid administration contributing to IUGR. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with dexamethasone (DEX; 0.4 mg/kg/day) starting from 14 day gestation (dg) till sacrifice at 19 or 21 dg while control groups were injected with saline (n = 6/group). The gene and protein expression of ACE2, MME, Ang-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor in the placental labyrinth (LZ) and basal zones (BZ) were studied. RESULTS DEX administration caused a reduction in LZ weight at 19 and 21 dg (p < 0.001). IUGR, as shown by decreased fetal weights, was evident in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p < 0.01). ACE2 gene expression was elevated in the LZ of control placentas at 21 dg (p < 0.01) compared to 19 dg and DEX prevented this rise at both gene (p < 0.01) and protein levels (p < 0.05). In addition, Ang-(1-7) protein expression in LZ was significantly reduced in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p < 0.05). On the other hand, Mas1 and MME were upregulated in LZ at 21 dg in both groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that a reduced expression of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) in the placenta by DEX treatment may be responsible for IUGR and consequent disease programming later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ghadhanfar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Aseel Alsalem
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Jumana Naser
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fawzi Babiker
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maie Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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Yahi D, Ojo NA, Mshelia GD. Influence of Dexamethasone on Some Reproductive Hormones and Uterine Progesterone Receptor Localization in Pregnant Yankasa Sheep in Semiarid Zones of Nigeria. J Vet Med 2017; 2017:9514861. [PMID: 29181440 PMCID: PMC5664332 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9514861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone is widely used in both veterinary and human medical practices. However, it seems to cause some deleterious effects on pregnancy probably by causing changes in the reproductive hormone levels and their corresponding receptor concentrations. This study investigated the effects of dexamethasone on these parameters. Twenty healthy adult Yankasa sheep comprising 18 ewes and 2 rams were used for this study. Pregnancies were achieved by natural mating after estrus synchronization. Dexamethasone was administered at 0.25 mg/kg body weight on days 1, 3, and 5 during first trimester; days 51, 53, and 55 during second trimester; and days 101, 103, and 105 during the third trimester. Blood samples were collected biweekly for hormonal assay. Uterine biopsies were harvested through caesarean section for immunohistochemical analysis. Results showed that dexamethasone significantly (p < 0.05) decreased progesterone concentrations and caused abortion in Yankasa sheep but had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on estrogen, while progesterone receptors (PR) were upregulated. The abortion could probably be due to decreased progesterone concentrations as a consequence of the adverse effects on placenta. The PR upregulation may be a compensatory mechanism to increase progesterone sensitivity. It was concluded that dexamethasone should not be used in advanced pregnancy in Yankasa sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dauda Yahi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Nicholas Adetayo Ojo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Gideon Dauda Mshelia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria
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Yahi D, Ojo NA, Mshelia GD. Effects of dexamethasone on progesterone and estrogen profiles and uterine progesterone receptor localization during pregnancy in Sahel goat in Semi-Arid region. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2017; 59:12. [PMID: 28560047 PMCID: PMC5446764 DOI: 10.1186/s40781-017-0137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the widespread use of dexamethasone in veterinary and human medicine, it is reported to cause some severe pregnancy related side effects like abortion in some animals. The mechanism of the response is not clear but seems to be related to interspecies and/or breed difference in response which may involve alterations in the concentrations of some reproductive hormones. METHODS Twenty Sahel goats comprising 18 does and 2 bucks were used for this study. Pregnancies were achieved by natural mating after synchronization. Repeated dexamethasone injections were given at 0.25 