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Galli GLJ, Lock MC, Smith KLM, Giussani DA, Crossley DA. Effects of Developmental Hypoxia on the Vertebrate Cardiovascular System. Physiology (Bethesda) 2023; 38:0. [PMID: 36317939 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00022.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental hypoxia has profound and persistent effects on the vertebrate cardiovascular system, but the nature, magnitude, and long-term outcome of the hypoxic consequences are species specific. Here we aim to identify common and novel cardiovascular responses among vertebrates that encounter developmental hypoxia, and we discuss the possible medical and ecological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina L J Galli
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mitchell C Lock
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kerri L M Smith
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dane A Crossley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
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2
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Hansell JA, Richter HG, Camm EJ, Herrera EA, Blanco CE, Villamor E, Patey OV, Lock MC, Trafford AW, Galli GLJ, Giussani DA. Maternal melatonin: Effective intervention against developmental programming of cardiovascular dysfunction in adult offspring of complicated pregnancy. J Pineal Res 2022; 72:e12766. [PMID: 34634151 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Adopting an integrative approach, by combining studies of cardiovascular function with those at cellular and molecular levels, this study investigated whether maternal treatment with melatonin protects against programmed cardiovascular dysfunction in the offspring using an established rodent model of hypoxic pregnancy. Wistar rats were divided into normoxic (N) or hypoxic (H, 10% O2 ) pregnancy ± melatonin (M) treatment (5 μg·ml-1 .day-1 ) in the maternal drinking water. Hypoxia ± melatonin treatment was from day 15-20 of gestation (term is ca. 22 days). To control for possible effects of maternal hypoxia-induced reductions in maternal food intake, additional dams underwent pregnancy under normoxic conditions but were pair-fed (PF) to the daily amount consumed by hypoxic dams from day 15 of gestation. In one cohort of animals from each experimental group (N, NM, H, HM, PF, PFM), measurements were made at the end of gestation. In another, following delivery of the offspring, investigations were made at adulthood. In both fetal and adult offspring, fixed aorta and hearts were studied stereologically and frozen hearts were processed for molecular studies. In adult offspring, mesenteric vessels were isolated and vascular reactivity determined by in-vitro wire myography. Melatonin treatment during normoxic, hypoxic or pair-fed pregnancy elevated circulating plasma melatonin in the pregnant dam and fetus. Relative to normoxic pregnancy, hypoxic pregnancy increased fetal haematocrit, promoted asymmetric fetal growth restriction and resulted in accelerated postnatal catch-up growth. Whilst fetal offspring of hypoxic pregnancy showed aortic wall thickening, adult offspring of hypoxic pregnancy showed dilated cardiomyopathy. Similarly, whilst cardiac protein expression of eNOS was downregulated in the fetal heart, eNOS protein expression was elevated in the heart of adult offspring of hypoxic pregnancy. Adult offspring of hypoxic pregnancy further showed enhanced mesenteric vasoconstrictor reactivity to phenylephrine and the thromboxane mimetic U46619. The effects of hypoxic pregnancy on cardiovascular remodelling and function in the fetal and adult offspring were independent of hypoxia-induced reductions in maternal food intake. Conversely, the effects of hypoxic pregnancy on fetal and postanal growth were similar in pair-fed pregnancies. Whilst maternal treatment of normoxic or pair-fed pregnancies with melatonin on the offspring cardiovascular system was unremarkable, treatment of hypoxic pregnancies with melatonin in doses lower than those recommended for overcoming jet lag in humans enhanced fetal cardiac eNOS expression and prevented all alterations in cardiovascular structure and function in fetal and adult offspring. Therefore, the data support that melatonin is a potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention against developmental origins of cardiovascular dysfunction in pregnancy complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Hansell
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hans G Richter
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos E Blanco
- National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Olga V Patey
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mitchell C Lock
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew W Trafford
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Gina L J Galli
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge BHF Centre for Research Excellence, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge, UK
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3
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Abstract
Heart disease remains one of the greatest killers. In addition to genetics and traditional lifestyle risk factors, we now understand that adverse conditions during pregnancy can also increase susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in the offspring. Therefore, the mechanisms by which this occurs and possible preventative therapies are of significant contemporary interest to the cardiovascular community. A common suboptimal pregnancy condition is a sustained reduction in fetal oxygenation. Chronic fetal hypoxia results from any pregnancy with increased placental vascular resistance, such as in preeclampsia, placental infection, or maternal obesity. Chronic fetal hypoxia may also arise during pregnancy at high altitude or because of maternal respiratory disease. This article reviews the short- and long-term effects of hypoxia on the fetal cardiovascular system, and the importance of chronic fetal hypoxia in triggering a developmental origin of future heart disease in the adult progeny. The work summarizes evidence derived from human studies as well as from rodent, avian, and ovine models. There is a focus on the discovery of the molecular link between prenatal hypoxia, oxidative stress, and increased cardiovascular risk in adult offspring. Discussion of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant therapy offers potential targets for clinical intervention in human pregnancy complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience; The Barcroft Centre; Cambridge Cardiovascular British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence; and Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, University of Cambridge, UK
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4
