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Wang Z, Camm EJ, Nuzzo AM, Spiroski AM, Skeffington KL, Ashmore TJ, Rolfo A, Todros T, Logan A, Ma J, Murphy MP, Niu Y, Giussani DA. In vivo mitochondria-targeted protection against uterine artery vascular dysfunction and remodelling in rodent hypoxic pregnancy. J Physiol 2024; 602:1211-1225. [PMID: 38381050 DOI: 10.1113/jp286178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational hypoxia adversely affects uterine artery function, increasing complications. However, an effective therapy remains unidentified. Here, we show in rodent uterine arteries that hypoxic pregnancy promotes hypertrophic remodelling, increases constrictor reactivity via protein kinase C signalling, and triggers compensatory dilatation via nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms and stimulation of large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ -channels. Maternal in vivo oral treatment with the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ in hypoxic pregnancy normalises uterine artery reactivity and prevents vascular remodelling. From days 6-20 of gestation (term ∼22 days), female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to normoxic or hypoxic (13-14% O2 ) pregnancy ± daily maternal MitoQ treatment (500 µm in drinking water). At 20 days of gestation, maternal, placental and fetal tissue was frozen to determine MitoQ uptake. The uterine arteries were harvested and, in one segment, constrictor and dilator reactivity was determined by wire myography. Another segment was fixed for unbiased stereological analysis of vessel morphology. Maternal administration of MitoQ in both normoxic and hypoxic pregnancy crossed the placenta and was present in all tissues analysed. Hypoxia increased uterine artery constrictor responses to norepinephrine, angiotensin II and the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Hypoxia enhanced dilator reactivity to sodium nitroprusside, the large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ -channel activator NS1619 and ACh via increased nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms. Uterine arteries from hypoxic pregnancy showed increased wall thickness and MitoQ treatment in hypoxic pregnancy prevented all effects on uterine artery reactivity and remodelling. The data support mitochondria-targeted therapy against adverse changes in uterine artery structure and function in high-risk pregnancy. KEY POINTS: Dysfunction and remodelling of the uterine artery are strongly implicated in many pregnancy complications, including advanced maternal age, maternal hypertension of pregnancy, maternal obesity, gestational diabetes and pregnancy at high altitude. Such complications not only have immediate adverse effects on the growth of the fetus, but also they can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the mother and offspring. Despite this, there is a significant unmet clinical need for therapeutics that treat uterine artery vascular dysfunction in adverse pregnancy. Here, we show in a rodent model of gestational hypoxia that in vivo oral treatment of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ protects against uterine artery vascular dysfunction and remodelling, supporting the use of mitochondria-targeted therapy against adverse changes in uterine artery structure and function in high-risk pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchao Wang
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Maria Nuzzo
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ana-Mishel Spiroski
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katie L Skeffington
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas J Ashmore
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandro Rolfo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tullia Todros
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Angela Logan
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Michael P Murphy
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Youguo Niu
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Pan M, Zhou J, Wang J, Cao W, Li L, Wang L. The role of placental aging in adverse pregnancy outcomes: A mitochondrial perspective. Life Sci 2023; 329:121924. [PMID: 37429418 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Premature placental aging is associated with placental insufficiency, which reduces the functional capacity of the placenta, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Placental mitochondria are vital organelles that provide energy and play essential roles in placental development and functional maintenance. In response to oxidative stress, damage, and senescence, an adaptive response is induced to selectively remove mitochondria through the mitochondrial equivalent of autophagy. However, adaptation can be disrupted when mitochondrial abnormalities or dysfunctions persist. This review focuses on the adaptation and transformation of mitochondria during pregnancy. These changes modify placental function throughout pregnancy and can cause complications. We discuss the relationship between placental aging and adverse pregnancy outcomes from the perspective of mitochondria and potential approaches to improve abnormal pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijun Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenli Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhoushan Women and Children Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Lock MC, Botting KJ, Allison BJ, Niu Y, Ford SG, Murphy MP, Orgeig S, Giussani DA, Morrison JL. MitoQ as an antenatal antioxidant treatment improves markers of lung maturation in healthy and hypoxic pregnancy. J Physiol 2023; 601:3647-3665. [PMID: 37467062 PMCID: PMC10952154 DOI: 10.1113/jp284786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic fetal hypoxaemia is a common pregnancy complication that increases the risk of infants experiencing respiratory complications at birth. In turn, chronic fetal hypoxaemia promotes oxidative stress, and maternal antioxidant therapy in animal models of hypoxic pregnancy has proven to be protective with regards to fetal growth and cardiovascular development. However, whether antenatal antioxidant therapy confers any benefit on lung development in complicated pregnancies has not yet been investigated. Here, we tested the hypothesis that maternal antenatal treatment with MitoQ will protect the developing