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Shields CA, Tardo GA, Wang X, Peacock G, Robbins M, Glenn H, Wilson R, Williams JM, Cornelius DC. Inhibition of Caspase 1 Reduces Blood Pressure, Cytotoxic NK Cells, and Inflammatory T-Helper 17 Cells in Placental Ischemic Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:863. [PMID: 38255935 PMCID: PMC10815407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020863] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and increased inflammation and populations of cytotoxic NK cells (cNKs) and inflammatory T-Helper 17 cells (TH17s). Both cytotoxic NK cells and TH17 cells are heavily influenced via IL-1β signaling. Caspase 1 activity leads to the release of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which is increased in women with PE. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the inhibition of Caspase 1 with VX-765 in rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) will attenuate PE pathophysiology. On gestation day (GD) 14, timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats underwent the RUPP or Sham procedure and were separated into groups that received either vehicle or VX-765 (50 mg/kg/day i.p.). On GD19, MAP was measured via carotid catheter and blood and tissues were collected. Bio-Plex and flow cytometry analysis were performed on placental tissues. Placental IL-1β was increased in the RUPP rats vs. the Sham rats and treatment with VX-765 reduced IL-1β in the RUPP rats. Caspase 1 inhibition reduced placental cNKs and TH17s in RUPP rats compared to vehicle-treated RUPP rats. Increased MAP was observed in RUPP rats compared with Sham rats and was reduced in RUPP + VX-765 rats. Placental reactive oxygen species (ROS) were elevated in RUPP rats compared to Sham rats. VX-765 administration reduced ROS in treated RUPP rats. Caspase 1 inhibition increased the number of live pups, yet had no effect on fetal weight or placental efficiency in the treated groups. In conclusion, Caspase 1 inhibition reduces placental IL-1β, inflammatory TH17 and cNK populations, and reduces MAP in RUPP rats. These data suggest that Caspase 1 is a key contributor to PE pathophysiology. This warrants further investigation of Caspase 1 as a potential therapeutic target to improve maternal outcomes in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin A. Shields
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Geilda A. Tardo
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Gregory Peacock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Marcus Robbins
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Hannah Glenn
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Rachel Wilson
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Jan M. Williams
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
| | - Denise C. Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacolocy and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (C.A.S.); (G.A.T.); (X.W.); (M.R.); (H.G.); (R.W.); (J.M.W.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wang X, Travis OK, Shields CA, Tardo GA, Giachelli C, Nutter CW, Glenn HL, Cooper OG, Davis T, Thomas R, Williams JM, Cornelius DC. NLRP3 inhibition improves maternal hypertension, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction in response to placental ischemia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R556-R567. [PMID: 36847598 PMCID: PMC10069976 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00192.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder with end-organ damage that presents after 20 wk of gestation. PE pathophysiology often includes vascular dysfunction and increased inflammation that continues to damage patient health even after PE resolves. Currently, there is no cure for PE beyond delivery of the fetal-placental unit. Previous clinical studies have identified elevated placental NLRP3 expression in patients with PE and suggest NLRP3 as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we examined the effect of NLRP3 inhibition on PE pathophysiology in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model rat using MCC950 (20 mg/kg/day) or esomeprazole (3.5 mg/kg/day). We hypothesized that increased NLRP3 in response to placental ischemia impairs anti-inflammatory IL-33 signaling to induce T-helper 17 cell (TH17) and cytolytic NK cell (cNK) activation, which is known to mediate oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction leading to maternal HTN and intrauterine growth restriction. RUPP rats had significantly higher placental NLRP3 expression, maternal blood pressure, fetal reabsorption rate, vascular resistance, oxidative stress, cNKs and TH17s, and decreased IL-33 compared with normal pregnant (NP) rats. NLRP3 inhibition, with either treatment, significantly reduced placental NLRP3 expression, maternal blood pressure, fetal reabsorption rates, vascular resistance, oxidative stress, cNK, and TH17 populations in RUPP rats. Based on our findings, NLRP3 inhibition reduces PE pathophysiology and esomeprazole may be a potential therapeutic for PE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Olivia K Travis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Corbin A Shields
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - G Ann Tardo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Chelsea Giachelli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Christopher W Nutter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Hannah L Glenn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Olive G Cooper
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Tatiana Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Rashauna Thomas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Jan M Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