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Bhunu B, Riccio I, Intapad S. Insights into the Mechanisms of Fetal Growth Restriction-Induced Programming of Hypertension. Integr Blood Press Control 2021; 14:141-152. [PMID: 34675650 PMCID: PMC8517636 DOI: 10.2147/ibpc.s312868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, both clinical and animal studies have shown that fetal growth restriction (FGR), caused by exposure to adverse uterine environments, is a risk factor for hypertension as well as for a variety of adult diseases. This observation has shaped and informed the now widely accepted theory of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). There is a plethora of evidence supporting the association of FGR with increased risk of adult hypertension; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this correlation remain unclear. This review aims to explain the current advances in the field of fetal programming of hypertension and a brief narration of the underlying mechanisms that may link FGR to increased risk of adult hypertension. We explain the theory of DOHaD and then provide evidence from both clinical and basic science research which support the theory of fetal programming of adult hypertension. In addition, we have explored the underlying mechanisms that may link FGR to an increased risk of adult hypertension. These mechanisms include epigenetic changes, metabolic disorders, vascular dysfunction, neurohormonal impairment, and alterations in renal physiology and function. We further describe sex differences seen in the developmental origins of hypertension and provide insights into the opportunities and challenges present in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bhunu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Isabel Riccio
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Suttira Intapad
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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da Silva TFG, de Bem GF, da Costa CA, Santos IB, Soares RDA, Ognibene DT, Rito-Costa F, Cavalheira MA, da Conceição SP, Ferraz MR, Resende AC. Prenatal hypoxia predisposes vascular functional and structural changes associated with oxidative stress damage and depressive behavior in adult offspring male rats. Physiol Behav 2020; 230:113293. [PMID: 33338483 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine hypoxia-ischemia (HI) provides a strong stimulus for a developmental origin of both the central nervous system and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate vascular functional and structural changes, oxidative stress damage, and behavioral alterations in adult male offspring submitted to HI during pregnancy. The pregnant Wistar rats had a uterine artery clamped for 45 min on the 18th gestational day, submitting the offspring to hypoxic-ischemic conditions. The Sham group passed to the same surgical procedure as the HI rats, without occlusion of the maternal uterine artery, and the controls consisted of non-manipulated healthy animals. After weaning, the male pups were divided into three groups: control, sham, and HI, according to the maternal procedure. At postnatal day 90 (P90), the adult male offspring performed the open field and forced swim tests. In P119, the rats had their blood pressure checked and were euthanized. Prenatal HI induced a depressive behavior in adult male offspring associated with a reduced vasodilator response to acetylcholine in perfused mesenteric arterial bed, and reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the aorta compared to control and sham groups. Prenatal HI also increased the vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine, the media thickness, collagen deposition, and the oxidative damage in the aorta from adult male offspring compared to control and sham groups. Our results suggest an association among prenatal HI and adult vascular structural and functional changes, oxidative stress damage, and depressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graziele Freitas de Bem
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Aguiar da Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izabelle Barcellos Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Andrade Soares
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dayane Teixeira Ognibene
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rito-Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Alencar Cavalheira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Rochedo Ferraz
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Angela Castro Resende
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Navarrete A, Chen Z, Aranda P, Poblete D, Utrera A, García-Herrera CM, Gonzalez-Candia A, Beñaldo FA, Ebensperger G, Reyes RV, Herrera EA, Llanos AJ. Study of the Effect of Treatment With Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Cinaciguat in Chronic Hypoxic Neonatal Lambs on Residual Strain and Microstructure of the Arteries. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:590488. [PMID: 33244466 PMCID: PMC7683788 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.590488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the effects of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Cinaciguat, as experimental medicines to treat neonatal lambs exposed to chronic hypoxic conditions. To compare the different treatments, the mechanical responses of aorta, carotid, and femoral arterial walls were analyzed by means of axial pre-stretch and ring-opening tests, through a study with n = 6 animals for each group analyzed. The axial pre-stretch test measures the level of shortening in different zones of the arteries when extracted from lambs, while the ring-opening test is used to quantify the degree of residual circumferential deformation in a given zone of an artery. In addition, histological studies were carried out to measure elastin, collagen, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) nuclei densities, both in control and treated groups. The results show that mechanical response is related with histological results, specifically in the proximal abdominal aorta (PAA) and distal carotid zones (DCA), where the cell nuclei content is related to a decrease of residual deformations. The opening angle and the elastic fibers of the aorta artery were statistically correlated (p < 0.05). Specifically, in PAA zone, there are significant differences of opening angle and cell nuclei density values between control and treated groups (p-values to opening angle: Control-ANP = 2 ⋅ 10-2, Control-Cinaciguat = 1 ⋅ 10-2; p-values to cell nuclei density: Control-ANP = 5 ⋅ 10-4, Control-Cinaciguat = 2 ⋅ 10-2). Respect to distal carotid zone (DCA), significant differences between Control and Cinaciguat groups were observed to opening angle (p-value = 4 ⋅ 10-2), and cell nuclei density (p-value = 1 ⋅ 10-2). Our findings add evidence that medical treatments may have effects on the mechanical responses of arterial walls and should be taken into account when evaluating the complete medical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Navarrete
