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Mosebarger A, Vidal MS, Bento GFC, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Kumar Kammala A, Menon R. Immune cells at the feto-maternal interface: Comprehensive characterization and insights into term labor. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104239. [PMID: 38493591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104239] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune cells at the feto-maternal interface play an important role in pregnancy; starting at implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition. The role of decidual immune cells in induction of labor still needs to be understood. Published reports on this topic show heterogeneity in methods of cell isolation, assay, analysis and cellular characterization making it difficult to collate available information in order to understand the contribution of immune cells at term leading to parturition. In the present study, available literature was reviewed to study the differences in immune cells between the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis, as well as between immune cells in term and preterm labor. Additionally, immune cells at the decidua parietalis were isolated from term not in labor (TNL) or term in labor (TL) samples and characterized via flow cytometry using a comprehensive, high-dimensional antibody panel. This allowed a full view of immune cell differences without combining multiple studies, which must include variation in isolation and analysis methods, for more conclusive data. The ratio of cells found in decidua parietalis in this study generally matched those reported in the literature, although we report a lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells at term. We report that CD4 expression on CD8- NK cells decreased in term labor compared to not in labor samples, suggesting that natural killer cells may be migrating to other sites during labor. Also, we report a decrease in CD38 expression on CD8+ CD57+ T cells in labor, indicative of cytotoxic T cell senescence. Our study provides a comprehensive status of immune cells at the decidua-chorion interface at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Mosebarger
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Ryan C V Lintao
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mary Elise L Severino
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Chen JJ, Chen XJ, She QM, Li JX, Luo QH. Clinical risk factors for preterm birth and evaluating maternal psychology in the postpartum period. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:661-669. [PMID: 38808088 PMCID: PMC11129159 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the specific pathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB) has not been thoroughly clarified, it is known to be related to various factors, such as pregnancy complications, maternal socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, reproductive history, environmental and psychological factors, prenatal care, and nutritional status. PTB has serious implications for newborns and families and is associated with high mortality and complications. Therefore, the prediction of PTB risk can facilitate early intervention and reduce its resultant adverse consequences. AIM To analyze the risk factors for PTB to establish a PTB risk prediction model and to assess postpartum anxiety and depression in mothers. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 648 consecutive parturients who delivered at Shenzhen Bao'an District Songgang People's Hospital between January 2019 and January 2022 was performed. According to the diagnostic criteria for premature infants, the parturients were divided into a PTB group (n = 60) and a full-term (FT) group (n = 588). Puerperae were assessed by the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), based on which the mothers with anxiety and depression symptoms were screened for further analysis. The factors affecting PTB were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the related risk factors were identified by logistic regression. RESULTS According to univariate analysis, the PTB group was older than the FT group, with a smaller weight change and greater proportions of women who underwent artificial insemination and had gestational diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05). In addition, greater proportions of women with reproductive tract infections and greater white blood cell (WBC) counts (P < 0.05), shorter cervical lengths in the second trimester and lower neutrophil percentages (P < 0.001) were detected in the PTB group than in the FT group. The PTB group exhibited higher postpartum SAS and SDS scores than did the FT group (P < 0.0001), with a higher number of mothers experiencing anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a greater maternal weight change, the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, a shorter cervical length in the second trimester, a greater WBC count, and the presence of maternal anxiety and depression were risk factors for PTB (P < 0.01). Moreover, the risk score of the FT group was lower than that of the PTB group, and the area under the curve of the risk score for predicting PTB was greater than 0.9. CONCLUSION This study highlights the complex interplay between postpartum anxiety and PTB, where maternal anxiety may be a potential risk factor for PTB, with PTB potentially increasing the incidence of postpartum anxiety in mothers. In addition, a greater maternal weight change, the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, a shorter cervical length, a greater WBC count, and postpartum anxiety and depression were identified as risk factors for PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue-Jin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Outpatient, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Min She
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jie-Xi Li
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Bao’an District Songgang People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
