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Transcriptome study of receptive endometrium in overweight and obese women shows important expression differences in immune response and inflammatory pathways in women who do not conceive. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261873. [PMID: 34941965 PMCID: PMC8699967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and being overweight are growing worldwide health problems that also affect women of reproductive age. They impair women’s fertility and are associated with lower IVF success rates. The mechanism by which increased body weight disrupts fertility has not yet been established. One possibility is that it affects the process of embryo implantation on the endometrial level. The purpose of our study was to determine the differences in enriched biological pathways in the endometrium of overweight and obese women undergoing IVF procedures. For this purpose, 14 patients (5 pregnant, 9 non-pregnant) were included in the study. Endometrial samples were obtained during the window of implantation and RNA sequencing was performed. There were no differences in general patient’s and IVF cycle characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant women. In the endometrial samples of women who did not conceive, pathways related to the immune response, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species production were over-expressed. Our findings show that the reason for implantation failure in overweight and obese women could lie in the excessive immune and inflammatory response at the endometrial level.
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Húngaro TGR, Gregnani MF, Alves-Silva T, Herse F, Alenina N, Bader M, Araújo RC. Cortisol Dose-Dependently Impairs Migration and Tube-like Formation in a Trophoblast Cell Line and Modulates Inflammatory and Angiogenic Genes. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080980. [PMID: 34440184 PMCID: PMC8393357 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several stimuli can change maternal hormone levels during pregnancy. These changes may affect trophoblastic cells and modulate the development of the embryo and the placental tissue itself. Changes in cortisol levels are associated with impaired trophoblast implantation and function, in addition to other pregnancy complications. This study aims to analyze the effects of low and high doses of cortisol on an extravillous trophoblast cell line, and the effects of various exposures to this hormone. SGHPL-4 cells were treated with cortisol at five doses (0–1000 nM) and two exposures (continuous: 24 h/day; and intermittent: 2 h/day). In intermittent treatment, cortisol acted mainly as an anti-inflammatory hormone, repressing gene expression of kinin B1 receptors, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. Continuous treatment modulated inflammatory and angiogenic pathways, significantly repressing angiogenic factors and their receptors. Cortisol affected cell migration and tube-like structures formation. In conclusion, both continuous and intermittent exposure to cortisol repressed the expression of inflammatory genes, while only continuous exposure repressed the expression of angiogenic genes, suggesting that a sustained increase in the levels of this hormone is more harmful than a high short-term increase. Cortisol also impaired tube-like structures formation, and kinin receptors may be involved in this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Guerreiro Rodrigues Húngaro
- Nephrology Program, Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil;
| | - Marcos F. Gregnani
- Molecular Biology Program, Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.F.G.); (T.A.-S.)
| | - Thaís Alves-Silva
- Molecular Biology Program, Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.F.G.); (T.A.-S.)
| | - Florian Herse
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (F.H.); (N.A.)
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Cooperation of Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (F.H.); (N.A.)
- Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (F.H.); (N.A.)
- Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center of Molecular Medicine, Charité University Medicine, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (R.C.A.)
| | - Ronaldo C. Araújo
- Nephrology Program, Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil;
- Molecular Biology Program, Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (M.F.G.); (T.A.-S.)
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (R.C.A.)