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected biweekly for hormonal assay. Uterine biopsies were harvested at days 28 and day 78 of gestation through caesarean section for immunohistochemical analysis using 3 pregnant does randomly selected from each group at each instant. Data were expressed as Means ± Standard Deviations and analyzed using statistical soft ware package, GraphPad Instant, version 3.0 (2003) and progesterone receptor (PR) were scored semi-quantitatively. RESULTS Dexamethasone treatments had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on progesterone and estrogen concentrations in pregnant Sahel goats but up regulated PR from 2+ to 3+ in second trimester. CONCLUSION As dexamethasone adverse effect on placenta is an established fact, the lack of effect on progesterone level in this study may be due to the fact that unlike other species whose progesterone production during pregnancy is placenta - dependent, in goats is corpus luteum - dependent. Consequently dexamethasone adverse effect on placenta reported in literatures did not influence progesterone levels during pregnancy in Sahel goat. The up regulation of progesterone receptor (PR) in Sahel goat gravid uterus is a beneficial effects and that dexamethasone can safely be used in corpus luteum - dependent progesterone secreting pregnant animal species like Sahel goat and camel. Therefore source of progesterone secretions during pregnancy should be considered in clinical application of dexamethasone in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dauda Yahi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B, Maiduguri, 1069 Nigeria
| | - Nicholas Adetayo Ojo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B, Maiduguri, 1069 Nigeria
| | - Gideon Dauda Mshelia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B, Maiduguri, 1069 Nigeria
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Kemp MW, Saito M, Usuda H, Molloy TJ, Miura Y, Sato S, Watanabe S, Clarke M, Fossler M, Scmidt A, Kallapur SG, Kramer BW, Newnham JP, Jobe AH. Maternofetal pharmacokinetics and fetal lung responses in chronically catheterized sheep receiving constant, low-dose infusions of betamethasone phosphate. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:775.e1-775.e12. [PMID: 27555319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal steroids are standard of care for cases of anticipated preterm labor to improve neonatal outcomes. However, steroids are potent drugs, and their use in pregnancy remains largely unoptimized. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to measure the maternofetal pharmacokinetics of constant, low-dose intravenous betamethasone phosphate infusions and correlate these data with the transcriptional effect exerted by subclinical betamethasone exposures on the ovine fetal lung. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-two ewes carrying a single fetus had surgery to catheterize fetal and maternal jugular veins at 116 days of gestation (term, 150 days). Animals were recovered for 2 days and then were randomized to receive 2 sequential maternal intravenous infusions of either (n = 4/group) of the following: 1) saline, 0.125, 0.04, or 0.0125 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate over 3 hours; or 2) saline, 0.25, 0.08, or 0.025 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate over 12 hours. Each infusion was separated by 2 days. Fetal lung tissue was collected for analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and an ovine-specific microarray. Plasma betamethasone levels from time-course catheter samples were determined by mass spectrometry. Data were assessed for distribution, variance, and tested by an analysis of variance. RESULTS Betamethasone was detectable (>1 ng/mL) in fetal plasma only in animals randomized to 0.125 mg/kg 3 hour or 0.250 mg/kg 12 hour infusions. Fetal betamethasone half-lives were 1.7-2.8 times greater than maternal values. At maximum concentration, fetal plasma betamethasone levels were approximately 10% of maternal levels. Compared with saline control, all animals, other than those receiving 0.0125 mg/kg 3 hour betamethasone phosphate infusions, had evidence of dose-dependent glucocorticoid transcriptional responses in the fetal lung. CONCLUSION Constant maternal betamethasone infusions delivering substantially lower fetal and maternal betamethasone maximal concentrations than those achieved with current clinical treatment protocols were associated with dose-dependent changes in glucocorticoid-response markers in the fetal lung. Further studies to determine the minimally efficacious dose of steroids for improving outcomes in preterm infants should be viewed as a priority.