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Zhuoming Chen
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro Aranda
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Poblete
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Utrera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Gonzalez-Candia
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
- Pathophysiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe A. Beñaldo
- Pathophysiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - German Ebensperger
- Pathophysiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto V. Reyes
- Pathophysiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Pathophysiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anibal J. Llanos
- Pathophysiology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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7
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Chatmethakul T, Roghair RD. Risk of hypertension following perinatal adversity: IUGR and prematurity. J Endocrinol 2019; 242:T21-T32. [PMID: 30657741 PMCID: PMC6594910 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Consistent with the paradigm shifting observations of David Barker and colleagues that revealed a powerful relationship between decreased weight through 2 years of age and adult disease, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm birth are independent risk factors for the development of subsequent hypertension. Animal models have been indispensable in defining the mechanisms responsible for these associations and the potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Among the modifiable risk factors, micronutrient deficiency, physical immobility, exaggerated stress hormone exposure and deficient trophic hormone production are leading candidates for targeted therapies. With the strong inverse relationship seen between gestational age at delivery and the risk of hypertension in adulthood trumping all other major cardiovascular risk factors, improvements in neonatal care are required. Unfortunately, therapeutic breakthroughs have not kept pace with rapidly improving perinatal survival, and groundbreaking bench-to-bedside studies are urgently needed to mitigate and ultimately prevent the tsunami of prematurity-related adult cardiovascular disease that may be on the horizon. This review highlights our current understanding of the developmental origins of hypertension and draws attention to the importance of increasing the availability of lactation consultants, nutritionists, pharmacists and physical therapists as critical allies in the battle that IUGR or premature infants are waging not just for survival but also for their future cardiometabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trassanee Chatmethakul
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Robert D Roghair
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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8
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Ruhr IM, McCourty H, Bajjig A, Crossley DA, Shiels HA, Galli GLJ. Developmental plasticity of cardiac anoxia-tolerance in juvenile common snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina). Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191072. [PMID: 31238852 PMCID: PMC6599983 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For some species of ectothermic vertebrates, early exposure to hypoxia during embryonic development improves hypoxia-tolerance later in life. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are largely unknown. Given that hypoxic survival is critically dependent on the maintenance of cardiac function, we tested the hypothesis that developmental hypoxia alters cardiomyocyte physiology in a manner that protects the heart from hypoxic stress. To test this hypothesis, we studied the common snapping turtle, which routinely experiences chronic developmental hypoxia and exploits hypoxic environments in adulthood. We isolated cardiomyocytes from juvenile turtles that embryonically developed in either normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (10% O2), and subjected them to simulated anoxia and reoxygenation, while simultaneously measuring intracellular Ca2+, pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Our results suggest developmental hypoxia improves cardiomyocyte anoxia-tolerance of juvenile turtles, which is supported by enhanced myofilament Ca2+-sensitivity and a superior ability to suppress ROS production. Maintenance of low ROS levels during anoxia might limit oxidative damage and a greater sensitivity to Ca2+ could provide a mechanism to maintain contractile force. Our study suggests developmental hypoxia has long-lasting effects on turtle cardiomyocyte function, which might prime their physiology for exploiting hypoxic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan M Ruhr
- 1 Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9NT , UK
| | - Heather McCourty
- 1 Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9NT , UK
| | - Afaf Bajjig
- 1 Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9NT , UK
| | - Dane A Crossley
- 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas , Denton, TX 76203 , USA
| | - Holly A Shiels
- 1 Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9NT , UK
| | - Gina L J Galli
- 1 Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9NT , UK
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Abstract
Complications of pregnancy remain key drivers of morbidity and mortality, affecting the health of both the mother and her offspring in the short and long term. There is lack of detailed understanding of the pathways involved in the pathology and pathogenesis of compromised pregnancy, as well as a shortfall of effective prognostic, diagnostic and treatment options. In many complications of pregnancy, such as in preeclampsia, there is an increase in uteroplacental vascular resistance. However, the cause and effect relationship between placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in the mother and her offspring remains uncertain. In this review, we aim to highlight the value of gestational hypoxia-induced complications of pregnancy in elucidating underlying molecular pathways and in assessing candidate therapeutic options for these complex disorders. Chronic maternal hypoxia not only mimics the placental pathology associated with obstetric syndromes like gestational hypertension at morphological, molecular and functional levels, but also recapitulates key symptoms that occur as maternal and fetal clinical manifestations of these pregnancy disorders. We propose that gestational hypoxia provides a useful model to study the inter-relationship between placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in the mother and her offspring in a wide array of examples of complicated pregnancy, such as in preeclampsia.
