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Chincarini G, Walker DW, Wong F, Richardson SJ, Cumberland A, Tolcos M. Thyroid hormone analogues: Promising therapeutic avenues to improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes of intrauterine growth restriction. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38742992 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16124] [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] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy complication impairing fetal growth and development. The compromised development is often attributed to disruptions of oxygen and nutrient supply from the placenta, resulting in a number of unfavourable physiological outcomes with impaired brain and organ growth. IUGR is associated with compromised development of both grey and white matter, predisposing the infant to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including long-lasting cognitive and motor difficulties. Cerebral thyroid hormone (TH) signalling, which plays a crucial role in regulating white and grey matter development, is dysregulated in IUGR, potentially contributing to the neurodevelopmental delays associated with this condition. Notably, one of the major TH transporters, monocarboxylate transporter-8 (MCT8), is deficient in the fetal IUGR brain. Currently, no effective treatment to prevent or reverse IUGR exists. Management strategies involve close antenatal monitoring, management of maternal risk factors if present and early delivery if IUGR is found to be severe or worsening in utero. The overall goal is to determine the most appropriate time for delivery, balancing the risks of preterm birth with further fetal compromise due to IUGR. Drug candidates have shown either adverse effects or little to no benefits in this vulnerable population, urging further preclinical and clinical investigation to establish effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the major neuropathology of IUGR driven by uteroplacental insufficiency and the concomitant long-term neurobehavioural impairments in individuals born IUGR. Importantly, we review the existing clinical and preclinical literature on cerebral TH signalling deficits, particularly the impaired expression of MCT8 and their correlation with IUGR. Lastly, we discuss the current evidence on MCT8-independent TH analogues which mimic the brain actions of THs by being metabolised in a similar manner as promising, albeit underappreciated approaches to promote grey and white matter development and improve the neurobehavioural outcomes following IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Chincarini
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Newborn Health, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Flora Wong
- Monash Newborn Health, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Angela Cumberland
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Sinha RA, Yen PM. Metabolic Messengers: Thyroid Hormones. Nat Metab 2024; 6:639-650. [PMID: 38671149 PMCID: PMC7615975 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00986-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are key hormones that regulate development and metabolism in mammals. In man, the major target tissues for TH action are the brain, liver, muscle, heart, and adipose tissue. Defects in TH synthesis, transport, metabolism, and nuclear action have been associated with genetic and endocrine diseases in man. Over the past few years, there has been renewed interest in TH action and the therapeutic potential of THs and thyromimetics to treat several metabolic disorders such as hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and TH transporter defects. Recent advances in the development of tissue and TH receptor isoform-targeted thyromimetics have kindled new hope for translating our fundamental understanding of TH action into an effective therapy. This review provides a concise overview of the historical development of our understanding of TH action, its physiological and pathophysiological effects on metabolism, and future therapeutic applications to treat metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
| | - Paul M Yen
- Laboratory of Hormonal Regulation, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Div. Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Novorolsky RJ, Kasheke GDS, Hakim A, Foldvari M, Dorighello GG, Sekler I, Vuligonda V, Sanders ME, Renden RB, Wilson JJ, Robertson GS. Preserving and enhancing mitochondrial function after stroke to protect and repair the neurovascular unit: novel opportunities for nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1226630. [PMID: 37484823 PMCID: PMC10360135 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1226630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of vascular cells, glia, and neurons that form the basic component of the blood brain barrier. This intricate structure rapidly adjusts cerebral blood flow to match the metabolic needs of brain activity. However, the NVU is exquisitely sensitive to damage and displays limited repair after a stroke. To effectively treat stroke, it is therefore considered crucial to both protect and repair the NVU. Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) uptake supports NVU function by buffering Ca2+ and stimulating energy production. However, excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake causes toxic mitochondrial Ca2+ overloading that triggers numerous cell death pathways which destroy the NVU. Mitochondrial damage is one of the earliest pathological events in stroke. Drugs that preserve mitochondrial integrity and function should therefore confer profound NVU protection by blocking the initiation of numerous injury events. We have shown that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and efflux in the brain are mediated by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (MCUcx) and sodium/Ca2+/lithium exchanger (NCLX), respectively. Moreover, our recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated that MCUcx inhibition and NCLX activation suppress ischemic and excitotoxic neuronal cell death by blocking mitochondrial Ca2+ overloading. These findings suggest that combining MCUcx inhibition with NCLX activation should markedly protect the NVU. In terms of promoting NVU repair, nuclear hormone receptor activation is a promising approach. Retinoid X