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Deer E, Herrock O, Campbell N, Cornelius D, Fitzgerald S, Amaral LM, LaMarca B. The role of immune cells and mediators in preeclampsia. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:257-270. [PMID: 36635411 PMCID: PMC10038936 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of major concern in pregnancy than can lead to intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption and stillbirth. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is multifactorial, including not only kidney dysfunction but also endothelial dysfunction, as the maternal endothelium becomes exposed to placental factors that are released into the circulation and increase systemic levels of vasoconstrictors, oxidative stress, anti-angiogenic factors and inflammatory mediators. Importantly, inflammation can lead to insufficient placental perfusion and low birthweight in offspring. Various innate and adaptive immune cells and mediators have been implicated in the development of preeclampsia, in which oxidative stress is associated with activation of the maternal inflammatory response. Immune cells such as regulatory T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils are known to have major causative roles in the pathology of preeclampsia, but the contributions of additional immune cells such as B cells, inflammatory cytokines and anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies are also now recognized. Immunological interventions, therefore, have therapeutic potential in this disease. Here, we provide an overview of the immune responses that are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, including the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Denise Cornelius
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sarah Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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Herrock O, Deer E, Amaral LM, Campbell N, Whitney D, Ingram N, Cornelius DC, Turner T, Hardy-Hardin J, Booz GW, Ibrahim T, LaMarca B. Inhibiting B cell activating factor attenuates preeclamptic symptoms in placental ischemic rats. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13693. [PMID: 36794639 PMCID: PMC10009902 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension during pregnancy, is associated with a pro-inflammatory state with activated T cells, cytolytic natural killer (NK) cells, dysregulated complement proteins, and B cells secreting agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1-AA). The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental ischemia recapitulates these features of PE. Blocking CD40L-CD40 communication between T and B cells or B cell depletion with Rituximab prevents hypertension and AT1-AA production in RUPP rats. This suggests that T cell-dependent B cell activation contributes to the hypertension and AT1-AA associated with PE. B2 cells maturing into antibody producing plasma cells are the product of T cell-dependent B cell-interactions and B cell Activating Factor (BAFF) is an integral cytokine in the development of B2 cells specifically. Thus, we hypothesize that BAFF blockade will selectively deplete B2 cells, therefore reducing blood pressure, AT1-AA, activated NK Cells, and complement in the RUPP rat model of PE. METHOD OF STUDY Gestational Day (GD) 14 pregnant rats underwent the RUPP procedure, and a subset were treated with 1 mg/kg Anti-BAFF antibodies via jugular catheters. On GD19, blood pressure was measured, B cells and NK cells were measured by flow cytometry, AT1-AA was measured by cardiomyocyte bioassay, and complement activation was measured by ELISA. RESULTS Anti-BAFF therapy attenuated hypertension, AT1-AA, NK cell activation, and APRIL levels in RUPP rats without negatively impacting fetal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that B2 cells contribute to hypertension, AT1-AA, and NK cell activation in response to placental ischemia during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Lorena M. Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Darby Whitney
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Nicole Ingram
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | | | - Ty Turner
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Ja’Nasa Hardy-Hardin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - George W. Booz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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Whitlock AE, Moskowitzova K, Kycia I, Zurakowski D, Fauza DO. Transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): A comparison between placental and amniotic fluid donor mesenchymal stem cells. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:305-309. [PMID: 36372622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) with donor mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown experimentally to reverse central effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We sought to compare amniotic-fluid and placenta-derived MSCs (afMSCs and pMSCs, respectively) as TRASCET donor cells in a murine IUGR model. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley dams (n=8) were exposed to alternating 12-hour hypoxia (10.5% O2) cycles, starting on gestational day 15 (E15; term=E21-22). On E17, fetuses (n=100) were divided into four groups. An untreated group had no further manipulations (n=24). Three groups received volume-matched intra-amniotic injections of either saline (sham; n=27), or suspensions of afMSCs (n=24), or pMSCs (n=25). Normal fetuses served as controls (n=21). All infused MSCs consisted of syngeneic Lewis rat cells phenotyped by flow cytometry and GFP-labeled. At term, fetal and placental morphometrics were calculated, and placental TNF-α levels were determined by ELISA. Statistical comparisons were by Fischer's T-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test (p≤0.05). RESULTS Overall survival of the hypoxic groups was 83% (83/100). Compared to normal, maternal-adjusted fetal weights were significantly decreased in all hypoxia groups (pairwise p<0.001), however only the afMSC group showed higher adjusted-fetal weights than sham (p<0.001). Placental efficiency was decreased in untreated, sham, and pMSC groups (p<0.001-0.056) but normalized in the afMSC group (p=0.205). Maternal-adjusted placental weights were lower than normal in all hypoxia groups (p<0.001-0.045), except for the pMSC group (p=0.387). CONCLUSIONS Amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells are superior to their placenta-derived counterparts in transamniotic stem cell therapy for intrauterine growth restriction in a rat model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Basic/Translational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn E Whitlock