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10
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High temperature and oxygen supplementation can mitigate the effects of hypoxia on developmental stability of bilateral traits during incubation of broiler breeder eggs. Animal 2018; 12:1584-1593. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Mohammed R, Salinas CE, Giussani DA, Blanco CE, Cogolludo AL, Villamor E. Acute hypoxia-reoxygenation and vascular oxygen sensing in the chicken embryo. Physiol Rep 2017; 5:5/22/e13501. [PMID: 29146864 PMCID: PMC5704079 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal/perinatal hypoxia is one of the most common causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is frequently accompannied by vascular dysfunction. However, the mechanisms involved have not been fully delineated. We hypothesized that exposure to acute hypoxia‐reoxygenation induces alterations in vascular O2 sensing/signaling as well as in endothelial function in the chicken embryo pulmonary artery (PA), mesenteric artery (MA), femoral artery (FA), and ductus arteriosus (DA). Noninternally pipped 19‐day embryos were exposed to 10% O2 for 30 min followed by reoxygenation with 21% O2 or 80% O2. Another group was constantly maintained at 21% O2 or at 21% O2 for 30 min and then exposed to 80% O2. Following treatment, responses of isolated blood vessels to hypoxia as well as endothelium‐dependent (acetylcholine) and ‐independent (sodium nitroprusside and forskolin) relaxation were investigated in a wire myograph. Hypoxia increased venous blood lactate from 2.03 ± 0.18 to 15.98 ± 0.73 mmol/L (P < 0.001) and reduced hatchability to 0%. However, ex vivo hypoxic contraction of PA and MA, hypoxic relaxation of FA, and normoxic contraction of DA were not significantly different in any of the experimental groups. Relaxations induced by acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and forskolin in PA, MA, FA, and DA rings were also similar in the four groups. In conclusion, exposure to acute hypoxia‐reoxygenation did not affect vascular oxygen sensing or reactivity in the chicken embryo. This suggests that direct effects of acute hypoxia‐reoxygenation on vascular function does not play a role in the pathophysiology of hypoxic cardiovascular injury in the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riazuddin Mohammed
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Carlos E Salinas
- Instituto Boliviano de Biología de Altura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos E Blanco
- Department of Neonatology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Angel L Cogolludo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES) Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, the Netherlands
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12
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Itani N, Salinas CE, Villena M, Skeffington KL, Beck C, Villamor E, Blanco CE, Giussani DA. The highs and lows of programmed cardiovascular disease by developmental hypoxia: studies in the chicken embryo. J Physiol 2017; 596:2991-3006. [PMID: 28983923 DOI: 10.1113/jp274111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now established that adverse conditions during pregnancy can trigger a fetal origin of cardiovascular dysfunction and/or increase the risk of heart disease in later life. Suboptimal environmental conditions during early life that may promote the development of cardiovascular dysfunction in the offspring include alterations in fetal oxygenation and nutrition as well as fetal exposure to stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids. There has been growing interest in identifying the partial contributions of each of these stressors to programming of cardiovascular dysfunction. However, in humans and in many animal models this is difficult, as the challenges cannot be disentangled. By using the chicken embryo as an animal model, science has been able to circumvent a number of problems. In contrast to mammals, in the chicken embryo the effects on the developing cardiovascular system of changes in oxygenation, nutrition or stress hormones can be isolated and determined directly, independent of changes in the maternal or placental physiology. In this review, we summarise studies that have exploited the chicken embryo model to determine the effects on prenatal growth, cardiovascular development and pituitary-adrenal function of isolated chronic developmental hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Itani
- Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.,Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - C E Salinas
- Instituto Boliviano de Biología de Altura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - M Villena
- Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - K L Skeffington
- Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - C Beck
- Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - E Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229, ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - C E Blanco
- Department of Neonatology, The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin, D02 YH21, Ireland