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Boubred F, Daniel L, Buffat C, Tsimaratos M, Oliver C, Lelièvre-Pégorier M, Simeoni U. The magnitude of nephron number reduction mediates intrauterine growth-restriction-induced long term chronic renal disease in the rat. A comparative study in two experimental models. J Transl Med 2016; 14:331. [PMID: 27899104 PMCID: PMC5129242 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a risk factor for hypertension (HT) and chronic renal disease (CRD). A reduction in the nephron number is proposed to be the underlying mechanism; however, the mechanism is debated. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that IUGR-induced HT and CRD are linked to the magnitude of nephron number reduction, independently on its cause. METHODS Systolic blood pressure (SBP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, nephron number, and glomerular sclerosis were compared between IUGR offspring prenatally exposed to a maternal low-protein diet (9% casein; LPD offspring) or maternal administration of betamethasone (from E17 to E19; BET offspring) and offspring with a normal birth weight (NBW offspring). RESULTS Both prenatal interventions led to IUGR and a similar reduction in birth weight. In comparison to NBW offspring, BET offspring had a severe nephron deficit (-50% in males and -40% in females, p < 0.01), an impaired GFR (-33%, p < 0.05), and HT (SBP+ 17 mmHg, p < 0.05). Glomerular sclerosis was more than twofold higher in BET offspring than in NBW offspring (p < 0.05). Long-term SBP, GFR, and glomerular sclerosis were unchanged in LPD offspring while the nephron number was moderately reduced only in males (-28% vs. NBW offspring, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In this study, the magnitude of nephron number reduction influences long term renal disease in IUGR offspring: a moderate nephron number is an insufficient factor. Extremely long-term follow-up of adults prenatally exposed to glucocorticoids are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Boubred
- NORT, Aix-Marseille Université, INRA, INSERM, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Department of Neonatology, Hôpital la Conception, AP-HM, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13385, Marseille Cedex, France.
| | - Laurent Daniel
- UPRES EA3281, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005, Marseille, France
| | | | - Michel Tsimaratos
- Pédiatrie Multidisciplinaire-Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Charles Oliver
- NORT, Aix-Marseille Université, INRA, INSERM, 13005, Marseille, France
| | | | - Umberto Simeoni
- DOHaD Laboratory, CHUV University Hospital and UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Maternal Obesity: Lifelong Metabolic Outcomes for Offspring from Poor Developmental Trajectories During the Perinatal Period. Arch Med Res 2016; 47:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Er H, Acar N, Kipmen-Korgun D, Celik-Ozenci C, Ustunel I, Asar M, Korgun ET. Determination of PCNA, cyclin D3, p27, p57 and apoptosis rate in normal and dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restricted rat placentas. Acta Histochem 2015; 117:137-47. [PMID: 25596037 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major clinical problem, which causes perinatal morbidity and mortality. One of the reasons for IUGR is abnormal placentation. In rats, fetal-placental exposure to maternally administered glucocorticoids decreases birth weight and placental weight. Proper placental development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of trophoblasts. Our knowledge about the mitotic regulators that play key roles in synchronizing these events is limited. Also the mechanisms underlying the placental growth inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalization, mRNA and protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D3, p27 and p57 in normal and dexamethasone-induced IUGR Wistar rat placentas by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot. We also compared apoptotic cell numbers at the light microscopic level via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy. Glucocorticoid levels were higher in IUGR rats than in control rats after 60 and 120min of injection. We showed reduced gene and protein expressions of PCNA and cyclin D3 and increased expressions of p27 and p57 in IUGR placentas compared to control placentas. Apoptotic cell number was higher in the placentas of the IUGR group. In brief we found that maternal dexamethasone treatment led to a shift from cell proliferation to apoptosis in IUGR placentas. Dexamethasone induced placental and embryonal abnormalities which could be associated with reduced expressions of PCNA and cyclin D3, increased expressions of p27 and p57 and increased rate of apoptosis in IUGR placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Er
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey; Department of Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Nuray Acar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Dijle Kipmen-Korgun
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ustunel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mevlut Asar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Emin Turkay Korgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey.