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kamila Moskowitzova
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ina Kycia
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David Zurakowski
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dario O Fauza
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Herrock OT, Deer E, Amaral LM, Campbell N, Lemon J, Ingram N, Cornelius DC, Turner TW, Fitzgerald S, Ibrahim T, Dechend R, Wallukat G, LaMarca B. B2 cells contribute to hypertension and natural killer cell activation possibly via AT1-AA in response to placental ischemia. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F179-F192. [PMID: 36417275 PMCID: PMC9844978 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00190.2022] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, new onset hypertension during pregnancy, is associated with activated T helper cells (Th) and B cells secreting agonistic autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA). The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental ischemia recapitulates these characteristics. We have shown that Th-B cell communication contributes to AT1-AA and symptoms of preeclampsia in the RUPP rat. B2 cells are classical B cells that communicate with Th cells and are then transformed into memory B cells. We hypothesize that B2 cells cause hypertension, natural killer (NK) cell activation, and complement activation during pregnancy through the production of AT1-AA. To test this hypothesis, total splenic B cells and B2 cells were isolated from normal pregnant (NP) or RUPP rats on gestational day (GD)19 and adoptively transferred into GD12 NP rats. A group of recipient rats was treated with a specific inhibitor peptide of AT1-AA. On GD19, mean arterial pressure was measured, tissues were collected, activated NK cells were measured by flow cytometry, and AT1-AA was measured by cardiomyocyte assay. NP recipients of RUPP B cells or RUPP B2 cells had increased mean arterial pressure, AT1-AA, and circulating activated NK cells compared with recipients of NP B cells. Hypertension in NP recipients of RUPP B cells or RUPP B2 was attenuated with AT1-AA blockade. This study demonstrates that B cells and B2 cells from RUPP rats cause hypertension and increased AT1-AA and NK cell activation in response to placental ischemia during pregnancy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that placental ischemia-stimulated B2 cells induce hypertension and circulating natural killer cell activation and angiotensin II type 1 receptor production in normal pregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen T Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - James Lemon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Nicole Ingram
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ty W Turner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sarah Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, HELIOS Clinic, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Wallukat
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, HELIOS Clinic, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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8
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Wei X, Yang X. The central role of natural killer cells in preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1009867. [PMID: 36865565 PMCID: PMC9972679 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1009867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease that is unique to pregnancy and affects multiple systems. It can lead to maternal and perinatal mortality. The precise etiology of PE is unclear. Patients with PE may have systemic or local immune abnormalities. A group of researchers has proposed that the immune communication between the fetus and mother is primarily moderated by natural killer (NK) cells as opposed to T cells, since NK cells are the most abundant immune cells in the uterus. This review examines the immunological roles of NK cells in the pathogenesis of PE. Our aim is to provide obstetricians with a comprehensive and updated research progress report on NK cells in PE patients. It has been reported that decidual NK (dNK) cells contribute to the process of uterine spiral artery remodeling and can modulate trophoblast invasion. Additionally, dNK cells can stimulate fetal growth and regulate delivery. It appears that the count or proportion of circulating NK cells is elevated in patients with or at risk for PE. Changes in the number or function of dNK cells may be the cause of PE. The Th1/Th2 equilibrium in PE has gradually shifted to an NK1/NK2 equilibrium based on cytokine production. An improper combination of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C may lead to insufficient activation of dNK cells, thereby causing PE. In the etiology of PE, NK cells appear to exert a central effect in both peripheral blood and the maternal-fetal interface. To maintain immune equilibrium both locally and systemically, it is necessary to take therapeutic measures directed at NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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9