| | - D A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.,Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Itani N, Skeffington KL, Beck C, Giussani DA. Sildenafil therapy for fetal cardiovascular dysfunction during hypoxic development: studies in the chick embryo. J Physiol 2016; 595:1563-1573. [PMID: 27861916 DOI: 10.1113/jp273393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Common complications of pregnancy, such as chronic fetal hypoxia, trigger a fetal origin of cardiovascular dysfunction and programme cardiovascular disease in later life. Sildenafil treatment protects placental perfusion and fetal growth, but whether the effects of sildenafil transcend the placenta to affect the fetus is unknown. Using the chick embryo model, here we show that sildenafil treatment directly protects the fetal cardiovascular system in hypoxic development, and that the mechanisms of sildenafil protection include reduced oxidative stress and increased nitric oxide bioavailability; Sildenafil does not protect against fetal growth restriction in the chick embryo, supporting the idea that the protective effect of sildenafil on fetal growth reported in mammalian studies, including humans, is secondary to improved placental perfusion. Therefore, sildenafil may be a good candidate for human translational antioxidant therapy to protect the chronically hypoxic fetus in adverse pregnancy. ABSTRACT There is a need for developing clinically translatable therapy for preventing fetal origins of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia. Evidence shows that sildenafil protects placental perfusion and fetal growth. However, whether beneficial effects of sildenafil transcend onto the fetal heart and circulation in complicated development is unknown. We isolated the direct effects of sildenafil on the fetus using the chick embryo and hypothesised that sildenafil also protects fetal cardiovascular function in hypoxic development. Chick embryos (n = 11 per group) were incubated in normoxia or hypoxia (14% O2 ) from day 1 and treated with sildenafil (4 mg kg-1 day-1 ) from day 13 of the 21-day incubation. Hypoxic incubation increased oxidative stress (4-hydroxynonenal, 141.1 ± 17.6% of normoxic control), reduced superoxide dismutase (60.7 ± 6.3%), increased phosphodiesterase type 5 expression (167 ± 13.7%) and decreased nitric oxide bioavailability (54.7 ± 6.1%) in the fetal heart, and promoted peripheral endothelial dysfunction (70.9 ± 5.6% AUC of normoxic control; all P < 0.05). Sildenafil treatment after onset of chronic hypoxia prevented the increase in phosphodiesterase expression (72.5 ± 22.4%), protected against oxidative stress (94.7 ± 6.2%) and normalised nitric oxide bioavailability (115.6 ± 22.3%) in the fetal heart, and restored endothelial function in the peripheral circulation (89.8 ± 2.9%). Sildenafil protects the fetal heart and circulation directly in hypoxic development via mechanisms including decreased oxidative stress and enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability. Sildenafil may be a good translational candidate for human antioxidant therapy to prevent fetal origins of cardiovascular dysfunction in adverse pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Itani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Katie L Skeffington
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Christian Beck
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
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Morton JS, Cooke CL, Davidge ST. In Utero Origins of Hypertension: Mechanisms and Targets for Therapy. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:549-603. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease theory is based on evidence that a suboptimal environment during fetal and neonatal development can significantly impact the evolution of adult-onset disease. Abundant evidence exists that a compromised prenatal (and early postnatal) environment leads to an increased risk of hypertension later in life. Hypertension is a silent, chronic, and progressive disease defined by elevated blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg) and is strongly correlated with cardiovascular morbidity/mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms, however, are complex and poorly understood, and hypertension continues to be one of the most resilient health problems in modern society. Research into the programming of hypertension has proposed pharmacological treatment strategies to reverse and/or prevent disease. In addition, modifications to the lifestyle of pregnant women might impart far-reaching benefits to the health of their children. As more information is discovered, more successful management of hypertension can be expected to follow; however, while pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm birth, etc., continue to occur, their offspring will be at increased risk for hypertension. This article reviews the current knowledge surrounding the developmental origins of hypertension, with a focus on mechanistic pathways and targets for therapeutic and pharmacologic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude S. Morton
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada; and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Christy-Lynn Cooke
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada; and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sandra T. Davidge
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada; and Cardiovascular Research Centre, Edmonton, Canada
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Giussani DA. The fetal brain sparing response to hypoxia: physiological mechanisms. J Physiol 2016; 594:1215-30. [PMID: 26496004 DOI: 10.1113/jp271099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