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Acar N, Soylu H, Edizer I, Ozbey O, Er H, Akkoyunlu G, Gemici B, Ustunel I. Expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) proteins in healthy and pathologic placentas of human and rat. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:1289-300. [PMID: 25171874 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A relationship has been shown between preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and oxidative stress (OS). Since such pregnancies experience OS, we aimed to detect the distribution pattern and expression levels of a transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) that has a role in the regulation of antioxidant enzymes, and peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) an antioxidant enzyme, in human healthy, IUGR, PE and in groups of rat healthy and IUGR placentas using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Both Nrf2 and Prdx6 immunoreactivities were weaker in human and rat IUGR group placentas compared to human and rat control group placentas, respectively. Nrf2 and Prdx6 were immunostained in labyrinth trophoblasts, decidua, giant, glycogen and fetal vessel endothelial cells in rat control and IUGR group placentas. Nrf2 and Prdx6 immunoreactivities were seen in the decidua, syncytiotrophoblasts, villous stromal cells, and vascular endothelium in human control, IUGR and PE group placentas. Results of Nrf2 and Prdx6 Western blotting applied for rat and human placentas were compatible with the results of Nrf2 and Prdx6 immunohistochemical observations with regard to rat and human placentas. Down-regulation of Nrf2 and Prdx6 proteins in human and rat IUGR group placentas may have led to the formation of OS which may have impaired proliferation and invasion of cytotrophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Acar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Soylu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Imren Edizer
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozbey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Er
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Akkoyunlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Burcu Gemici
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ustunel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA. A role for glucocorticoids in stress-impaired reproduction: beyond the hypothalamus and pituitary. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4450-68. [PMID: 24064362 PMCID: PMC3836069 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the well-characterized role of the sex steroid receptors in regulating fertility and reproduction, reproductive events are also mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to an individual's environment. Glucocorticoid secretion in response to stress contributes to the well-characterized suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis through central actions in the hypothalamus and pituitary. However, both animal and in vitro studies indicate that other components of the reproductive system are also regulated by glucocorticoids. Furthermore, in the absence of stress, it appears that homeostatic glucocorticoid signaling plays a significant role in reproduction and fertility in all tissues comprising the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Indeed, as central regulators of the immune response, glucocorticoids are uniquely poised to integrate an individual's infectious, inflammatory, stress, nutritional, and metabolic status through glucocorticoid receptor signaling in target tissues. Endocrine signaling between tissues regulating the immune and stress response and those determining reproductive status provides an evolutionary advantage, facilitating the trade-off between reproductive investment and offspring fitness. This review focuses on the actions of glucocorticoids in tissues important for fertility and reproduction, highlighting recent studies that show glucocorticoid signaling plays a significant role throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and characterizing these effects as permissive or inhibitory in terms of facilitating reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Whirledge
- NIEHS/NIH, MD F3-07, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
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Unek G, Ozmen A, Kipmen-Korgun D, Korgun ET. Immunolocalization of PCNA, Ki67, p27 and p57 in normal and dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restriction placental development in rat. Acta Histochem 2012; 114:31-40. [PMID: 21371741 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major clinical problem which causes perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although fetuses with IUGR form a heterogeneous group, a major etiological factor is abnormal placentation. Despite the fact that placental development requires the coordinated action of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation, there are few studies on cell cycle regulators, which play the main roles in the coordination of these events. Moreover it is still not determined how mechanisms of coordination of proliferation and differentiation are influenced by dexamethasone-induced IUGR in the placenta. The aim of the study was to investigate the spatial and temporal immunolocalization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki67, p27 and p57 in normal and IUGR placental development in pregnant Wistar rats. The study demonstrated altered expressions of distinct cell cycle proteins and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in IUGR placental development compared to control placental development. We found reduced immunostaining of PCNA and Ki67 and increased immunostaining of p27 and p57 in the dexamethasone-induced IUGR placental development compared to control placental development. In conclusion, our data show that the cell populations in the placenta stain for a number of cell cycle related proteins and that these staining patterns change as a function of both gestational age and abnormal placentation.