lung in hypoxic pregnancy in sheep, a species with similar fetal lung developmental milestones as humans. Maternal treatment with MitoQ during late gestation promoted fetal pulmonary surfactant maturation and an increase in the expression of lung mitochondrial complexes III and V independent of oxygenation. Maternal treatment with MitoQ in hypoxic pregnancy also increased the expression of genes regulating liquid reabsorption in the fetal lung. These data support the hypothesis tested and suggest that MitoQ as an antenatal targeted antioxidant treatment may improve lung maturation in the late gestation fetus. KEY POINTS: Chronic fetal hypoxaemia promotes oxidative stress, and maternal antioxidant therapy in hypoxic pregnancy has proven to be protective with regards to fetal growth and cardiovascular development. MitoQ is a targeted antioxidant that uses the cell and the mitochondrial membrane potential to accumulate within the mitochondria. Treatment of healthy or hypoxic pregnancy with MitoQ, increases the expression of key molecules involved in surfactant maturation, lung liquid reabsorption and in mitochondrial proteins driving ATP synthesis in the fetal sheep lung. There were no detrimental effects of MitoQ treatment alone on the molecular components measured in the present study, suggesting that maternal antioxidant treatment has no effect on other components of normal maturation of the surfactant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell C. Lock
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health ScienceUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kimberley J. Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development & NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Beth J. Allison
- Department of Physiology, Development & NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Youguo Niu
- Department of Physiology, Development & NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Sage G. Ford
- Department of Physiology, Development & NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Sandra Orgeig
- UniSA: Clinical and Health ScienceUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development & NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Janna L. Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health ScienceUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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4
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Mallette JH, Crudup BF, Alexander BT. Growth Restriction in Preeclampsia: Lessons from Animal Models. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 32:100647. [PMID: 36968132 PMCID: PMC10035651 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2023.100647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia remains a major health concern for mother and child. Yet, treatment options remain limited to early delivery. Placental dysfunction in preeclampsia occurs in response to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines with vasoactive and anti-angiogenic factors contributing to impaired maternal and fetal health. Moreover, recent studies indicate a potential role for epigenetic mediators in the pathophysiology of placental ischemia. Numerous animal models are utilized to explore the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. This review provides a brief overview of recent progress in preclinical studies regarding potential therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of preeclampsia with an emphasis on fetal growth restriction and the fetal programming of increased cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H. Mallette
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS USA
| | - Breland F. Crudup
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS USA
| | - Barbara T. Alexander
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS USA
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5
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Hufnagel A, Grant ID, Aiken CEM. Glucose and oxygen in the early intrauterine environment and their role in developmental abnormalities. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:25-34. [PMID: 35410716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.041] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The early life environment can have profound impacts on the developing conceptus in terms of both growth and morphogenesis. These impacts can manifest in a variety of ways, including congenital fetal anomalies, placental dysfunction with subsequent effects on fetal growth, and adverse perinatal outcomes, or via effects on long-term health outcomes that may not be detected until later childhood or adulthood. Two key examples of environmental influences on early development are explored: maternal hyperglycaemia and gestational hypoxia. These are increasingly common pregnancy exposures worldwide, with potentially profound impacts on population health. We explore what is known regarding the mechanisms by which these environmental exposures can impact early intrauterine development and thus result in adverse outcomes in the immediate, short, and long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Imogen D Grant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Box 223, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Catherine E M Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Box 223, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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6