How the fetus withstands an environment of reduced oxygenation during life in the womb has been a vibrant area of research since this field was introduced by Joseph Barcroft, a century ago. Studies spanning five decades have since used the chronically instrumented fetal sheep preparation to investigate the fetal compensatory responses to hypoxia. This defence is contingent on the fetal cardiovascular system, which in late gestation adopts strategies to decrease oxygen consumption and redistribute the cardiac output away from peripheral vascular beds and towards essential circulations, such as those perfusing the brain. The introduction of simultaneous measurement of blood flow in the fetal carotid and femoral circulations by ultrasonic transducers has permitted investigation of the dynamics of the fetal brain sparing response for the first time. Now we know that major components of fetal brain sparing during acute hypoxia are triggered exclusively by a carotid chemoreflex and that they are modified by endocrine agents and the recently discovered vascular oxidant tone. The latter is determined by the interaction between nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. The fetal brain sparing response matures as the fetus approaches term, in association with the prepartum increase in fetal plasma cortisol, and treatment of the preterm fetus with clinically relevant doses of synthetic steroids mimics this maturation. Despite intense interest into how the fetal brain sparing response may be affected by adverse intrauterine conditions, this area of research has been comparatively scant, but it is likely to take centre stage in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
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Itani N, Skeffington KL, Beck C, Niu Y, Giussani DA. Melatonin rescues cardiovascular dysfunction during hypoxic development in the chick embryo. J Pineal Res 2016; 60:16-26. [PMID: 26444711 PMCID: PMC4832387 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a search for rescue therapy against fetal origins of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia, particularly following clinical diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Melatonin protects the placenta in adverse pregnancy; however, whether melatonin protects the fetal heart and vasculature in hypoxic pregnancy independent of effects on the placenta is unknown. Whether melatonin can rescue fetal cardiovascular dysfunction when treatment commences following FGR diagnosis is also unknown. We isolated the effects of melatonin on the developing cardiovascular system of the chick embryo during hypoxic incubation. We tested the hypothesis that melatonin directly protects the fetal cardiovascular system in adverse development and that it can rescue dysfunction following FGR diagnosis. Chick embryos were incubated under normoxia or hypoxia (14% O2) from day 1 ± melatonin treatment (1 mg/kg/day) from day 13 of incubation (term ~21 days). Melatonin in hypoxic chick embryos rescued cardiac systolic dysfunction, impaired cardiac contractility and relaxability, increased cardiac sympathetic dominance, and endothelial dysfunction in peripheral circulations. The mechanisms involved included reduced oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidant capacity and restored vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and NO bioavailability. Melatonin treatment of the chick embryo starting at day 13 of incubation, equivalent to ca. 25 wk of gestation in human pregnancy, rescues early origins of cardiovascular dysfunction during hypoxic development. Melatonin may be a suitable antioxidant candidate for translation to human therapy to protect the fetal cardiovascular system in adverse pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Itani
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Katie L. Skeffington
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Christian Beck
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Youguo Niu
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Wearing OH, Eme J, Rhen T, Crossley DA. Phenotypic plasticity in the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina): long-term physiological effects of chronic hypoxia during embryonic development. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 310:R176-84. [PMID: 26608655 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00293.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies of embryonic and hatchling reptiles have revealed marked plasticity in morphology, metabolism, and cardiovascular function following chronic hypoxic incubation. However, the long-term effects of chronic hypoxia have not yet been investigated in these animals. The aim of this study was to determine growth and postprandial O2 consumption (V̇o2), heart rate (fH), and mean arterial pressure (Pm, in kPa) of common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) that were incubated as embryos in chronic hypoxia (10% O2, H10) or normoxia (21% O2, N21). We hypothesized that hypoxic development would modify posthatching body mass, metabolic rate, and cardiovascular physiology in juvenile snapping turtles. Yearling H10 turtles were significantly smaller than yearling N21 turtles, both of which were raised posthatching in normoxic, common garden conditions. Measurement of postprandial cardiovascular parameters and O2 consumption were conducted in size-matched three-year-old H10 and N21 turtles. Both before and 12 h after feeding, H10 turtles had a significantly lower fH compared with N21 turtles. In addition, V̇o2 was significantly elevated in H10 animals compared with N21 animals 12 h after feeding, and peak postprandial V̇o2 occurred earlier in H10 animals. Pm of three-year-old turtles was not affected by feeding or hypoxic embryonic incubation. Our findings demonstrate that physiological impacts of developmental hypoxia on embryonic reptiles continue into juvenile life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver H Wearing
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Eme
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, California
| | - Turk Rhen
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota; and
| | - Dane A Crossley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