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Severino ME, Richardson LS, Kacerovsky M, Menon R. Histologic Evidence of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Autophagy in Human Fetal Membranes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:684-692. [PMID: 38320630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Preterm, prelabor rupture of the human fetal membranes (pPROM) is involved in 40% of spontaneous preterm births worldwide. Cellular-level disturbances and inflammation are effectors of membrane degradation, weakening, and rupture. Maternal risk factors induce oxidative stress (OS), senescence, and senescence-associated inflammation of the fetal membranes as reported mechanisms related to pPROM. Inflammation can also arise in fetal membrane cells (amnion/chorion) due to OS-induced autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Autophagy, EMT, and their correlation in pPROM, along with OS-induced autophagy-related changes in amnion and chorion cells in vitro, were investigated. Immunocytochemistry staining of cytokeratin-18 (epithelial marker)/vimentin (mesenchymal marker) and proautophagy-inducing factor LC3B were performed in fetal membranes from pPROM, term not in labor, and term labor. Ultrastructural changes associated with autophagy were verified by transmission electron microscopy of the fetal membranes and in cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (an OS inducer). EMT and LC3B staining was compared in the chorion from pPROM versus term not in labor. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed autophagosome formation in pPROM amnion and chorion. In cell culture, autophagosomes were formed in the amnion with OS treatment, while autophagosomes were accumulated in both cell types with autophagy inhibition. This study documents the association between pPROMs and amniochorion autophagy and EMT, and supports a role for OS in inducing dysfunctional cells that increase inflammation, predisposing membranes to rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Severino
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas; College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.
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Xu L, Yang T, Wen M, Wen D, Jin C, An M, Wang L, Liu Y, Fan J. Frontiers in the Etiology and Treatment of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane: From Molecular Mechanisms to Innovative Therapeutic Strategies. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:917-931. [PMID: 37989803 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01411-9] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) poses a significant threat to fetal viability and increases the risk for newborn morbidities. The perinatal period of preterm infants affected by pPROM is often characterized by higher rates of mortality and morbidity, with associated risks of cerebral palsy, developmental delays, compromised immune function, respiratory diseases, and sensory impairments. pPROM is believed to result from a variety of causes, including but not limited to microbially induced infections, stretching of fetal membranes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and age-related changes in the fetal-placental interface. Maternal stress, nutritional deficiencies, and medically induced procedures such as fetoscopy are also considered potential contributing factors to pPROM. This comprehensive review explores the potential etiologies leading to pPROM, delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms through which these etiologies cause membrane ruptures, and provides a concise overview of diagnostic and treatment approaches for pPROM. Based on available therapeutic options, this review proposes and explores the possibilities of utilizing a novel composite hydrogel composed of amniotic membrane particles for repairing ruptured fetal membranes, thereby holding promise for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludan Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Meiling Wen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Research Center for Nanobiomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Dawei Wen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chaoyang Jin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Meiwen An
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Material Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Research Center for Nanobiomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Junmei Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Basavaraj C, Grant AD, Aras SG, Erickson EN. Deep Learning Model Using Continuous Skin Temperature Data Predicts Labor Onset. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.25.24303344. [PMID: 38464102 PMCID: PMC10925356 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.25.24303344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Changes in body temperature anticipate labor onset in numerous mammals, yet this concept has not been explored in humans. Methods We evaluated patterns in continuous skin temperature data in 91 pregnant women using a wearable smart ring. Additionally, we collected daily steroid hormone samples leading up to labor in a subset of 28 pregnancies and analyzed relationships among hormones and body temperature trajectory. Finally, we developed a novel autoencoder long-short-term-memory (AE-LSTM) deep learning model to provide a daily estimation of days until labor onset. Results Features of temperature change leading up to labor were associated with urinary hormones and labor type. Spontaneous labors exhibited greater estriol to α-pregnanediol ratio, as well as lower body temperature and more stable circadian rhythms compared to pregnancies that did not undergo spontaneous labor. Skin temperature data from 54 pregnancies that underwent spontaneous labor between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation were included in training the AE-LSTM model, and an additional 40 pregnancies that underwent artificial induction of labor or Cesarean without labor were used for further testing. The model was trained only on aggregate 5-minute skin temperature data starting at a gestational age of 240 until labor onset. During cross-validation AE-LSTM average error (true - predicted) dropped below 2 days at 8 days before labor, independent of gestational age. Labor onset windows were calculated from the AE-LSTM output using a probabilistic distribution of model error. For these windows AE-LSTM correctly predicted labor start for 79% of the spontaneous labors within a 4.6-day window at 7 days before true labor, and 7.4-day window at 10 days before true labor. Conclusion Continuous skin temperature reflects progression toward labor and hormonal status during pregnancy. Deep learning using continuous temperature may provide clinically valuable tools for pregnancy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmai Basavaraj
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Shravan G Aras
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Seltenrich N. Channels of Communication: Extracellular Vesicles in Environmental Stress and Human Disease. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:14002. [PMID: 38271057 PMCID: PMC10810299 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles offer great promise for revealing mechanisms and serving as biomarkers in studies of exposure effects on neurological, respiratory, reproductive, and other physiological systems-and they require only a simple blood draw.