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Ding J, Zhang Y, Cai X, Zhang Y, Yan S, Wang J, Zhang S, Yin T, Yang C, Yang J. Extracellular vesicles derived from M1 macrophages deliver miR-146a-5p and miR-146b-5p to suppress trophoblast migration and invasion by targeting TRAF6 in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Theranostics 2021; 11:5813-5830. [PMID: 33897883 PMCID: PMC8058722 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Emerging evidence demonstrates that insufficient migration and invasion of trophoblasts play critical roles in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Cell-to-cell communication at the maternal-fetal interface is essential to maintain the invasion and migration of trophoblasts. M1 macrophages, important immune cellular components at the maternal-fetal interface, have been reported to be elevated in decidua tissues from patients with RSA. Recent studies indicate that M1 macrophages modulate trophoblast biological behaviors; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from the supernatant of M1 macrophages inducted from THP-1 cells (M1-EVs) by ultracentrifugation, identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blotting, and their miRNA profile was characterized by miRNA sequencing. Scratch wound healing and transwell assays were used to investigate the effect of M1-EVs on trophoblast migration and invasion. RT-PCR, western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism. Finally, animal experiments were employed to explore the effect of M1-EVs on embryo absorption in mice. Results: M1 macrophages suppressed trophoblast EMT to reduce their migration and invasion abilities in vitro by secreting EVs. Through miRNA sequencing, miR-146a-5p and miR-146b-5p were identified as the most upregulated miRNAs in trophoblasts treated with M1-EVs. Further functional experiments showed that M1-EVs inhibited trophoblast migration and invasion by transferring miR-146a-5p and miR-146b-5p. Mechanistically, EV miR-146a-5p and miR-146b-5p inhibited EMT of trophoblasts by directly suppressing TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression at the post-transcriptional level. Furthermore, M1-EVs aggravated embryo absorption in mice. Clinically, expression of miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, and TRAF6 were aberrant in placental villous tissues from patients with RSA, and negative correlations were found between miR-146a-5p/miR-146b-5p and TRAF6 expression levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that miR-146a-5p and miR-146b-5p derived from EVs play important roles in intercellular communication between M1 macrophages and trophoblasts, illuminating a novel mechanism in M1 macrophage regulation of trophoblasts and their role in RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Ding
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiaopeng Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Sisi Yan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Sainan Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chaogang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430060, China
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Ning F, Liu H, Lash GE. The Role of Decidual Macrophages During Normal and Pathological Pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:298-309. [PMID: 26750089 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages perform many specific functions including host defense, homeostasis, angiogenesis, and tissue development. Macrophages are the second most abundant leukocyte population in the non-pregnant endometrium and pregnant decidua and likely play a central role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Importantly, aberrantly activated uterine macrophages can affect trophoblast function and placental development, which may result in various adverse pregnancy outcomes ranging from pre-eclampsia to fetal growth restriction or demise. Only by fully understanding the roles of macrophage in pregnancy will we be able to develop interventions for the treatment of these various pregnancy complications. This review discusses the general origin and classification of monocytes and macrophages and focuses on the phenotype and functional roles of decidual macrophage at the maternal-fetal interface in normal pregnancy, as well as discussing the potential contribution of the abnormal state of these cells to various aspects of pregnancy pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Ning
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huishu Liu
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gendie E Lash
- Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
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Zhou Q, Shen J, Zhou G, Shen L, Zhou S, Li X. Effects of magnesium sulfate on heart rate, blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity in preeclamptic rats treated with L-NAME. Hypertens Pregnancy 2013; 32:422-31. [DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2013.824978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Plasencia W, Barber MA, Alvarez EE, Segura J, Valle L, Garcia-Hernandez JA. Comparative Study of Transabdominal and Transvaginal Uterine Artery Doppler Pulsatility Indices at 11–13 + 6 Weeks. Hypertens Pregnancy 2010; 30:414-20. [DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2010.506232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Renaud SJ, Graham CH. The Role of Macrophages in Utero-placental Interactions During Normal and Pathological Pregnancy. Immunol Invest 2009; 37:535-64. [DOI: 10.1080/08820130802191375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Api O, Emeksiz MB, Api M, Ugurel V, Unal O. Modified myocardial performance index for evaluation of fetal cardiac function in pre-eclampsia. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2009; 33:51-57. [PMID: 19086000 DOI: 10.1002/uog.6272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess cardiac function by means of the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) in fetuses of pre-eclamptic mothers without intrauterine growth restriction and to compare this with values from normal controls. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted including a total of 72 fetuses at between 26 and 40 weeks' gestation. Forty fetuses of healthy mothers were assigned as the control group (Group I) while 15 fetuses of mildly pre-eclamptic mothers constituted Group II and 17 fetuses of severely pre-eclamptic mothers constituted Group III. Two-dimensional gray-scale and Doppler fetal echocardiography was used to exclude cardiac anomalies and calculate the Mod-MPI. RESULTS The mean+/-SD Mod-MPI values of Groups I, II and III were 0.43+/-0.045, 0.44+/-0.064 and 0.44+/-0.064, respectively (P=0.680). The mean aortic peak systolic velocity (PSV), the mean mitral valve early ventricular filling (E-wave) and active atrial filling (A-wave) peak velocities were significantly lower in fetuses of severely pre-eclamptic mothers than in fetuses of mildly pre-eclamptic mothers and control fetuses. CONCLUSION The fetal global myocardial function assessed by Mod-MPI does not seem to change in mild or severe pre-eclampsia. The lower mitral E-wave and A-wave peak velocities and the lower aortic PSV seem to reflect the increased cardiac afterload against which the fetal heart has to work, rather than systolic or diastolic cardiac dysfunction, in the fetuses of severely pre-eclamptic mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Api
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Teaching and Research Hospital Istanbul, Turkey.