receptor (RXR) and thyroid hormone receptor (TR) agonists activate complementary transcriptional programs that stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, suppress inflammation, and enhance the production of new vascular cells, glia, and neurons. RXR and TR agonism should thus further improve the clinical benefits of MCUcx inhibition and NCLX activation by increasing NVU repair. However, drugs that either inhibit the MCUcx, or stimulate the NCLX, or activate the RXR or TR, suffer from adverse effects caused by undesired actions on healthy tissues. To overcome this problem, we describe the use of nanoparticle drug formulations that preferentially target metabolically compromised and damaged NVUs after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. These nanoparticle-based approaches have the potential to improve clinical safety and efficacy by maximizing drug delivery to diseased NVUs and minimizing drug exposure in healthy brain and peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J. Novorolsky
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Gracious D. S. Kasheke
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Antoine Hakim
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriel G. Dorighello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Israel Sekler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beersheva, Israel
| | | | | | - Robert B. Renden
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Justin J. Wilson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - George S. Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Brain Repair Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Davies KL, Smith DJ, El-Bacha T, Wooding PFP, Forhead AJ, Murray AJ, Fowden AL, Camm EJ. Cortisol Regulates Cerebral Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Morphology of the Brain in a Region-Specific Manner in the Ovine Fetus. Biomolecules 2022; 12:768. [PMID: 35740893 PMCID: PMC9220895 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060768] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In adults, glucocorticoids are stress hormones that act, partly, through actions on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to increase energy availability. Before birth, glucocorticoids are primarily maturational signals that prepare the fetus for new postnatal challenges. However, the role of the normal prepartum glucocorticoid rise in preparing mitochondria for the increased postnatal energy demands remains largely unknown. This study examined the effect of physiological increases in the fetal cortisol concentration on cerebral mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity near term (~130 days gestation, term ~145 days gestation). Fetal sheep were infused with saline or cortisol for 5 days at ~0.8 of gestation before the mitochondrial content, respiratory rates, abundance of the electron transfer system proteins and OXPHOS efficiency were measured in their cortex and cerebellum. Cerebral morphology was assessed by immunohistochemistry and stereology. Cortisol treatment increased the mitochondrial content, while decreasing Complex I-linked respiration in the cerebellum. There was no effect on the cortical mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity. Cortisol infusion had regional effects on cerebral morphology, with increased myelination in the cerebrum. The findings demonstrate the importance of cortisol in regulating the cerebral mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity prenatally and have implications for infants born preterm or after glucocorticoid overexposure due to pregnancy complications or clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Tatiana El-Bacha
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Peter F. P. Wooding
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Emily J. Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (K.L.D.); (D.J.S.); (T.E.-B.); (P.F.P.W.); (A.J.F.); (A.J.M.)
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Xu D, Zhong H. Correlation Between Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy and Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Pregnant Women and Its Influence on Pregnancy Outcome and Fetal Growth and Development. Front Surg 2022; 9:863286. [PMID: 35419407 PMCID: PMC8995499 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.863286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose:To observe the correlation between hypothyroidism during pregnancy and glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women and its influence on a pregnancy outcome and fetal growth and development.MethodsAbout 152 patients with hypothyroidism during pregnancy in our hospital from June 2017 to June 2020 were selected as the observation group and divided into the overt hypothyroidism (OH) group, the subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) group, and the low T4 group. Another 60 pregnant women with normal antenatal examination and normal thyroid function were selected as the normal group. The glucose and lipid metabolism indexes of each group were compared. The pregnant women in the OH group and the SCH group were given levothyroxine intervention, and the pregnancy outcome and infant development of the two groups were compared.ResultsThe fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein of the OH group and the SCH group were higher than the low T4 group and the normal group, and the OH group was higher than the SCH group (p < 0.05). The incidence of premature delivery and premature rupture of membranes at term (PROM at term) in the hypothyroidism non-control group was higher than the hypothyroidism control group (p < 0.05). The mental development index and the psychomotor development index in the hypothyroidism non-control group were lower than the hypothyroidism control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionPregnant women with hypothyroidism during pregnancy are more prone to glucose and lipid metabolism disorder, which increases the risk of premature delivery and PROM at term, and has certain influence on the intellectual development and psychomotor development of infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhuji People's Hospital, Zhuji, China
| | - Haolin Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuji Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zhuji, China
- *Correspondence: Haolin Zhong