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Tang X, Hernandez-Andrade E, Ahn H, Garcia M, Saker H, Korzeniewski SJ, Tarca AL, Yeo L, Hassan SS, Romero R. Intermediate Diastolic Velocity as a Parameter of Cardiac Dysfunction in Growth-Restricted Fetuses. Fetal Diagn Ther 2015; 39:28-39. [PMID: 26279291 DOI: 10.1159/000431321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the intermediate intracardiac diastolic velocities in fetuses with growth restriction. METHODS Doppler waveforms of the two atrioventricular valves were obtained. Peak velocities of the E (early) and A (atrial) components, and the lowest intermediate velocity (IDV) between them, were measured in 400 normally grown and in 100 growth-restricted fetuses. The prevalence of abnormal IDV, E/IDV, and A/IDV ratios in fetuses presenting with perinatal death or acidemia at birth (pH ≤7.1) was estimated. RESULTS IDV was significantly lower and E/IDV ratios significantly higher in the two ventricles of growth-restricted fetuses with reduced diastolic velocities in the umbilical artery (p < 0.05). In 13 fetuses presenting with perinatal death or acidemia at birth, 11 (85%) had either an E/IDV or A/IDV ratio >95th percentile, whereas 5 (38%) showed absent or reversed atrial velocities in the ductus venosus (DV-ARAV; p < 0.04). Fetuses without DV-ARAV but with elevated E/IDV ratios in either ventricle were nearly 7-fold more likely to have perinatal demise or acidemia at birth (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.4-34) than those with E/IDV ratios <95th percentile. CONCLUSION The E/IDV and A/IDV ratios in the two cardiac ventricles might provide information about the risk of perinatal demise or acidemia in growth-restricted fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangna Tang
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Md. and Detroit, Mich., USA
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Giussani DA, Niu Y, Herrera EA, Richter HG, Camm EJ, Thakor AS, Kane AD, Hansell JA, Brain KL, Skeffington KL, Itani N, Wooding FBP, Cross CM, Allison BJ. Heart Disease Link to Fetal Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress. ADVANCES IN FETAL AND NEONATAL PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 814:77-87. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1031-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Salinas CE, Blanco CE, Villena M, Giussani DA. High-Altitude Hypoxia and Echocardiographic Indices of Pulmonary Hypertension in Male and Female Chickens at Adulthood. Circ J 2014; 78:1459-1464. [DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-13-1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E. Salinas
- Instituto Boliviano de Biología de Altura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
| | - Carlos E. Blanco
- National Children’s Research Centre, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital
| | - Mercedes Villena
- Instituto Boliviano de Biología de Altura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge
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Giussani DA, Camm EJ, Niu Y, Richter HG, Blanco CE, Gottschalk R, Blake EZ, Horder KA, Thakor AS, Hansell JA, Kane AD, Wooding FBP, Cross CM, Herrera EA. Developmental programming of cardiovascular dysfunction by prenatal hypoxia and oxidative stress. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31017. [PMID: 22348036 PMCID: PMC3278440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal hypoxia is a common complication of pregnancy. It has been shown to programme cardiac and endothelial dysfunction in the offspring in adult life. However, the mechanisms via which this occurs remain elusive, precluding the identification of potential therapy. Using an integrative approach at the isolated organ, cellular and molecular levels, we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress in the fetal heart and vasculature underlies the molecular basis via which prenatal hypoxia programmes cardiovascular dysfunction in later life. In a longitudinal study, the effects of maternal treatment of hypoxic (13% O(2)) pregnancy with an antioxidant on the cardiovascular system of the offspring at the end of gestation and at adulthood were studied. On day 6 of pregnancy, rats (n = 20 per group) were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia ± vitamin C. At gestational day 20, tissues were collected from 1 male fetus per litter per group (n = 10). The remaining 10 litters per group were allowed to deliver. At 4 months, tissues from 1 male adult offspring per litter per group were either perfusion fixed, frozen, or dissected for isolated organ preparations. In the fetus, hypoxic pregnancy promoted aortic thickening with enhanced nitrotyrosine staining and an increase in cardiac HSP70 expression. By adulthood, offspring of hypoxic pregnancy had markedly impaired NO-dependent relaxation in femoral resistance arteries, and increased myocardial contractility with sympathetic dominance. Maternal vitamin C prevented these effects in fetal and adult offspring of hypoxic pregnancy. The data offer insight to mechanism and thereby possible targets for intervention against developmental origins of cardiac and peripheral vascular dysfunction in offspring of risky pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Herrera EA, Camm EJ, Cross CM, Mullender JL, Wooding FBP, Giussani DA. Morphological and functional alterations in the aorta of the chronically hypoxic fetal rat. J Vasc Res 2011; 49:50-8. [PMID: 21985843 DOI: 10.1159/000330666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In human pregnancy, reduced placental perfusion has been associated with fetal aortic thickening. However, the relative contributions of fetal undernutrition versus fetal underoxygenation to