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Yan H, Liang X, Luo H, Tang X, Xiao X. Association between gut microbiota, microbial network, and immunity in pregnancy with a focus on specific bacterial clusters. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1314257. [PMID: 38156011 PMCID: PMC10753819 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1314257] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The community characteristics of the gut microbiota are not well defined and are not as widely studied as the functions of individual bacteria. This study aims to investigate the community composition of intestinal flora in women of childbearing age by conducting cluster analysis of gut microbiota and analyzing the relationship between different clusters and immune status. Methods A total of 45 women of childbearing age were recruited in the study, including 15 non-pregnant women and 30 women in late pregnancy, and stool samples were collected twice during the third trimester, specifically at 32 weeks and at full term. The gut microbiota data was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Partitioning Around Medoids algorithm was employed to assess microbial clustering patterns. Microbial network for each cluster was performed and plasm cytokines were measured to analyze the relationship between specific genera and immune state in clusters. Results There were three distinct clusters of intestinal community composition in women of childbearing age. Cluster 1 (PAM_1) was characterized by a high abundance of Bacteroides, while cluster 2 (PAM_2) showed higher levels of Bifidobacterium and Blautia, along with a significantly increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio. Cluster 3 (PAM_3) displayed a high abundance of Escherichia-shigella. PAM_1 was the most dominant cluster in non-pregnant women, and this dominant cluster was also one of the main in late pregnancy. At full term, the majority of subjects retained the same cluster as at 32 weeks, while a few experienced a shift. The microbial correlation networks differed across the three clusters, with PAM_1 exhibiting higher modularity and fewer connections. Analysis of the correlation between genera and plasma cytokines showed significant differences in their associations with cytokines between pregnancy and nonpregnancy within the same cluster, and the same genera had different effects in different clusters. Conclusion Women of childbearing age exhibit three distribution patterns of gut microbiota, and the intestinal clusters reshaped during late pregnancy in a small population. Different clusters may have diverse immunomodulatory effects in different physiological states. When studying the gut microbiome during pregnancy, it is crucial to consider the cluster differences within healthy women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyuan Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huijuan Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Kalia V, Baccarelli AA, Happel C, Hollander JA, Jukic AM, McAllister KA, Menon R, Merrick BA, Milosavljevic A, Ravichandran LV, Roth ME, Subramanian A, Tyson FL, Worth L, Shaughnessy DT. Seminar: Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Environmental Stress in Human Disease. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:104201. [PMID: 37861803 PMCID: PMC10588739 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound particles containing a variety of RNA types, DNA, proteins, and other macromolecules, are now appreciated as an important means of communication between cells and tissues, both in normal cellular physiology and as a potential indicator of cellular stress, environmental exposures, and early disease pathogenesis. Extracellular signaling through EVs is a growing field of research for understanding fundamental mechanisms of health and disease and for the potential for biomarker discovery and therapy development. EVs are also known to play important roles in mediating the effects of exposure to environmental stress. OBJECTIVES This seminar addresses the application of new tools and approaches for EV research, developed in part through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Extracellular RNA Communication Program, and reflects presentations and discussions from a workshop held 27-28 September 2021 by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) on "Extracellular Vesicles, Exosomes, and Cell-Cell Signaling in Response to Environmental Stress." The panel of experts discussed current research on EVs and environmental exposures, highlighted recent advances in EV isolation and characterization, and considered research gaps and opportunities toward identifying and characterizing the roles for EVs in environmentally related diseases, as well as the current challenges and opportunities in this field. DISCUSSION The authors discuss the application of new experimental models, particularly organ-on-chip (OOC) systems and in vitro approaches and how these have the potential to extend findings in population-based studies of EVs in exposure-related diseases. Given the complex challenges of identifying cell-specific EVs related to environmental exposures, as well as the general heterogeneity and variability in EVs in blood and other accessible biological samples, there is a critical need for rigorous reporting of experimental methods and validation studies. The authors note that these efforts, combined with cross-disciplinary approaches, would ensure that future research efforts in environmental health studies on EV biomarkers are rigorous and reproducible. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12980.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrinda Kalia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea A. Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christine Happel