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Campbell NE, Deer EM, Herrock OT, LaMarca BB. The Role of Different Lymphoid Cell Populations in Preeclampsia Pathophysiology. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:1785-1794. [PMID: 36514732 PMCID: PMC9717666 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0001282022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension during pregnancy, affects up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. Despite being the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, PE has no cure beyond the delivery of the fetal-placental unit. Although the exact pathogenesis of PE is unclear, there is a strong correlation between chronic immune activation; intrauterine growth restriction; uterine artery resistance; dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Which contributes to renal dysfunction; and the resulting hypertension during pregnancy. The genesis of PE is thought to begin with insufficient trophoblast invasion leading to reduced spiral artery remodeling, resulting in decreased placental perfusion and thereby causing placental ischemia. The ischemic placenta releases factors that shower the endothelium and contribute to peripheral vasoconstriction and chronic immune activation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown imbalances in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cell types in women with PE and in animal models used to examine mediators of a PE phenotype during pregnancy. T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells have all emerged as potential mediators contributing to the production of vasoactive factors, renal and endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypertension during pregnancy. The chronic immune activation seen in PE leads to a higher risk for other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, CKD, dementia during the postpartum period, and PE during a subsequent pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to highlight studies demonstrating the role that different lymphoid cell populations play in the pathophysiology of PE. Moreover, we will discuss treatments focused on restoring immune balance or targeting specific immune mediators that may be potential strategies to improve maternal and fetal outcomes associated with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E. Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Evangeline M. Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Owen T. Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Babbette B. LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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10
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Labuz DF, Whitlock AE, Kycia I, Zurakowski D, Fauza DO. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) as a potential target for transamniotic stem cell therapy. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:999-1003. [PMID: 35277250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to determine whether intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) could be a target for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET). METHODS Pregnant dams subjected to hypoxia (10.5% O2) cycles had their fetuses divided into four groups: untreated (n = 24) and three groups receiving volume-matched intra-amniotic injections of either saline (sham; n = 16), or suspensions of luciferase-labeled, syngeneic amniotic fluid-derived MSCs that were either native (TRASCET-unprimed; n = 29), or primed by exposure to IFNγ and IL-1β (TRASCET-primed; n = 31). Normal fetuses served as additional controls (n = 22). Multiple analyses were performed at term. RESULTS Compared to normal, fetal weights were significantly decreased in all hypoxia groups (p = 0.002 to <0.001), except for TRASCET-primed. Placental efficiency (fetal/placental weight) was significantly decreased in all hypoxia groups (p = 0.002 to <0.001), but normalized in both TRASCET groups. A significant increase in metrial expression of IFNγ in both the untreated and sham groups (p = 0.04 to 0.02) was reversed only in the TRASCET-primed group. Luciferase DNA was present in both TRASCET groups' placentas. CONCLUSIONS Transamniotic stem cell therapy with primed mesenchymal stem cells reverses some of the effects of intrauterine growth restriction in a rat model. Further study into this novel approach for the treatment of this disease is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A (Animal and Laboratory Study).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Labuz
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ashlyn E Whitlock
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ina Kycia
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Zurakowski
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Dario O Fauza
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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Travis OK, Tardo GA, Giachelli C, Siddiq S, Nguyen HT, Crosby MT, Johnson TD, Brown AK, Booz GW, Smith AN, Williams JM, Cornelius DC. Interferon γ neutralization reduces blood pressure, uterine artery resistance index, and placental oxidative stress in placental ischemic rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R112-R124. [PMID: 34075808 PMCID: PMC8409917 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00349.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, and increased cytolytic natural killer cells (cNKs), which secrete interferon γ (IFNγ). However, the precise role of IFNγ in contributing to PE pathophysiology remains unclear. Using the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of placental ischemia, we tested the hypothesis that neutralization of IFNγ in RUPPs will decrease placental reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve vascular function resulting in decreased MAP and improved fetal growth. On gestation day (GD) 14, the RUPP procedure was performed and on GDs 15 and 18, a subset of normal pregnant rats (NP) and RUPP rats were injected with 10 μg/kg of an anti-rat IFNγ monoclonal antibody. On GD 18, uterine artery resistance index (UARI) was measured via Doppler ultrasound and on GD 19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured, animals were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected for analysis. Increased MAP was observed in RUPP rats compared with NP and was reduced in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. Placental ROS was also increased in RUPP rats compared with NP rats and was normalized in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. Fetal and placental weights were reduced in RUPP rats, but were not improved following anti-IFNγ treatment. However, UARI was elevated in RUPP compared with NP rats and was reduced in RUPP + anti-IFNγ. In conclusion, we observed that IFNγ neutralization reduced MAP, UARI, and placental ROS in RUPP recipients. These data suggest that IFNγ is a potential mechanism by which cNKs contribute to PE pathophysiology and may represent a therapeutic target to improve maternal outcomes in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Travis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Geilda A Tardo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Chelsea Giachelli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Shani Siddiq