triggering alterations in fetal cardiovascular development remain uncertain. Here, we isolate the effects of chronic fetal hypoxia on fetal cardiovascular development in a specific rodent model of chronic fetal hypoxia independent of changes in nutrition during pregnancy. Pregnant rats were housed under normoxic (21% O(2)) or hypoxic (13% O(2)) conditions from day 6 to day 20 of gestation. At day 20, pups and placentas were weighed. Fetal thoraces were fixed for quantitative histological analysis of the aorta. In a separate group, fetal aortic reactivity was assessed via in vitro wire myography. The experiments controlled for sex and within-litter variation. Placental weight was increased and fetal weight maintained in hypoxic pregnancy. Hypoxic pregnancy led to a 176% increment in wall thickness and a 170% increment in the wall-to-lumen area ratio of the fetal aorta. Fetal aortic vascular reactivity was markedly impaired, showing reduced constrictor and relaxant responsiveness in hypoxic pregnancy. Chronic developmental hypoxia independent of changes in nutrition has profound effects on the morphology and function of the fetal aorta in a mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A Herrera
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Salinas CE, Villena M, Blanco CE, Giussani DA. Adrenocortical suppression in highland chick embryos is restored during incubation at sea level. High Alt Med Biol 2011; 12:79-87. [PMID: 21452969 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2010.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
By combining the chick embryo model with incubation at high altitude, this study tested the hypothesis that development at high altitude is related to a fetal origin of adrenocortical but not adrenomedullary suppression and that hypoxia is the mechanism underlying the relationship. Fertilized eggs from sea-level or high altitude hens were incubated at sea level or high altitude. Fertilized eggs from sea-level hens were also incubated at altitude with oxygen supplementation. At day 20 of incubation, embryonic blood was taken for measurement of plasma corticotropin, corticosterone, and Po(2). Following biometry, the adrenal glands were collected and frozen for measurement of catecholamine content. Development of chick embryos at high altitude led to pronounced adrenocortical blunting, but an increase in adrenal catecholamine content. These effects were similar whether the fertilized eggs were laid by sea-level or high altitude hens. The effects of high altitude on the stress axes were completely prevented by incubation at high altitude with oxygen supplementation. When chick embryos from high altitude hens were incubated at sea level, plasma hormones and adrenal catecholamine content were partially restored toward levels measured in sea-level chick embryos. There was a significant correlation between adrenocortical blunting and elevated adrenal catecholamine content with both asymmetric growth restriction and fetal hypoxia. The data support the hypothesis tested and provide evidence to isolate the direct contribution of developmental hypoxia to alterations in the stress system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Salinas
- Instituto Boliviano de Biología de Altura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
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Herrera EA, Riquelme RA, Ebensperger G, Reyes RV, Ulloa CE, Cabello G, Krause BJ, Parer JT, Giussani DA, Llanos AJ. Long-term exposure to high-altitude chronic hypoxia during gestation induces neonatal pulmonary hypertension at sea level. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 299:R1676-84. [PMID: 20881096 PMCID: PMC3007194 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00123.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We determined whether postnatal pulmonary hypertension induced by 70% of pregnancy at high altitude (HA) persists once the offspring return to sea level and investigated pulmonary vascular mechanisms operating under these circumstances. Pregnant ewes were divided into two groups: conception, pregnancy, and delivery at low altitude (580 m, LLL) and conception at low altitude, pregnancy at HA (3,600 m) from 30% of gestation until delivery, and return to lowland (LHL). Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was measured in vivo. Vascular reactivity and morphometry were assessed in small pulmonary arteries (SPA). Protein expression of vascular mediators was determined. LHL lambs had higher basal PAP and a greater increment in PAP after NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (20.9 ± 1.1 vs. 13.7 ± 0.5 mmHg; 39.9 ± 5.0 vs. 18.3 ± 1.3 mmHg, respectively). SPA from LHL had a greater maximal contraction to K+ (1.34 ± 0.05 vs. 1.16 ± 0.05 N/m), higher sensitivity to endothelin-1 and nitroprusside, and persistence of dilatation following blockade of soluble guanylate cyclase. The heart ratio of the right ventricle-to-left ventricle plus septum was higher in the LHL relative to LLL. The muscle area of SPA (29.3 ± 2.9 vs. 21.1 ± 1.7%) and the protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2), phosphodiesterase (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.1), and Ca2+-activated K+ channel (0.76 ± 0.16 vs. 0.30 ± 0.01) were greater in LHL compared with LLL lambs. In contrast, LHL had decreased heme oxygenase-1 expression (0.82 ± 0.26 vs. 2.22 ± 0.44) and carbon monoxide production (all P < 0.05). Postnatal pulmonary hypertension induced by 70% of pregnancy at HA promotes cardiopulmonary remodeling that persists at sea level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile. Avda. Salvador 486, Providencia, CP 6640871, Santiago, Chile
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