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Smith KLM, Swiderska A, Lock MC, Graham L, Iswari W, Choudhary T, Thomas D, Kowash HM, Desforges M, Cottrell EC, Trafford AW, Giussani DA, Galli GLJ. Chronic developmental hypoxia alters mitochondrial oxidative capacity and reactive oxygen species production in the fetal rat heart in a sex-dependent manner. J Pineal Res 2022; 73:e12821. [PMID: 35941749 PMCID: PMC9540814 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient oxygen supply (hypoxia) during fetal development leads to cardiac remodeling and a predisposition to cardiovascular disease in later life. Previous work has shown hypoxia causes oxidative stress in the fetal heart and alters the activity and expression of mitochondrial proteins in a sex-dependent manner. However, the functional effects of these modifications on mitochondrial respiration remain unknown. Furthermore, while maternal antioxidant treatments are emerging as a promising new strategy to protect the hypoxic fetus, whether these treatments convey similar protection to cardiac mitochondria in the male or female fetus has not been investigated. Therefore, using an established rat model, we measured the sex-dependent effects of gestational hypoxia and maternal melatonin treatment on fetal cardiac mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxidation. Pregnant Wistar rats were subjected to normoxia or hypoxia (13% oxygen) during gestational days (GDs) 6-20 (term ~22 days) with or without melatonin treatment (5 µg/ml in maternal drinking water). On GD 20, mitochondrial aerobic respiration and H2 O2 production were measured in fetal heart tissue, together with lipid peroxidation and citrate synthase (CS) activity. Gestational hypoxia reduced maternal body weight gain (p < .01) and increased placental weight (p < .05) but had no effect on fetal weight or litter size. Cardiac mitochondria from male but not female fetuses of hypoxic pregnancy had reduced respiratory capacity at Complex II (CII) (p < .05), and an increase in H2 O2 production/O2 consumption (p < .05) without any changes in lipid peroxidation. CS activity was also unchanged in both sexes. Despite maternal melatonin treatment increasing maternal and fetal plasma melatonin concentration (p < .001), melatonin treatment had no effect on any of the mitochondrial parameters investigated. To conclude, we show that gestational hypoxia leads to ROS generation from the mitochondrial electron transport chain and affects fetal cardiac mitochondrial respiration in a sex-dependent manner. We also show that maternal melatonin treatment had no effect on these relationships, which has implications for the development of future therapies for hypoxic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri L. M. Smith
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Agnieszka Swiderska
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Mitchell C. Lock
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Lucia Graham
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Wulan Iswari
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Tashi Choudhary
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Donna Thomas
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Hager M. Kowash
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Michelle Desforges
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Elizabeth C. Cottrell
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Andrew W. Trafford
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Gina L. J. Galli
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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7
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Hufnagel A, Dearden L, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Ozanne SE. Programming of cardiometabolic health: the role of maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia. J Endocrinol 2022; 253:R47-R63. [PMID: 35258482 PMCID: PMC9066586 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes during pregnancy have multiple short- and long-term consequences for both mother and child. One common feature of pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and gestational diabetes is maternal hyperinsulinaemia, which has effects on the mother and her adaptation to pregnancy. Even though insulin does not cross the placenta insulin can act on the placenta as well affecting placental growth, angiogenesis and lipid metabolism. Obese and gestational diabetic pregnancies are often characterised by maternal hyperglycaemia resulting in exposure of the fetus to high levels of glucose, which freely crosses the placenta. This leads to stimulation of fetal ß-cells and insulin secretion in the fetus. Fetal hyperglycaemia/hyperinsulinaemia has been shown to cause multiple complications in fetal development, such as altered growth trajectories, impaired neuronal and cardiac development and early exhaustion of the pancreas. These changes could increase the susceptibility of the offspring to develop cardiometabolic diseases later in life. In this review, we aim to summarize and review the mechanisms by which maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia impact on (i) maternal health during pregnancy; (ii) placental and fetal development; (iii) offspring energy homeostasis and long-term cardiometabolic health; (iv) how interventions can alleviate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Laura Dearden
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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8
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Prenatal Hypoxia Affects Foetal Cardiovascular Regulatory Mechanisms in a Sex- and Circadian-Dependent Manner: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052885. [PMID: 35270026 PMCID: PMC8910900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal hypoxia during the prenatal period can interfere with the developmental trajectory and lead to developing hypertension in adulthood. Prenatal hypoxia is often associated with intrauterine growth restriction that interferes with metabolism and can lead to multilevel changes. Therefore, we analysed the effects of prenatal hypoxia predominantly not associated with intrauterine growth restriction using publications up to September 2021. We focused on: (1) The response of cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms, such as the chemoreflex, adenosine, nitric oxide, and angiotensin II on prenatal hypoxia. (2) The role of the placenta in causing and attenuating the effects of hypoxia. (3) Environmental conditions and the mother's health contribution to the development of prenatal hypoxia. (4) The sex-dependent effects of prenatal hypoxia on cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms and the connection between hypoxia-inducible factors and circadian variability. We identified that the possible relationship between the effects of prenatal hypoxia on the cardiovascular regulatory mechanism may vary depending on circadian variability and phase of the days. In summary, even short-term prenatal hypoxia significantly affects cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms and programs hypertension in adulthood, while prenatal programming effects are not only dependent on the critical period, and sensitivity can change within circadian oscillations.