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Henry T Nguyen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Madison T Crosby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Tyler D Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Andrea K Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - George W Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Alex N Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Jan Michael Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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12
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Wilsterman K, Cheviron ZA. Fetal growth, high altitude, and evolutionary adaptation: a new perspective. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R279-R294. [PMID: 34259046 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00067.2021] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Residence at high altitude is consistently associated with low birthweight among placental mammals. This reduction in birthweight influences long-term health trajectories for both the offspring and mother. However, the physiological processes that contribute to fetal growth restriction at altitude are still poorly understood, and thus our ability to safely intervene remains limited. One approach to identify the factors that mitigate altitude-dependent fetal growth restriction is to study populations that are protected from fetal growth restriction through evolutionary adaptations (e.g., high altitude-adapted populations). Here, we examine human gestational physiology at high altitude from a novel evolutionary perspective that focuses on patterns of physiological plasticity, allowing us to identify 1) the contribution of specific physiological systems to fetal growth restriction and 2) the mechanisms that confer protection in highland-adapted populations. Using this perspective, our review highlights two general findings: first, that the beneficial value of plasticity in maternal physiology is often dependent on factors more proximate to the fetus; and second, that our ability to understand the contributions of these proximate factors is currently limited by thin data from altitude-adapted populations. Expanding the comparative scope of studies on gestational physiology at high altitude and integrating studies of both maternal and fetal physiology are needed to clarify the mechanisms by which physiological responses to altitude contribute to fetal growth outcomes. The relevance of these questions to clinical, agricultural, and basic research combined with the breadth of the unknown highlight gestational physiology at high altitude as an exciting niche for continued work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wilsterman
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
| | - Zachary A Cheviron
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
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13
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Travis OK, Tardo GA, Giachelli C, Siddiq S, Nguyen HT, Crosby MT, Johnson T, Brown AK, Williams JM, Cornelius DC. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Blockade Improves Uterine Artery Resistance, Maternal Blood Pressure, and Fetal Growth in Placental Ischemic Rats. Pregnancy Hypertens 2021; 25:39-47. [PMID: 34051437 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported that adoptive transfer of cytolytic Natural Killer cells (cNKs) from the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) rat induces a preeclampsia (PE)-like phenotype in pregnant rats, accompanied by increased TNF-α. The purpose of this study was to investigate a role for increased TNF-α to induce oxidative stress (ROS), decrease nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and induce vascular dysfunction as mechanisms of hypertension (HTN) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in RUPPs. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats underwent the RUPP or a Sham procedure on gestation day (GD) 14. On GDs 15 and 18, a subset of Sham and RUPP rats received i.p.injections of vehicle or 0.4 mg/kg of Etanercept (ETA), a soluble TNF-α receptor (n = 10/group). On GD18, Uterine Artery Resistance Index (UARI) was measured, and on GD19, mean arterial pressure (MAP), fetal and placental weights were measured, and blood and tissues were processed for analysis. TNF-α blockade normalized the elevated MAP observed RUPP. Additionally, both fetal and placental weights were decreased in RUPP compared to Sham, and were normalized in RUPP + ETA. Placental ROS was also increased in RUPP rats compared to Sham, and remained elevated in RUPP + ETA. Compared to Sham, UARI was elevated in RUPPs while plasma total nitrate was reduced, and these were normalized in ETA treated RUPPs. In conclusion, TNF-α blockade in RUPPs reduced MAP and UARI, improved fetal growth, and increased NO bioavailability. These data suggest that TNF-α regulation of NO bioavailability is a potential mechanism that contributes to PE pathophysiology and may represent a therapeutic target to improve maternal outcomes and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Travis
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Geilda A Tardo
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Chelsea Giachelli
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Shani Siddiq
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Henry T Nguyen
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Madison T Crosby
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Tyler Johnson
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Andrea K Brown
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Jan M Williams
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States; Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States.
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