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Hollander
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne Marie Jukic
- Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly A. McAllister
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Bruce A. Merrick
- Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Lingamanaidu V. Ravichandran
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew E. Roth
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anita Subramanian
- Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Frederick L. Tyson
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leroy Worth
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel T. Shaughnessy
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Ren Y, Zhu D, Han X, Zhang Q, Chen B, Zhou P, Wei Z, Zhang Z, Cao Y, Zou H. HMGB1: a double-edged sword and therapeutic target in the female reproductive system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1238785. [PMID: 37691930 PMCID: PMC10484633 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238785] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HMGB1 that belongs to the High Mobility Group-box superfamily, is a nonhistone chromatin associated transcription factor. It is present in the nucleus of eukaryotes and can be actively secreted or passively released by kinds of cells. HMGB1 is important for maintaining DNA structure by binding to DNA and histones, protecting it from damage. It also regulates the interaction between histones and DNA, affecting chromatin packaging, and can influence gene expression by promoting nucleosome sliding. And as a DAMP, HMGB1 binding to RAGE and TLRs activates NF-κB, which triggers the expression of downstream genes like IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α. HMGB1 is known to be involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated the significance of HMGB1 as DAMPs in the female reproductive system. These findings have shed light on the potential role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of diseases in female reproductive system and the possibilities of HMGB1-targeted therapies for treating them. Such therapies can help reduce inflammation and metabolic dysfunction and alleviate the symptoms of reproductive system diseases. Overall, the identification of HMGB1 as a key player in disease of the female reproductive system represents a significant breakthrough in our understanding of these conditions and presents exciting opportunities for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Damin Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xingxing Han
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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10
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Kammala AK, Mosebarger A, Radnaa E, Rowlinson E, Vora N, Fortunato SJ, Sharma S, Safarzadeh M, Menon R. Extracellular Vesicles-mediated recombinant IL-10 protects against ascending infection-associated preterm birth by reducing fetal inflammatory response. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196453. [PMID: 37600782 PMCID: PMC10437065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196453] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal inflammatory response mediated by the influx of immune cells and activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in feto-maternal uterine tissues is the major determinant of infection-associated preterm birth (PTB, live births < 37 weeks of gestation). Objective To reduce the incidence of PTB by minimizing inflammation, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were electroporetically engineered to contain anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 (eIL-10), and their efficacy was tested in an ascending model of infection (vaginal administration of E. coli) induced PTB in mouse models. Study design EVs (size: 30-170 nm) derived from HEK293T cells were electroporated with recombinant IL-10 at 500 volts and 125 Ω, and 6 pulses to generate eIL-10. eIL-10 structural characters (electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, ExoView [size and cargo content] and functional properties (co-treatment of macrophage cells with LPS and eIL-10) were assessed. To test efficacy, CD1 mice were vaginally inoculated with E. coli (1010CFU) and subsequently treated with either PBS, eIL-10 (500ng) or Gentamicin (10mg/kg) or a combination of eIL-10+gentamicin. Fetal inflammatory response in maternal and fetal tissues after the infection or treatment were conducted by suspension Cytometer Time of Flight (CyTOF) using a transgenic mouse model that express red fluorescent TdTomato (mT+) in fetal cells. Results Engineered EVs were structurally and functionally stable and showed reduced proinflammatory cytokine production from LPS challenged macrophage cells in vitro. Maternal administration of eIL-10 (10 µg/kg body weight) crossed feto-maternal barriers to delay E. coli-induced PTB to deliver live pups at term. Delay in PTB was associated with reduced feto-maternal uterine inflammation (immune cell infiltration and histologic chorioamnionitis, NF-κB activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production). Conclusions eIL-10 administration was safe, stable, specific, delayed PTB by over 72 hrs and delivered live pups. The delivery of drugs using EVs overcomes the limitations of in-utero fetal interventions. Protecting IL-10 in EVs eliminates the need for the amniotic administration of recombinant IL-10 for its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Angela Mosebarger
