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Ca 2+-Activated K + Channels and the Regulation of the Uteroplacental Circulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021349. [PMID: 36674858 PMCID: PMC9867535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate uteroplacental blood supply is essential for the development and growth of the placenta and fetus during pregnancy. Aberrant uteroplacental perfusion is associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and gestational diabetes. The regulation of uteroplacental blood flow is thus vital to the well-being of the mother and fetus. Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels of small, intermediate, and large conductance participate in setting and regulating the resting membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) and play a critical role in controlling vascular tone and blood pressure. KCa channels are important mediators of estrogen/pregnancy-induced adaptive changes in the uteroplacental circulation. Activation of the channels hyperpolarizes uteroplacental VSMCs/ECs, leading to attenuated vascular tone, blunted vasopressor responses, and increased uteroplacental blood flow. However, the regulation of uteroplacental vascular function by KCa channels is compromised in pregnancy complications. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of roles of KCa channels in the regulation of the uteroplacental circulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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Neira F, Neira N, Torres J, González-Ortiz M. Physiological and Pathophysiological Role of Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels (BKCa) in HUVECs and Placenta. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:71-82. [PMID: 37466769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BKCa channels (large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels) play a critical role in regulating vascular tone and blood pressure. These channels are present in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and are activated by voltage and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration. More recently, the expression and activity of BKCa have been proposed to be relevant in endothelial cells, too, specifically in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the more studied cell type in the fetoplacental circulation. The role of BKCa in endothelial cells is not well understood, but in HUVECs or placental endothelium, these channels could be crucial for vascular tone regulation during pregnancy as part of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH), a key mechanism for an organ that lacks nervous system innervation like the placenta.In this review, we will discuss the evidence about the role of BKCa (and other Ca2+-activated K+ channels) in HUVECs and the placenta to propose a physiological mechanism for fetoplacental vascular regulation and a pathophysiological role of BKCa, mainly associated with pregnancy pathologies that present maternal hypertension and/or placental hypoxia, like preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Neira
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nataly Neira
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Javier Torres
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Ortiz-Cerda T, Mosso C, Alcudia A, Vázquez-Román V, González-Ortiz M. Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia and L-Arginine/L-Citrulline Supplementation as a Potential Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:127-148. [PMID: 37466772 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
In preeclampsia, the shallow invasion of cytotrophoblast cells to uterine spiral arteries, leading to a reduction in placental blood flow, is associated with an imbalance of proangiogenic/antiangiogenic factors to impaired nitric oxide (NO) production. Proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF), require NO to induce angiogenesis through antioxidant regulation mechanisms. At the same time, there are increases in antiangiogenic factors in preeclampsia, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase type 1 receptor (sFIt1) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), which are mechanism derivates in the reduction of NO bioavailability and oxidative stress in placenta.Different strategies have been proposed to prevent or alleviate the detrimental effects of preeclampsia. However, the only intervention to avoid the severe consequences of the disease is the interruption of pregnancy. In this scenario, different approaches have been analysed to treat preeclamptic pregnant women safely. The supplementation with amino acids is one of them, especially those associated with NO synthesis. In this review, we discuss emerging concepts in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia to highlight L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation as potential strategies to improve birth outcomes. Clinical and experimental data concerning L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation have shown benefits in improving NO availability in the placenta and uterine-placental circulation, prolonging pregnancy in patients with gestational hypertension and decreasing maternal blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ortiz-Cerda
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Constanza Mosso
- Departamento de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ana Alcudia
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Victoria Vázquez-Román
- Departamento de Citología e Histología Normal y Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Karadas B, Acar-Sahan S, Kantarci S, Uysal N, Horoz E, Kaya-Temiz T. Comparison of relaxant effects of nifedipine and NS11021 on isolated umbilical arteries of healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 280:168-173. [PMID: 36508854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Potassium (K+) channel openers and calcium (Ca2+) channel blockers are currently used to treat acute severe hypertension in pregnancy. We aimed to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of NS11021, a potent and specific big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel activator, and to compare it with the vasorelaxant effect of nifedipine on human umbilical arteries (HUAs) isolated from healthy and preeclamptic pregnants. STUDY DESIGN A total of 29 HUAs were isolated immediately after delivery from 14 healthy and 15 preeclamptic pregnant with severe features. The concentration-dependent relaxation responses were obtained to