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Renaud SJ, Postovit LM, Macdonald-Goodfellow SK, McDonald GT, Caldwell JD, Graham CH. Activated macrophages inhibit human cytotrophoblast invasiveness in vitro. Biol Reprod 2005; 73:237-43. [PMID: 15800179 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.038000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is associated with inadequate cytotrophoblast invasion and remodeling of the uterine spiral arterioles, as well as by an aberrant maternal immune response. This study determined the effect of activated macrophages and one of its products, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, on cytotrophoblast invasiveness. Coculture with human lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages decreased the ability of immortalized HTR-8/ SVneo human trophoblast cells to invade through reconstituted extracellular matrix (P < 0.05). This effect of activated macrophages on trophoblast invasiveness was paralleled by abrogation of a 55-kDa caseinolytic activity corresponding to prourokinase plasminogen activator (pro-uPA) and an increased secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1), as determined by gel zymography and ELISA, respectively. Coculture with nonactivated macrophages did not significantly affect trophoblast invasiveness or pro-uPA and PAI1 secretion. Activated macrophages secreted detectable levels of TNF, and administration of exogenous TNF significantly decreased trophoblast invasiveness (P < 0.05), increased the secretion of PAI1 (P < 0.01), and completely inhibited the pro-uPA-associated caseinolytic activity by binding to the TNF receptor 1. Moreover, addition of up to 10 ng/ml of TNF did not increase the rate of apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Finally, the increased secretion of PAI1 by trophoblast cells cocultured with activated macrophages was significantly inhibited when a neutralizing anti-TNF antibody was added to the cocultures. These results suggest that the aberrant presence of activated macrophages around uterine vessels may contribute to inadequate trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the uterine spiral arterioles. Thus, the presence of activated macrophages may be important in the etiology of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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Moodley J, Gwababa SS. S-nitrosothiol and S-nitrosoalbumin levels in pre-eclampsia plasma. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2005; 24:756-9. [PMID: 15763781 DOI: 10.1080/014436104100009436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of pre-eclampsia still eludes researchers. Recently, the development of laboratory techniques to measure the levels of serum nitrosothiols, compounds that appear to play a role in signal transduction and stress responses, could be the driving force in the search for the exact cause of pre-eclampsia. We attempted to verify a new technique of estimating the levels of S-nitrosothiols and S-nitrosoalbumin in pre-eclampsia. The laboratory technique used as described previously could not identify these compounds. None the less, these nitrosothiols and nitrosoalbumin may be involved in the aetiology of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Moodley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and MRC/UN Pregnancy Hypertension Research Unit, University of Natal, Congella 4013, South Africa.