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9
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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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10
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Lakshman R, Spiroski AM, McIver LB, Murphy MP, Giussani DA. Noninvasive Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Dysfunction Programmed in Male Offspring of Adverse Pregnancy. Hypertension 2021; 78:1818-1828. [PMID: 34757774 PMCID: PMC8577293 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.17926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Lakshman
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (R.L., A.-M.S., L.B.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ana-Mishel Spiroski
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (R.L., A.-M.S., L.B.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge BHF Centre of Research Excellence (A.-M.S., M.P.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren B McIver
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (R.L., A.-M.S., L.B.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Murphy
- MRC Mitochondria Biology Unit (M.P.M.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge BHF Centre of Research Excellence (A.-M.S., M.P.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine (M.P.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (R.L., A.-M.S., L.B.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge BHF Centre of Research Excellence (A.-M.S., M.P.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine (M.P.M., D.A.G.), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, United Kingdom (D.A.G.)
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11
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Song H, Polster BM, Thompson LP. Chronic hypoxia alters cardiac mitochondrial complex protein expression and activity in fetal guinea pigs in a sex-selective manner. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R912-R924. [PMID: 34730023 PMCID: PMC8714812 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00004.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesize that intrauterine hypoxia (HPX) alters the mitochondrial phenotype in fetal hearts contributing to developmental programming. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to normoxia (NMX) or hypoxia (HPX, 10.5% O2), starting at early [25 days (25d), 39d duration] or late gestation (50d, 14d duration). Near-term (64d) male and female fetuses were delivered by hysterotomy from anesthetized sows, and body/organ weights were measured. Left ventricles of fetal hearts were excised and frozen for measurement of expression of complex (I-V) subunits, fusion (Mfn2/OPA1) and fission (DRP1/Fis1) proteins, and enzymatic rates of I and IV from isolated mitochondrial proteins. Chronic HPX decreased fetal body weight and increased relative placenta weight regardless of timing. Early-onset HPX increased I, III, and V subunit levels, increased complex I but decreased IV activities in males but not females (all P < 0.05). Late-onset HPX decreased (P < 0.05) I, III, and V levels in both sexes but increased I and decreased IV activities in males only. Both HPX conditions decreased cardiac mitochondrial DNA content in males only. Neither early- nor late-onset HPX had any effect on Mfn2 levels but increased OPA1 in both sexes. Both HPX treatments increased DRP1/Fis1 levels in males. In females, early-onset HPX increased DRP1 with no effect on Fis1, whereas late-onset HPX increased Fis1 with no effect on DRP1. We conclude that both early- and late-onset HPX disrupts the expression/activities of select complexes that could reduce respiratory efficiency and shifts dynamics toward fission in fetal hearts. Thus, intrauterine HPX disrupts the mitochondrial phenotype predominantly in male fetal hearts, potentially altering cardiac metabolism and predisposing the offspring to heart dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brian M Polster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Loren P Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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