nifedipine and NS11021 on HUAs precontracted with endothelin-1 (ET-1) (10-8 M) in an isolated tissue bath. RESULTS Both nifedipine and NS11021 caused concentration-dependent relaxation responses in HUAs from healthy and preeclamptic pregnants. While the maximum responses (Emax) and pD2 values of nifedipine did not change significantly in both groups, the Emax and pD2 values of NS11021 were significantly decreased in the preeclampsia group (Emax ± SEM; %75.57 ± 4.53 and %43.75 ± 14.00 and pD2 ± SEM; 6.92 ± 0.26 and 5.24 ± 0.53 respectively, p < 0.05). In addition, the pD2 value of NS11021 was not significantly different from that of nifedipine in the control group, but decreased significantly in the preeclampsia group (pD2 ± SEM 7.1 ± 0.41 and 5.2 ± 0.53, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Efficacy and potency of NS11021 decreased in HUAs from preeclamptic pregnants. Also, NS11021 is less potent than nifedipine in the preeclampsia group. BKCa channels may have a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, however, further experimental studies are needed to elucidate that.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baris Karadas
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Selin Acar-Sahan
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Sercan Kantarci
- University of Health Sciences Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nusret Uysal
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ersan Horoz
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Tijen Kaya-Temiz
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Turkey.
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Zhao Y, Pasanen M, Rysä J. Placental ion channels: potential target of chemical exposure. Biol Reprod 2022; 108:41-51. [PMID: 36173899 PMCID: PMC9843680 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is an important organ for the exchange of substances between the fetus and the mother, hormone secretion, and fetoplacental immunological defense. Placenta has an organ-specific distribution of ion channels and trophoblasts, and placental vessels express a large number of ion channels. Several placental housekeeping activities and pregnancy complications are at least partly controlled by ion channels, which are playing an important role in regulating hormone secretion, trophoblastic homeostasis, ion transport, and vasomotor activity. The function of several placental ion channels (Na, Ca, and Cl ion channels, cation channel, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and aquaporin-1) is known to be influenced by chemical exposure, i.e., their responses to different chemicals have been tested and confirmed in experimental models. Here, we review the possibility that placental ion channels are targets of toxicological concern in terms of placental function, fetal growth, and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Markku Pasanen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaana Rysä
- Correspondence: School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, Kuopio 70211, Finland. Tel: +358403552412; E-mail:
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Zhang X, Yang M, Lv D, Xie Y, Sun Y, Zhang Y, He M, Liu H, Li F, Deng D. Effects of KCa channels on biological behavior of trophoblasts. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:1043-1052. [PMID: 36118166 PMCID: PMC9441684 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+-activated potassium (KCa) channels are involved in many cellular functions, but their roles in trophoblasts are unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effects of KCa channels on the biological behavior of trophoblasts. The localization and expression of the three types of KCa channels, including large-conductance KCa channels (BKCa), intermediate-conductance KCa channels (IKCa), and small-conductance KCa channels (SKCa), were detected in human chorionic villi taken from pregnant women between 5 and 8 weeks of gestation (n = 15) and HTR-8/SVneo cells. The effects of KCa channels on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells were examined by using the activators or inhibitors of KCa channels. Results showed that KCa channels were mainly localized on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of trophoblasts in human chorionic villi and HTR-8/SVneo cells. The proliferation and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells were inhibited by activating KCa channels. Apoptosis of trophoblasts was promoted through activating BKCa channels but was not affected by neither activating nor inhibiting IKCa and SKCa channels. This study substantiated the abovementioned biological roles of KCa channels in trophoblast cells, which is fundamental to further research on whether dysfunction of KCa channels is involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meitao Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dan Lv
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yin Xie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanan Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengzhou He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haiyi Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fanfan Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongrui Deng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Uteroplacental Circulation in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Functional Adaptation and Maladaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168622. [PMID: 34445328 PMCID: PMC8395300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uteroplacental blood flow increases as pregnancy advances. Adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen carried by uteroplacental blood flow is essential for the well-being of the mother and growth/development of the fetus. The uteroplacental hemodynamic change is accomplished primarily through uterine vascular adaptation, involving hormonal regulation of myogenic tone, vasoreactivity, release of vasoactive factors and others, in addition to the remodeling of spiral arteries. In preeclampsia, hormonal and angiogenic imbalance, proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies cause dysfunction of both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells of the uteroplacental vasculature. Consequently, the vascular dysfunction leads to increased vascular resistance and reduced blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation. In this article, the (mal)adaptation of uteroplacental vascular function in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and underlying mechanisms are reviewed.