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The expression of Akt and ERK1/2 proteins decreased in dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restricted rat placental development. J Mol Histol 2011; 42:237-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-011-9328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ojeda NB, Grigore D, Alexander BT. Role of fetal programming in the development of hypertension. Future Cardiol 2009; 4:163-74. [PMID: 19672482 DOI: 10.2217/14796678.4.2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have suggested that size at birth contributes to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in later life. Findings from experimental studies are providing insight into the mechanisms linking impaired fetal growth and the increased risk of CVD and hypertension in adulthood. This article summarizes potential mechanisms involved in the fetal programming of hypertension and CVD, including alterations in the organs and regulatory systems critical to long-term control of sodium and volume homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma B Ojeda
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, The Center for Excellence in Cardiovascular-Renal Research, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
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Kransler KM, McGarrigle BP, Swartz DD, Olson JR. Lung Development in the Holtzman Rat is Adversely Affected by Gestational Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin. Toxicol Sci 2008; 107:498-511. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bechtold AG, Vernon K, Hines T, Scheuer DA. Genetic predisposition to hypertension sensitizes borderline hypertensive rats to the hypertensive effects of prenatal glucocorticoid exposure. J Physiol 2008; 586:673-84. [PMID: 18006585 PMCID: PMC2375599 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.141580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2007] [Accepted: 11/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An adverse intrauterine environment can increase the incidence of hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, in clinical and experimental studies the magnitude of the effect is variable. Possibly, the relative influence of the prenatal environment on cardiovascular disease is determined in part by genetic factors that predispose individuals to the development of environmentally induced hypertension. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the effects of prenatal dexamethasone treatment (Dex, 300 microg kg(-1) i.p. on days 15 and 16 of gestation) in borderline hypertensive rats (BHR) and control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Blood pressure, heart rate and plasma corticosterone values were measured at rest during the middle of the day, and during 1 h of restraint stress in the adult offspring using indwelling arterial catheters implanted at least 4 days prior to data collection. Compared with the saline (vehicle) control treatment, prenatal dexamethasone significantly (P < 0.05) increased baseline mean arterial pressure in male (123 +/- 2 versus 131 +/- 3 mmHg, saline versus Dex) and female (121 +/- 2 versus 130 +/- 2 mmHg, saline versus Dex) BHR, but not in male (108 +/- 3 versus 113 +/- 2 mmHg, saline versus Dex) or female (112 +/- 2 versus 110 +/- 2 mmHg, saline versus Dex) WKY rats. Relative to saline treatment, prenatal Dex also significantly increased baseline heart rate (328 +/- 6 versus 356 +/- 5 beats min(-1), saline versus Dex) and plasma corticosterone (5 +/- 2 versus 24 +/- 4 microg dl(-1), saline versus Dex), and prolonged the corticosterone response to acute stress, selectively in female BHR. However, prenatal Dex significantly enhanced the arterial pressure response to acute stress only in female WKY, while Dex augmented the elevation in heart rate during stress only in male rats. We conclude that prenatal dexamethasone increased baseline arterial pressure selectively in BHR, and plasma corticosterone only in female BHR. In contrast, prenatal Dex enhanced cardiovascular reactivity to stress in both BHR and WKY rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Bechtold
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Sliwa E, Tatara MR, Nowakowski H, Pierzynowski SG, Studziński T. Effect of maternal dexamethasone and alpha-ketoglutarate administration on skeletal development during the last three weeks of prenatal life in pigs. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2007; 19:489-93. [PMID: 16966114 DOI: 10.1080/14767050600850381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on postnatal bone formation processes is known to decrease the synthesis of collagen and bone matrix, but the effect of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is to induce positive effects on growth and skeletal development during postnatal life. However, the effects of Dex and AKG treatment on the prenatal processes of skeletal development have not been investigated so far. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Dex and AKG administered separately or simultaneously to sows during the last three weeks of pregnancy on the skeletal development in fetuses. METHODS Immediately after birth blood samples were collected from non-suckling piglets for alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin determinations, and the humeri were isolated. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of humeri and the geometric and mechanical properties were evaluated. RESULTS Dex and AKG administered separately to pregnant sows during the last 24 days of prenatal life decreased BMD, BMC, and geometric and mechanical parameters of humeri in the newborns. Simultaneous administration of Dex and AKG significantly increased the analyzed properties of humeri. CONCLUSION The bone mineral density and mechanical and geometric properties of humeri indicate an inverse effect of maternal separate or simultaneous administration of AKG and Dex to sows on bone development during the last 24 days of prenatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sliwa
