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Zhong Y, Cao Y, Geng X, Yang S, Qian T, Liu C, Chen J. The role of microRNA-142a in Toxoplasma gondii infection-induced downregulation of Foxp3: implications for adverse pregnancy outcomes. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:490. [PMID: 38741041 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09375-0] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is capable of infecting nearly all warm-blooded animals and approximately 30% of the global population. Though most infections are subclinical in immunocompetent individuals, congenital contraction can lead to severe consequences such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and a range of cranio-cerebral and/or ocular abnormalities. Previous studies reported that T. gondii-infected pregnancy mice unveiled a deficit in both the amount and suppressive functions of regulatory T (Treg) cells, accompanied with reduced levels of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3). Recently, accumulative studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are, to some extent, relevant to T. gondii infection. However, the link between alterations in miRNAs and downregulation of Foxp3 triggered by T. gondii has been only sporadically studied. METHODS Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), protein blotting and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the impact of T. gondii infection and antigens on miRNA transcription and Foxp3 expression. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to examine the fluorescence activity in EL4 cells, which were transfected with recombinant plasmids containing full-length/truncated/mutant microRNA-142a-3p (miR-142a) promoter sequence or wild type/mutant of Foxp3 3' untranslated region (3' UTR). RESULTS We found a pronounced increase in miR-142a transcription, concurrent with a decrease in Foxp3 expression in T. gondii-infected mouse placental tissue. Similarly, comparable findings have been experimentally confirmed through the treatment of EL4 cells with T. gondii antigens (TgAg) in vitro. Simultaneously, miR-142a mimics attenuated Foxp3 expression, whereas its inhibitors markedly augmented Foxp3 expression. miR-142a promoter activity was elevated upon the stimulation of T. gondii antigens, which mitigated co-transfection of mutant miR-142a promoter lacking P53 target sites. miR-142a mimics deceased the fluorescence activity of Foxp3 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), but it did not affect the fluorescence activity upon the co-transfection of mutant Foxp3 3' UTR lacking miR-142a target site. CONCLUSION In both in vivo and in vitro studies, a negative correlation was discovered between Foxp3 expression and miR-142a transcription. TgAg enhanced miR-142a promoter activity to facilitate miR-142a transcription through a P53-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, miR-142a directly targeted Foxp3 3' UTR, resulting in the downregulation of Foxp3 expression. Therefore, harnessing miR-142a may be a possible therapeutic approach for adverse pregnancy caused by immune imbalances, particularly those induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China
- ZhenJiang Provincial Blood Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yining Cao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Geng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujin Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianmei Qian
- Engineering Research Center of Integration and Application of Digital Learning Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100034, People's Republic of China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, People's Republic of China.
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Taibl KR, Dunlop AL, Barr DB, Ryan PB, Panuwet P, Corwin EJ, Eatman JA, Tan Y, Liang D, Eick SM. Phthalate exposure increases interferon-γ during pregnancy: The Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170344. [PMID: 38266723 PMCID: PMC10922519 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune system undergoes unique adaptations during pregnancy and is particularly sensitive to environmental chemicals, such as phthalates, which are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory medical conditions. However, current knowledge of how phthalate exposures are associated with systemic inflammation in pregnant people is limited by cross-sectional study designs and single chemical models. Our objective was to estimate the association between repeated measures of prenatal phthalate exposures, examined individually and collectively, and a panel of clinical inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS In the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort, biospecimens were collected at mean 11 and 26 weeks gestation (N = 126). Concentrations of eight urinary phthalate metabolites and five serum inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were measured. Linear mixed effect regression and quantile g-computation models were used to estimate the associations for single phthalates and their exposure mixture, respectively. RESULTS Participants who self-reported any use of alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in the month prior to pregnancy had increased MEP, MBP, MiBP, and CRP, relative to those with no substance use. IFN-γ was elevated in response to MECPP (% change = 17.35, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.32, 32.27), MEHHP (% change = 12.75, 95 % CI = 2.22, 24.36), MEOHP (% change = 11.63, 95 % CI = 1.21, 23.12), and their parent phthalate, ΣDEHP (% change = 15.03, 95 % CI = 0.28, 31.94). The phthalate mixture was also associated with an increase in IFN-γ (% change = 15.03, 95 % CI = 6.18, 24.61). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest DEHP metabolites induce systemic inflammation during pregnancy. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ may play an important role in the relationship between prenatal phthalate exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Taibl