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Emma Rowlinson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Natasha Vora
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Stephen J. Fortunato
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Melody Safarzadeh
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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11
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Lintao RCV, Kammala AK, Vora N, Yaklic JL, Menon R. Fetal membranes exhibit similar nutrient transporter expression profiles to the placenta. Placenta 2023; 135:33-42. [PMID: 36913807 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.03.001] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus is supported by the exchange of nutrients, waste, and other molecules between maternal and fetal circulations in the utero-placental unit. Nutrient transfer, in particular, is mediated by solute transporters such as solute carrier (SLC) and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) proteins. While nutrient transport has been extensively studied in the placenta, the role of human fetal membranes (FM), which was recently reported to have a role in drug transport, in nutrient uptake remains unknown. OBJECTIVES This study determined nutrient transport expression in human FM and FM cells and compared expression with placental tissues and BeWo cells. METHODS RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of placental and FM tissues and cells was done. Genes of major solute transporter groups, such as SLC and ABC, were identified. Proteomic analysis of cell lysates was performed via nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to confirm expression at a protein level. RESULTS We determined that FM tissues and cells derived from the fetal membrane tissues express nutrient transporter genes, and their expression is similar to that seen in the placenta or BeWo cells. In particular, transporters involved in macronutrient and micronutrient transfer were identified in both placental and FM cells. Consistent with RNA-Seq findings, carbohydrate transporters (3), vitamin transport-related proteins (8), amino acid transporters (21), fatty acid transport-related proteins (9), cholesterol transport-related proteins (6) and nucleoside transporters (3) were identified in BeWo and FM cells, with both groups sharing similar nutrient transporter expression. CONCLUSION This study determined the expression of nutrient transporters in human FMs. This knowledge is the first step in improving our understanding of nutrient uptake kinetics during pregnancy. Functional studies are required to determine the properties of nutrient transporters in human FMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C V Lintao
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA; College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, 547 Pedro Gil St., Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Natasha Vora
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA; John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA
| | - Jerome L Yaklic
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA.
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12
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The amniotic fluid proteome changes with term labor and informs biomarker discovery in maternal plasma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3136. [PMID: 36823217 PMCID: PMC9950459 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The intra-uterine components of labor, namely, myometrial contractility, cervical ripening, and decidua/membrane activation, have been extensively characterized and involve a local pro-inflammatory milieu of cellular and soluble immune mediators. Targeted profiling has demonstrated that such processes extend to the intra-amniotic space, yet unbiased analyses of the proteome of human amniotic fluid during labor are lacking. Herein, we utilized an aptamer-based platform to characterize 1,310 amniotic fluid proteins and found that the proteome undergoes substantial changes with term labor (251 proteins with differential abundance, q < 0.1, and fold change > 1.25). Proteins with increased abundance in labor are enriched for immune and inflammatory processes, consistent with prior reports of labor-associated changes in the intra-uterine space. By integrating the amniotic fluid proteome with previously generated placental-derived single-cell RNA-seq data, we demonstrated the labor-driven upregulation of signatures corresponding to stromal-3 and decidual cells. We also determined that changes in amniotic fluid protein abundance are reflected in the maternal plasma proteome. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the amniotic fluid proteome in term labor and support its potential use as a source of biomarkers to distinguish between true and false labor by using maternal blood samples.