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Fowden AL, Forhead AJ. Endocrine regulation of fetal metabolism towards term. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106657. [PMID: 34525421 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hormones have an important role in regulating fetal metabolism in relation to the prevailing nutritional conditions both in late gestation and during the prepartum period as the fetus prepares for birth. In particular, the pancreatic, thyroid and adrenal hormones all affect fetal uptake and utilization of nutrients for oxidative metabolism, tissue accretion and fuel storage. These hormones also influence the fetal metabolic preparations for the nutritional transition from intra- to extra-uterine life. This review discusses the role of insulin, glucagon, thyroxine, tri-iodothyronine, cortisol and the catecholamines in these processes during normal intrauterine conditions and in response to maternal undernutrition with particular emphasis on the sheep fetus. It also considers the metabolic interactions between these hormones and their role in the maturation of key tissues, such as the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, in readiness for their new metabolic functions after birth. Endocrine regulation of fetal metabolism is shown to be multifactorial and dynamic with a central role in optimizing metabolic fitness for survival both in utero and at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Alison J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK; Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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Głombik K, Detka J, Budziszewska B. Hormonal Regulation of Oxidative Phosphorylation in the Brain in Health and Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112937. [PMID: 34831160 PMCID: PMC8616269 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing and adult brain is a target organ for the vast majority of hormones produced by the body, which are able to cross the blood–brain barrier and bind to their specific receptors on neurons and glial cells. Hormones ensure proper communication between the brain and the body by activating adaptive mechanisms necessary to withstand and react to changes in internal and external conditions by regulating neuronal and synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis and metabolic activity of the brain. The influence of hormones on energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in the brain has gained much attention since mitochondrial dysfunctions are observed in many different pathological conditions of the central nervous system. Moreover, excess or deficiency of hormones is associated with cell damage and loss of function in mitochondria. This review aims to expound on the impact of hormones (GLP-1, insulin, thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids) on metabolic processes in the brain with special emphasis on oxidative phosphorylation dysregulation, which may contribute to the formation of pathological changes. Since the brain concentrations of sex hormones and neurosteroids decrease with age as well as in neurodegenerative diseases, in parallel with the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction and the weakening of cognitive functions, their beneficial effects on oxidative phosphorylation and expression of antioxidant enzymes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Głombik
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (J.D.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-662-33-94
| | - Jan Detka
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (J.D.); (B.B.)
| | - Bogusława Budziszewska
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (J.D.); (B.B.)
- Department of Biochemical Toxicology, Chair of Toxicology, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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Davies KL, Camm EJ, Smith DJ, Vaughan OR, Forhead AJ, Murray AJ, Fowden AL. Glucocorticoid maturation of mitochondrial respiratory capacity in skeletal muscle before birth. J Endocrinol 2021; 251:53-68. [PMID: 34321363 PMCID: PMC8428072 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In adults, glucocorticoids act to match the supply and demand for energy during physiological challenges, partly through actions on tissue mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity. However, little is known about the role of the natural prepartum rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations in preparing tissues for the increased postnatal energy demands. This study examined the effect of manipulating cortisol concentrations in fetal sheep during late gestation on mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity of two skeletal muscles with different postnatal locomotive functions. Mitochondrial content, biogenesis markers, respiratory rates and expression of proteins and genes involved in the electron transfer system (ETS) and OXPHOS efficiency were measured in the biceps femoris (BF) and superficial digital flexor (SDF) of fetuses either infused with cortisol before the prepartum rise or adrenalectomised to prevent this increment. Cortisol infusion increased mitochondrial content, biogenesis markers, substrate-specific respiration rates and abundance of ETS complex I and adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT1) in a muscle-specific manner that was more pronounced in the SDF than BF. Adrenalectomy reduced mitochondrial content and expression of PGC1α and ANT1 in both muscles, and ETS complex IV abundance in the SDF near term. Uncoupling protein gene expression was unaffected by cortisol manipulations in both muscles. Gene expression of the myosin heavy chain isoform, MHCIIx, was increased by cortisol infusion and reduced by adrenalectomy in the BF alone. These findings show that cortisol has a muscle-specific role in prepartum maturation of mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity with important implications for the health of neonates born pre-term or after intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - E J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - D J Smith
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - O R Vaughan
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - A J Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to A L Fowden:
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