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The Agricultural University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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16
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Vuguin PM. Animal models for small for gestational age and fetal programming of adult disease. HORMONE RESEARCH 2007; 68:113-23. [PMID: 17351325 PMCID: PMC4287248 DOI: 10.1159/000100545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2006] [Accepted: 01/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth retardation is a fetal adaptation in response to inadequate supply of oxygen and/or nutrients. Animal models of intrauterine growth retardation are an invaluable tool to question the genetic, molecular and cellular events that determine fetal growth and development. Rodent and non-litter bearing animals are mammalian system with similar embryology,anatomy and physiology to humans. Utilization of these systems has led to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology and consequences of intrauterine growth retardation. These observations are comparable to that observed in humans born small for gestational age, and are of interest because of the known association between poor fetal growth and development of adult disease. All the experimental manipulations described here have altered a number of metabolic and physiological variables, but the pattern of alterations seems to vary with the procedure and species employed. This review describes animal models for intrauterine growth retardation and assesses their potentials and limitations at aiming to improve strategies for the prevention of adult disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Vuguin
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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17
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Nathanielsz PW. Animal models that elucidate basic principles of the developmental origins of adult diseases. ILAR J 2006; 47:73-82. [PMID: 16391433 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.47.1.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidemiological and animal laboratory studies show that suboptimal environments in the womb and during early neonatal life alter development and predispose the individual to lifelong health problems. The concept of the developmental origins of adult diseases has become well accepted because of the compelling animal studies that have precisely defined the outcomes of specific exposures such as nutrient restriction, overfeeding during pregnancy, maternal stress, and exogenously administered glucocorticoids. This review focuses on the use of animal models to evaluate exposures, mechanisms, and outcomes involved in developmental programming of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and altered pituitary-adrenal function in offspring in later life. Ten principles of developmental programming are described as fundamental, regardless of the exposure during development and the physiological system involved in the altered outcome. The 10 principles are discussed in the context of the physiological systems involved and the animal model studies that have been conducted to evaluate exposures, mechanisms, and outcomes. For example, the fetus responds to challenges such as hypoxia and nutrient restriction in ways that help to ensure its survival, but this "developmental plasticity" may have long-term consequences that may not be beneficial in adult life. To understand developmental programming, which represents the interaction of nature and nurture, it is necessary to integrate whole animal systems physiology, in vitro cellular biology, and genomic and proteomic approaches, and to use animal models that are carefully characterized and appropriate for the questions under study. Animal models play an important role in this evaluation because they permit combined in vivo and in vitro study at different critical time windows during the exposure and the ensuing developmental responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Nathanielsz
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Medical School, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Schlabritz-Loutsevitch NE, Hodara VL, Parodi LM, Hubbard GB, Jenkins SL, Dudley DJ, Nathanielsz PW, Giavedoni LD. Three weekly courses of betamethasone administered to pregnant baboons at 0.6, 0.65, and 0.7 of gestation alter fetal and maternal lymphocyte populations at 0.95 of gestation. J Reprod Immunol 2006; 69:149-63. [PMID: 16376433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Revised: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a major role in the communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Glucocorticoids are potent immunomodulatory hormones. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of three weekly courses of betamethasone, administered to pregnant baboons at 0.6, 0.65, and 0.7 of gestation, on maternal hematological parameters during treatment, maternal and fetal hematological parameters and lymphocyte populations at 0.95 of gestation, and fetal lymphoid organs and placental structure. Each weekly betamethasone course resulted in decreased granulocytes and increased lymphocytes and monocytes in maternal circulation (by percentage, p < 0.05). The percentage and absolute number of CD8+ T-cells in the maternal circulation were lower and CD4+ T-cells higher (p < 0.05) in treated pregnant animals at 0.95 gestation. The percentage of proliferating CD3- CD8+ cells was lower in blood obtained from the fetal heart of betamethasone-treated animals. In the betamethasone group, the number of CD8+ T-cells and NK cells were elevated and the number of T and CD4+ T-cells were reduced in fetal heart blood compared with the umbilical vein blood. The number of placental macrophages (CD68+ cells) per visual field in betamethasone-treated and control animals were not different. Taken together, our data show that betamethasone treatment of pregnant females with no indication of preterm labor affects some components of the fetal and maternal immune system, altering the maternal CD4+/CD8+ ratio and absolute number of fetal NK cell and maternal CD8+ T-cell.
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