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13
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Coste K, Bruet S, Chollat-Namy C, Filhol O, Cochet C, Gallot D, Marceau G, Blanchon L, Sapin V, Belville C. Characterization of RAGE and CK2 Expressions in Human Fetal Membranes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044074. [PMID: 36835482 PMCID: PMC9966553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044074] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
At the feto-maternal interface, fetal membranes (FM) play a crucial role throughout pregnancy. FM rupture at term implicates different sterile inflammation mechanisms including pathways activated by the transmembrane glycoprotein receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. As the protein kinase CK2 is also implicated in the inflammation process, we aimed to characterize the expressions of RAGE and the protein kinase CK2 as a candidate regulator of RAGE expression. The amnion and choriodecidua were collected from FM explants and/or primary amniotic epithelial cells throughout pregnancy and at term in spontaneous labor (TIL) or term without labor (TNL). The mRNA and protein expressions of RAGE and the CK2α, CK2α', and CK2β subunits were investigated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Their cellular localizations were determined with microscopic analyses, and the CK2 activity level was measured. RAGE and the CK2α, CK2α', and CK2β subunits were expressed in both FM layers throughout pregnancy. At term, RAGE was overexpressed in the amnion from the TNL samples, whereas the CK2 subunits were expressed at the same level in the different groups (amnion/choriodecidua/amniocytes, TIL/TNL), without modification of the CK2 activity level and immunolocalization. This work paves the way for future experiments regarding the regulation of RAGE expression by CK2 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Coste
- iGReD, Team “Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair”, UMR6293 CNRS-U1103 INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Neonatal Intensive Care Department, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Shaam Bruet
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Neonatal Intensive Care Department, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Caroline Chollat-Namy
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Neonatal Intensive Care Department, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Odile Filhol
- INSERM, CEA, UMR Biosanté, U1292, University Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Claude Cochet
- INSERM, CEA, UMR Biosanté, U1292, University Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Denis Gallot
- iGReD, Team “Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair”, UMR6293 CNRS-U1103 INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Geoffroy Marceau
- iGReD, Team “Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair”, UMR6293 CNRS-U1103 INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Loïc Blanchon
- iGReD, Team “Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair”, UMR6293 CNRS-U1103 INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- iGReD, Team “Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair”, UMR6293 CNRS-U1103 INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Corinne Belville
- iGReD, Team “Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair”, UMR6293 CNRS-U1103 INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-7317-8174
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14
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Bonney EA. A Framework for Understanding Maternal Immunity. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2023; 43:e1-e20. [PMID: 37179052 PMCID: PMC10484232 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2023.03.002] [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: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This is an alternative and controversial framing of the data relevant to maternal immunity. It argues for a departure from classical theory to view, interrogate and interpret existing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bonney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine, Given Building, Room C246, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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15
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Goldman B, Radnaa E, Kechichian T, Menon R. Silencing P38 MAPK reduces cellular senescence in human fetal chorion trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13648. [PMID: 36334089 PMCID: PMC9771926 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13648] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Amniochorion senescence generates mechanistic signals to initiate parturition. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) in fetal amnion cells is a key mediator of senescence as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of amnion cells. However, the impact of p38 MAPK in chorion trophoblast cells (CTCs) is unclear. We tested if eliminating p38 will reduce oxidative stress (OS) induced cell fates like cellular senescence, EMT, and inflammation induced by these processes in CTCs. METHODS p38MAPK in CTCs was silenced using CRISPR/Cas9. OS was evoked by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. EMT was evoked by transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß treatment. Cell cycle, senescence, EMT, and inflammation were analyzed. RESULTS CSE-induced changes in the cell cycle were not seen in p38KO CTCs compared to WT cells. OS induced by CSE evoked senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP as indicated by IL-6 and IL-8 increase) in WT but not in p38MAPK KO CTCs. No changes were noted in HLA-G expression regardless of the status of p38MAPK. Neither CSE nor TGF-ß evoked EMT in either WT or p38 KO CTCs. CONCLUSION Senescence and senescence-associated inflammation in human fetal CTCs are mediated by p38MAPK. Compared to amnion epithelial cells, CTCs are resistant to EMT. This refractoriness may help them to maintain the barrier functions at the choriodecidual interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Goldman