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He C, Li X, Wang M, Zhang S, Liu H. Deletion of BK channels decreased skeletal and cardiac muscle function but increased smooth muscle contraction in rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 570:8-14. [PMID: 34271438 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BK channel) is widely expressed in skeletal muscle, myocardium, smooth muscle and other muscle tissues. Mutation, abnormal expression and altered activity of BK channel are linked to muscle-related diseases such as dyskinesia, epilepsy and erectile dysfunction. In order to compare the effects of BK channel on different muscle tissues, we constructed BK channel gene knockout rats (BK-/- rats). HE staining, open field and grip strength tests, ultrasound, blood pressure measurement and vascular tension test were utilized to explore the effects of BK channel deletion on the structure and function changes in skeletal muscle, myocardium, and vascular smooth muscle (VSM). It was found that compared with wild-type rats, the BK-/- rats showed decreased skeletal muscle fiber area, grip, movement distance and speed at 2 and 12 months of ages. At heart, the muscle fiber area, cardiac systolic/diastolic function and heart rate decreased in BK-/- rats. The wall of the left ventricle became thin. However, the vascular wall of BK-/- rats thickened, the pulse wave velocity was increased, and the VSM contraction was enhanced. Unexpectedly, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced in BK-/- rats, while pulse pressure difference was increased. These results suggest that BK channel may have different effects on different types of muscle tissue, and it should be noted that different parts of muscle tissue may have different effects when BK channel-related drugs are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu He
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Meili Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Suli Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Huirong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Krause BJ. Novel insights for the role of nitric oxide in placental vascular function during and beyond pregnancy. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7984-7999. [PMID: 34121195 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
More than 30 years have passed since endothelial nitric oxide synthesis was described using the umbilical artery and vein endothelium. That seminal report set the cornerstone for unveiling the molecular aspects of endothelial function. In parallel, the understanding of placental physiology has gained growing interest, due to its crucial role in intrauterine development, with considerable long-term health consequences. This review discusses the evidence for nitric oxide (NO) as a critical player of placental development and function, with a special focus on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) vascular effects. Also, the regulation of eNOS-dependent vascular responses in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-related diseases and their impact on prenatal and postnatal vascular health are discussed. Recent and compelling evidence has reinforced that eNOS regulation results from a complex network of processes, with novel data concerning mechanisms such as mechano-sensing, epigenetic, posttranslational modifications, and the expression of NO- and l-arginine-related pathways. In this regard, most of these mechanisms are expressed in an arterial-venous-specific manner and reflect traits of the fetal systemic circulation. Several studies using umbilical endothelial cells are not aimed to understand placental function but general endothelial function, reinforcing the influence of the placenta on general knowledge in physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo J Krause
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
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10
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Clinical Importance of the Human Umbilical Artery Potassium Channels. Cells 2020; 9:cells9091956. [PMID: 32854241 PMCID: PMC7565333 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) channels are usually predominant in the membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These channels play an important role in regulating the membrane potential and vessel contractility-a role that depends on the vascular bed. Thus, the activity of K+ channels represents one of the main mechanisms regulating the vascular tone in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Briefly, the activation of K+ channels in SMC leads to hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation, while its inhibition induces depolarization and consequent vascular contraction. Currently, there are four different types of K+ channels described in SMCs: voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels, calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels, inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels, and 2-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels. Due to the fundamental role of K+ channels in excitable cells, these channels are promising therapeutic targets in clinical practice. Therefore, this review discusses the basic properties of the various types of K+ channels, including structure, cellular mechanisms that regulate their activity, and new advances in the development of activators and blockers of these channels. The vascular functions of these channels will be discussed with a focus on vascular SMCs of the human umbilical artery. Then, the clinical importance of K+ channels in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, will be explored.