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jasmin A Eatman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Youran Tan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Akilla MA, Nchor IAA, Banyeh M, Amidu N. Immune checkpoint molecules B7-1 and B7-H1 as predictive markers of pre-eclampsia: A case-control study in a Ghana. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1142. [PMID: 38270323 PMCID: PMC10777883 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Immune tolerance in the fetal-maternal junction is maintained by a balance in the Th1/Th2 system. Th1-type immunity is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) such as B7-H1, while Th2-type immunity is characterized by anti-inflammatory cytokines and ICMs such as B7-1. Any imbalance in the Th1/Th2 immune system may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia (PE). Hitherto, the potential of serum B7-1 and B7-H1 proteins as early markers of PE has not been explored in the Ghanaian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a case-control study from May 2020 to April 2022 at the War Memorial and the Upper East Regional Hospitals. The study involved 291 women, including 180 (61.9%) with normotensive pregnancy and 111 (38.1%) with PE. Venous blood samples were collected and assayed for blood cell count, serum interleukins (ILs)-4, -6, -12, -18, and TNF-α as well as serum B7-1 and B7-H1 proteins. RESULTS The monocyte count (p = .007), the serum levels of IL-18 (p = .035), TNF-α (p = .001), and B7-H1 (p = .006) were significantly higher in PE than in normotensive pregnancy. In addition, the monocyte count (p = .002), the serum levels of IL-12 (p = .029), TNF-α (p = .016), and B7-1 (p = .009) levels were significantly higher in the third trimester than the second trimester PE. In predicting PE, the area under the curve of cytokines and ICMs ranged from 0.51 for IL-6 to 0.62 for TNF-α. CONCLUSION PE may be characterized by a dominant Th1-type immunity with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and B7-H1 proteins, but these variables may not be suitable for predicting PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Awe Akilla
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
| | | | - Moses Banyeh
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
| | - Nafiu Amidu
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health SciencesUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
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Zhou Q, Wu Y, Zhang D. Exploring the role of T helper subgroups and their cytokines in the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1126784. [PMID: 37342348 PMCID: PMC10277627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1126784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Youcheng Wu
- *Correspondence: Dongmei Zhang, ; Youcheng Wu,
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Stupak A, Kwaśniewski W. Evaluating Current Molecular Techniques and Evidence in Assessing Microbiome in Placenta-Related Health and Disorders in Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:911. [PMID: 37371491 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060911] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is of great interest due to its potential influence on the occurrence and treatment of some human illnesses. It may be regarded as disruptions to the delicate equilibrium that humans ordinarily maintain with their microorganisms or the microbiota in their environment. The focus of this review is on the methodologies and current understanding of the functional microbiome in pregnancy outcomes. We present how novel techniques bring new insights to the contemporary field of maternal-fetal medicine with a critical analysis. The maternal microbiome in late pregnancy has been extensively studied, although data on maternal microbial changes during the first trimester are rare. Research has demonstrated that, in healthy pregnancies, the origin of the placental microbiota is oral (gut) rather than vaginal. Implantation, placental development, and maternal adaptation to pregnancy are complex processes in which fetal and maternal cells interact. Microbiome dysbiosis or microbial metabolites are rising as potential moderators of antenatal illnesses related to the placenta, such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and others, including gestational diabetes and preterm deliveries. However, because of the presence of antimicrobial components, it is likely that the bacteria identified in placental tissue are (fragments of) bacteria that have been destroyed by the placenta's immune cells. Using genomic techniques (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics), it may be possible to predict some properties of a microorganism's genome and the biochemical (epigenetic DNA modification) and physical components of the placenta as its environment. Despite the results described in this review, this subject needs further research on some major and crucial aspects. The phases of an in utero translocation of the maternal gut microbiota to the fetus should be explored. With a predictive knowledge of the impacts of the disturbance on microbial communities that influence human health and the environment, genomics may hold the answer to the development of novel therapies for the health of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Stupak
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica Str. 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kwaśniewski
- Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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Stope MB, Mustea A, Sänger N, Einenkel R. Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051097. [PMID: 37240742 DOI: 10.3390/life13051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40-50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias B Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Madan T, Modi D, Sharma JB, Raut M, Sharma RS. Special issue: Clinical reproductive immunology: Indian perspective. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13681. [PMID: 36655282 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Taruna Madan
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Mohan Raut
- Dr. Raut's Centre for Reproductive Immunology, Dr. Raut's Women's Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Radhey Shyam Sharma
- Formerly, Scientist Emeritus, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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