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Talar Kechichian
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
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16
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Wang H, Jiang J, Jin T, Wang Y, Li M, Huang S, Xie J, Chen Z, Guo Y, Zheng J, Jiang Y, Mo Z. Associations of circulation levels of cytokines with birthweight, preterm birth, spontaneous miscarriages, and stillbirth: A Mendelian randomization analysis. Front Genet 2023; 14:1113804. [PMID: 36891154 PMCID: PMC9986262 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1113804] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The association between immune imbalances and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been extensive investigated by observational studies, but remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to establish the causality of the circulation levels of cytokines on adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as offspring's birthweight (BW), preterm birth (PTB), spontaneous miscarriage (SM), and stillbirth (SB). Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to investigate potential causal relations between 41 cytokines and pregnancy outcomes on the basis of previously published GWAS datasets. Multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was implemented to investigate the effect of the composition of cytokine networks on the pregnancy outcomes. Potential risk factors were further estimated to explore the potential mediators. Results: Genetic correlation analysis based on large GWAS data sources revealed that genetically predicted MIP1b (β = -0.027, S.E. = 0.010, p = 0.009) and MCSF (β = -0.024, S.E. = 0.011, p = 0.029) were associated with reduced offspring's BW, MCP1 (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.97, p = 0.007) was associated with reduced SM risk, SCF (β = -0.014, S.E. = 0.005, p = 0.012) associated with decreased number of SB in MVMR. The univariable MR showed that GROa (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.97, p = 0.004) was associated with decreased PTB risk. Except for the MCSF-BW association, all above associations surpassed the Bonferroni corrected threshold. The MVMR results revealed that MIF, SDF1a, MIP1b, MCSF and IP10 composed cytokine networks, associated with offspring's BW. Risk factors analysis indicated that the above causal associations might be mediated by smoking behaviors. Conclusion: These findings suggest the causal associations of several cytokines with adverse pregnancy outcomes, which were potentially mediated by smoking and obesity. Some of the results did not been corrected through multiple tests and larger samples verification is required in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Affiliated Maternity Hospital and Affiliated Children's Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Hospital of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,The Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, JingChu University of Technology Affiliated Central Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Tingwei Jin
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yifu Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingli Li
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengzhu Huang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Juanjuan Xie
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhongyuan Chen
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,Institute of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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17
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Elbiss H, Osman N. Placental transport of Erythromycin and its effect on placental inflammatory factors. Pak J Med Sci 2023; 39:75-79. [PMID: 36694753 PMCID: PMC9843005 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.1.6683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Erythromycin is used for prevention and control of infectious perinatal morbidity. It has been hypothesised that erythromycin crosses the placenta and has an effect on the production of placental inflammatory factors. We evaluated the transport of erythromycin in an ex-vivo closed perfusion system of the placenta and determined its effect on the production of placenta inflammatory markers. Methods In 2013, a prospective basic science study was conducted at the placental laboratory of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates. Six term placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies were studied using the ex-vivo dual closed-loop human placental cotyledon perfusion technique. Erythromycin was added to the perfusate in the maternal compartment. Samples were obtained from the maternal and fetal up to 240 minutes. Results The reference antipyrine was detected in the fetal circulation in the first 15 minutes after addition of the drug. At this point the mean antipyrine was 49.90±2.10μg/ml in the maternal perfusate and 7.1±1.56μg/ml in fetal perfusate. The fetal and maternal concentration became similar at 120 minutes. The transfer of antipyrine from maternal to fetal compartment was 98.66%. The differences between perfusion groups were non-significant that indicates the perfusion of placentas was comparable. After media exchange in both sides, erythromycin was added to the maternal perfusate. The experimental period of four hours was continued with medium circulation on both maternal and fetal circulation. The concentration of erythromycin decreased in the maternal circuit by 36.4% and increased in the fetal circuit by 65%. The concentration of IL-6 in the maternal circuit was normal. Conclusion Erythromycin crossed the placenta and did not inhibit the production of IL-6. Future studies are needed concerning neonatal adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Elbiss
- Hassan M Elbiss, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Nawal Osman