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Papageorghiou AT, Yu CKH, Nicolaides KH. The role of uterine artery Doppler in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2004; 18:383-96. [PMID: 15183134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2004.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The complications of placental insufficiency, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are major causes of perinatal as well as maternal morbidity and mortality. In normal pregnancy, impedance to flow in the uterine arteries decreases with gestation, and histopathological studies suggest that this is due to trophoblastic invasion of the spiral arteries and their conversion into low-resistance vessels. Failure of trophoblastic invasion is associated with complications of uteroplacental insufficiency. Several Doppler screening studies, both in the second and more recently in the first trimester of pregnancy, have demonstrated an association between increased impedance to flow in the uterine arteries and subsequent development of pre-eclampsia, FGR and perinatal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris T Papageorghiou
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital Medical School, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8RX, UK
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Postovit LM, Dutt P, Dourdin N, Park M, Greer PA, Graham CH, Elce JS. Calpain is required for MMP-2 and u-PA expression in SV40 large T-antigen-immortalized cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 297:294-301. [PMID: 12237117 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The absence of both mu- and m-calpain activity, caused by disruption of the capn4 gene in mice, retarded migration, and disrupted the cytoskeleton, both in primary capn4(-/-) embryonic fibroblasts (mEF) and in capn4(-/-) mEF immortalized with SV40 large T-antigen (TAg). These results are thought to reflect the role of calpain in integrin signaling to the cytoskeleton. The integrins are also involved, together with matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and plasminogen activators (PA), in cellular invasion. This study therefore aimed to establish whether links exist between the calpain, MMP, and PA systems, using both primary and TAg-immortalized capn4(+/+) and capn4(-/-) embryonic fibroblasts. Both Matrigel invasion, and expression of MMP-2 and u-PA activities, correlated with calpain expression in TAg-containing cells, but not in primary cells. MMP-2 mRNA synthesis also correlated with calpain expression in the presence of TAg, but u-PA mRNA synthesis was not so correlated. The results suggest that calpain acquires new regulatory roles in the presence of TAg. Calpain is also required for v-Src-mediated transformation. It appears that calpain may have previously unsuspected roles in oncogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada K7L 3N6
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Abstract
Worldwide, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia contribute to the death of a pregnant woman every 3 min. In the UK in recent decades, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have remained one of the leading causes of both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The management of pregnancies complicated by hypertension has not significantly altered for many years, possibly as a result of little progress being made in our understanding of the condition. New insights, however, have recently been gained into the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. These have yet to be translated into new interventions or to make any impact on clinical management of these pregnancies. This review will therefore focus on recent advances relating to research into the aetiology and pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, but will conclude with a brief update on current therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
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Sivasubramaniam SD, Finch CC, Billett MA, Baker PN, Billett EE. Monoamine oxidase expression and activity in human placentae from pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. Placenta 2002; 23:163-71. [PMID: 11945082 DOI: 10.1053/plac.2001.0770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A feature of pre-eclampsia is that circulating levels of maternal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) are elevated and placental monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) activity, the major factor in the regulation of serotonin levels in pregnancy, is reduced. It is not known whether this is due to a reduced MAO-A protein content or a reduced catalytic turnover of the serotonin by MAO-A; this question has been addressed in the present work. Term placentae from normotensive and pre-eclamptic women were analysed for MAO-A specific mRNA expression (by semi-quantitative RT-PCR), MAO-A protein (by immunohistochemistry and quantitative ELISA, using a MAO-A specific monoclonal antibody), together with MAO activity (using [(3)H] labelled 5-hydroxytryptamine as substrate). Immunohistochemical analysis of placentae from both normotensive and pre-eclamptic women demonstrated that MAO-A protein is located in the cytoplasm of the placental syncytiotrophoblast layer, consistent with a mitochondrial location; no MAO-A protein was found in the nucleus. No MAO-B protein was detected in this placental layer, despite the presence of MAO-B mRNA. The results indicate that both total protein/g fresh weight and MAO-A protein/g fresh weight were approximately 40 per cent lower in pre-eclamptic than in normotensive placentae, but that there was no statistical difference in the expression of MAO-A mRNA in relation to GAPDH or actin mRNA or in MAO-A protein/mg total protein. However, MAO-A activity/g fresh weight was significantly reduced in pre-eclamptic placentae, in agreement with previous findings. This was found to be due to a 60 per cent reduction (P< 0.05) in the catalytic turnover (activity/molecule) of the enzyme. This study has therefore clearly shown that the expression of placental MAO-A specific mRNA and MAO-A protein are not specifically affected in pre-eclampsia, but that the catalytic efficiency of the expressed MAO-A enzyme in pre-eclamptic placentae is greatly reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Sivasubramaniam
- Department of Life Sciences, The Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
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