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11
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Mandalà M. Influence of Estrogens on Uterine Vascular Adaptation in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072592. [PMID: 32276444 PMCID: PMC7177259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the maternal cardiovascular system undergoes significant changes, including increased heart rate, cardiac output, plasma volume, and uteroplacental blood flow (UPBF) that are required for a successful pregnancy outcome. The increased UPBF is secondary to profound circumferential growth that extends from the downstream small spiral arteries to the upstream conduit main uterine artery. Although some of the mechanisms underlying uterine vascular remodeling are, in part, known, the factors that drive the remodeling are less clear. That higher circulating levels of estrogens are positively correlated with gestational uterine vascular remodeling suggests their involvement in this process. Estrogens binding to the estrogen receptors expressed in cytotrophoblast cells and in the uterine artery wall stimulate an outward hypertrophic remodeling of uterine vasculature. In preeclampsia, generally lower concentrations of estrogens limit the proper uterine remodeling, thereby reducing UPBF increases and restricting the growth of the fetus. This review aims to report estrogenic regulation of the maternal uterine circulatory adaptation in physiological and pathological pregnancy that favors vasodilation, and to consider the underlying molecular mechanisms by which estrogens regulate uteroplacental hemodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Mandalà
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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12
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Rojas S, Basualto E, Valdivia L, Vallejos N, Ceballos K, Peña E, Rivas C, Nualart F, Guzmán-Gutiérrez E, Escudero C, Toledo F, Sobrevia L, Cid M, González M. The activity of IKCa and BKCa channels contributes to insulin-mediated NO synthesis and vascular tone regulation in human umbilical vein. Nitric Oxide 2020; 99:7-16. [PMID: 32165314 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Insulin regulates the l-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), increasing the plasma membrane expression of the l-arginine transporter hCAT-1 and inducing vasodilation in umbilical and placental veins. Placental vascular relaxation induced by insulin is dependent of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa), but the role of KCa channels on l-arginine transport and NO synthesis is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of KCa channels in both insulin-induced l-arginine transport and NO synthesis, and its relationship with placental vascular relaxation. HUVECs, human placental vein endothelial cells (HPVECs) and placental veins were freshly isolated from umbilical cords and placenta from normal pregnancies. Cells or tissue were incubated in absence or presence of insulin and/or tetraethylammonium, 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole, iberiotoxin or NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. l-Arginine uptake, plasma membrane polarity, NO levels, hCAT-1 expression and placenta vascular reactivity were analyzed. The inhibition of intermediate-conductance KCa (IKCa) and BKCa increases l-arginine uptake, which was related with protein abundance of hCAT-1 in HUVECs. IKCa and BKCa activities contribute to NO-synthesis induced by insulin but are not directly involved in insulin-stimulated l-arginine uptake. Long term incubation (8 h) with insulin increases the plasma membrane hyperpolarization and hCAT-1 expression in HUVECs and HPVECs. Insulin-induced relaxation in placental vasculature was reversed by KCa inhibition. The results show that the activity of IKCa and BKCa channels are relevant for both physiological regulations of NO synthesis and vascular tone regulation in the human placenta, acting as a part of negative feedback mechanism for autoregulation of l-arginine transport in HUVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Rojas
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Vascular, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad deConcepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Emerita Basualto
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Vascular, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad deConcepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Luz Valdivia
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Vascular, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad deConcepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Natalia Vallejos
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Vascular, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad deConcepción, Concepción, Chile; Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Karen Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Eduardo Peña
- Departmento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Coralia Rivas
- Departmento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología y Células Madres Neuro-CellTT, Centro de Microscopía Avanzada CMA BIOBIO, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Enrique Guzmán-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile; Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile; Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis (GIANT), Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fernando Toledo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile; Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston QLD, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marcela Cid
- Departmento de Obstetricia y Puericultura, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcelo González
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Vascular, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad deConcepción, Concepción, Chile; Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile; Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile.