- Nawal Osman, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
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18
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Zhang F, Sun K, Wang WS. Identification of a feed-forward loop between 15(S)-HETE and PGE2 in human amnion at parturition. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100294. [PMID: 36206855 PMCID: PMC9646666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human parturition is associated with massive arachidonic acid (AA) mobilization in the amnion, indicating that large amounts of AA-derived eicosanoids are required for parturition. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesized from the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway is the best characterized AA-derived eicosanoid in the amnion which plays a pivotal role in parturition. The existence of any other pivotal AA-derived eicosanoids involved in parturition remains elusive. Here, we screened such eicosanoids in human amnion tissue with AA-targeted metabolomics and studied their role and synthesis in parturition by using human amnion fibroblasts and a mouse model. We found that lipoxygenase (ALOX) pathway-derived 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE) and its synthetic enzymes ALOX15 and ALOX15B were significantly increased in human amnion at parturition. Although 15(S)-HETE is ineffective on its own, it potently potentiated the activation of NF-κB by inflammatory mediators including lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1β, and serum amyloid A1, resulting in the amplification of COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in amnion fibroblasts. In turn, we determined that PGE2 induced ALOX15/15B expression and 15(S)-HETE production through its EP2 receptor-coupled PKA pathway, thereby forming a feed-forward loop between 15(S)-HETE and PGE2 production in the amnion at parturition. Our studies in pregnant mice showed that 15(S)-HETE injection induced preterm birth with increased COX-2 and PGE2 abundance in the fetal membranes and placenta. Conclusively, 15(S)-HETE is identified as another crucial parturition-pertinent AA-derived eicosanoid in the amnion, which may form a feed-forward loop with PGE2 in parturition. Interruption of this feed-forward loop may be of therapeutic value for the treatment of preterm birth.
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Menon R, Richardson L. Organ-on-a-chip for perinatal biology experiments. PLACENTA AND REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022; 1:98. [PMID: 36530581 PMCID: PMC9757604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cell culture and organ explant systems have traditionally been used by scientists in the reproductive biology and perinatal medicine area to address various research questions. Although most are unrelated to human pregnancy, animal models were also extensively used to study various mechanisms associated with pregnancy and parturition. However, limitations of traditional approaches have shifted the attention to the use of organ on a chip (OOC) technology. OOC platform simulates an organ using cells, and OOCs are biomimetic microfluidic systems comprising multiple cell types from an organ that mimic the environment of a physiological organ. OOC maintains intercellular interactions and helps to recreate organ physiology as expected for utero in perinatal medicine research. This short review introduces some basic concepts of OOC, and its utility based on some published reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555 TX, USA
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555 TX, USA
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Galaz J, Romero R, Arenas-Hernandez M, Farias-Jofre M, Motomura K, Liu Z, Kawahara N, Demery-Poulos C, Liu TN, Padron J, Panaitescu B, Gomez-Lopez N. Clarithromycin prevents preterm birth and neonatal mortality by dampening alarmin-induced maternal–fetal inflammation in mice. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:503. [PMID: 35725425 PMCID: PMC9210693 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04764-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of every four preterm neonates is born to a woman with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (inflammatory process induced by alarmins); yet, this clinical condition still lacks treatment. Herein, we utilized an established murine model of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation induced by the alarmin high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) to evaluate whether treatment with clarithromycin prevents preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes by dampening maternal and fetal inflammatory responses. Methods Pregnant mice were intra-amniotically injected with HMGB1 under ultrasound guidance and treated with clarithromycin or vehicle control, and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were recorded (n = 15 dams each). Additionally, amniotic fluid, placenta, uterine decidua, cervix, and fetal tissues were collected prior to preterm birth for determination of the inflammatory status (n = 7–8 dams each). Results Clarithromycin extended the gestational length, reduced the rate of preterm birth, and improved neonatal mortality induced by HMGB1. Clarithromycin prevented preterm birth by interfering with the common cascade of parturition as evidenced by dysregulated expression of contractility-associated proteins and inflammatory mediators in the intra-uterine tissues. Notably, clarithromycin improved neonatal survival by dampening inflammation in the placenta as well as in the fetal lung, intestine, liver, and spleen. Conclusions Clarithromycin prevents preterm birth and improves neonatal survival in an animal model of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, demonstrating the potential utility of this macrolide for treating women with this clinical condition, which currently lacks a therapeutic intervention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04764-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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