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in Uteroplacental Vascular Dysfunction. Cells 2019; 8:E1344. [PMID: 31671866 PMCID: PMC6912833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
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14
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Placental Origins of Preeclampsia: Potential Therapeutic Targets. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:190-195. [PMID: 31016509 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in obstetrics worldwide. No effective treatments to reduce its incidence and severity in clinical practice are currently available. A variety of hypotheses have been generated aiming to explain the origins of PE, notably being the genetic predispositions and placental dysfunction. As regard to placental dysfunction, much progress has been made in basic research and several potential therapeutic targets have been identified. This review will discuss in detail the potential therapeutic targets in PE models including uteroplacental blood flow, oxidative stress, vasoactive factors and inflammation/immune response, and introduce the evolving technologies for placental research nowadays.
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Effect of Oxidative Stress on the Estrogen-NOS-NO-K Ca Channel Pathway in Uteroplacental Dysfunction: Its Implication in Pregnancy Complications. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:9194269. [PMID: 30881600 PMCID: PMC6387699 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9194269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the adaptive changes in uterine circulation and the formation of the placenta are essential for the growth of the fetus and the well-being of the mother. The steroid hormone estrogen plays a pivotal role in this adaptive process. An insufficient blood supply to the placenta due to uteroplacental dysfunction has been associated with pregnancy complications including preeclampsia and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR). Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between free radical formation and antioxidant defense. Pregnancy itself presents a mild oxidative stress, which is exaggerated in pregnancy complications. Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays an important role in the maladaptation of uteroplacental circulation partly by impairing estrogen signaling pathways. This review is aimed at providing both an overview of our current understanding of regulation of the estrogen-NOS-NO-KCa pathway by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in uteroplacental tissues and a link between oxidative stress and uteroplacental dysfunction in pregnancy complications. A better understanding of the mechanisms will facilitate the development of novel and effective therapeutic interventions.
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16
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Pabbidi MR, Kuppusamy M, Didion SP, Sanapureddy P, Reed JT, Sontakke SP. Sex differences in the vascular function and related mechanisms: role of 17β-estradiol. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1499-H1518. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00194.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is lower in premenopausal women but increases with age and menopause compared with similarly aged men. Based on the prevalence of CVD in postmenopausal women, sex hormone-dependent mechanisms have been postulated to be the primary factors responsible for the protection from CVD in premenopausal women. Recent Women’s Health Initiative studies, Cochrane Review studies, the Early Versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol Study, and the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study have suggested that beneficial effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are seen in women of <60 yr of age and if initiated within <10 yr of menopause. In contrast, the beneficial effects of HRT are not seen in women of >60 yr of age and if commenced after 10 yr of menopause. The higher incidence of CVD and the failure of HRT in postmenopausal aged women could be partly associated with fundamental differences in the vascular structure and function between men and women and in between pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively. In this regard, previous studies from human and animal studies have identified several sex differences in vascular function and associated mechanisms. The female sex hormone 17β-estradiol regulates the majority of these mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the sex differences in vascular structure, myogenic properties, endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms, and the role of 17β-estradiol in the regulation of vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna R. Pabbidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Maniselvan Kuppusamy
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sean P. Didion
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Padmaja Sanapureddy
- Department of Primary Care and Medicine, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Joey T. Reed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sumit P. Sontakke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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