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Lehikoinen A, Voutilainen R, Romppanen J, Heinonen S. The effect of maternal alcohol and drug abuse on first trimester screening analytes: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:562. [PMID: 32977750 PMCID: PMC7517691 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether first trimester trisomy screening (FTS) parameters are affected by alcohol and drug use. Methods A routine combined FTS including measurements of maternal serum levels of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin subunit (free β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) were measured at 9–11 weeks of gestation, and fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NTT) at 11–13 weeks of gestation. In total 544 women with singleton pregnancies [71 alcohol and drug abusers, 88 smokers, 168 non-smokers delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) child, and 217 unexposed control women] were assessed. Results Free β-hCG levels were higher in alcohol and drug abusing than in unexposed pregnant women [mean 1.5 vs. 1.2 multiples of medians (MoM); P = 0.013]. However, stepwise multiple linear regression analyses suggested that smoking could explain increased free β-hCG. Additionally, we observed lower PAPP-A levels in the smoking mothers (0.9 vs. 1.2 MoM; P = 0.045) and in those giving birth to an SGA child compared to the controls (1.1 vs.. 1.2 MoM; P < 0.001). Fetal NTT did not differ significantly between any of the groups. Conclusions The present study shows increased free β-hCG levels in alcohol and drug abusers, but maternal smoking may explain the result. Maternal serum PAPP-A levels were lower in smoking than non-smoking mothers, and in mothers delivering an SGA child. However, FTS parameters (PAPP-A, free β-hCG and NTT) seem not to be applicable for the use as alcohol biomarkers because of their clear overlap between alcohol abusers and healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Lehikoinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Raimo Voutilainen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarkko Romppanen
- Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre Joint Authority Enterprise (ISLAB), P.O. Box 1700, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Heinonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 140, 00029, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Obsteterics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Obsteterics and Gynecology, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland
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Re E, Tong M, de la Monte SM. Tobacco Nitrosamine Exposures Contribute to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Associated Cerebellar Dysgenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 8:10-21. [PMID: 29201262 PMCID: PMC5711469 DOI: 10.5539/ijb.v8n3p10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Variability in the phenotypic features and severity of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is not fully linked to alcohol dose. We hypothesize that FASD-type neurodevelopmental abnormalities may be caused by exposures to the tobacco-specific nitrosamine, NNK, since a high percentage of pregnant women who drink also smoke. In vitro experiments using PNET2 human cerebellar neuronal cultures examined ethanol and NNK effects on viability and mitochondrial function. Early postnatal rat cerebellar slice cultures were used to examine effects of ethanol and NNK on cerebellar histology and neuroglial and stress protein expression. Ethanol (50 mM) decreased viability and ATP content and increased mitochondrial mass, while NNK (100 μM or higher) selectively inhibited mitochondrial function. The slice culture studies demonstrated striking adverse effects of ethanol, NNK and ethanol+NNK exposures manifested by architectural disorganization of the cortex with relative reductions of internal granule cells, increases in external granule cells, and loss of Purkinje cells. Ethanol, NNK, and ethanol+NNK inhibited expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). In addition, ethanol increased activated Caspase 3, NNK decreased tau and phospho-tau, and ethanol+NNK inhibited expression of Aspartyl-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), which mediates neuronal migration. In conclusion, ethanol and NNK were shown to exert independent but overlapping adverse effects on cerebellar cortical development, neuronal viability, function, and neuroglial protein expression. These findings support our hypothesis that NNK exposures via tobacco smoking in pregnancy can contribute to FASD-associated neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Re
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Ming Tong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and Liver Research Center Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.,Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Suzanne M de la Monte
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and Liver Research Center Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.,Departments of Pathology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, and the Division of Neuropathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.,Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
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3
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Prenatal ethanol exposure and placental hCG and IGF2 expression. Placenta 2015; 36:854-62. [PMID: 26031386 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the main cause of preventable non-genetic mental retardation. Diagnosis of prenatal exposure to ethanol (PEE) is based on questionnaires and biomarkers in perinatal matrices. Early diagnosis of FASD is important to mitigate secondary disabilities that will arise later in life. It is important to identify biomarkers related to cellular damage caused by PEE. The main objective was to identify novel candidate biomarkers from placental tissue using an in vitro model of exposure to ethanol and to support it in placental tissue obtained from pregnancies with PEE assessed by fatty acid esters in meconium samples. METHODS First, hormone production was examined using two different human trophoblast cell lines, JEG3 and BeWo. Viable cell count by exclusion method was analyzed and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) were quantified by Western blot and ELISA. Second, these techniques were used in protein lysates from human placentas from pregnancies with and without exposure to ethanol. RESULTS Both trophoblast cell lines showed a decrease in cell viability accompanied with apoptosis activation after a chronic ethanol treatment. Moreover, we showed an increase in the secretion of hCG and IGF2 in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, this increase was also observed in a set of human placenta tissue from fetuses exposed prenatally to ethanol. DISCUSSION Ethanol exposure during pregnancy causes placenta cell damage, so altering its normal function. The specific hCG and IGF2 release pattern is a candidate surrogated biomarker of the damage due to PEE.
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Clave S, Joya X, Salat-Batlle J, Garcia-Algar O, Vall O. Ethanol cytotoxic effect on trophoblast cells. Toxicol Lett 2013; 225:216-21. [PMID: 24374569 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal ethanol exposure may cause both, altered fetal neurodevelopment and impaired placental function. These disturbances can lead to growth retardation, which is one of the most prevalent features in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It is not known whether there is a specific pattern of cytotoxicity caused by ethanol that can be extrapolated to other cell types. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects caused by sustained exposure of trophoblast cells to ethanol. The cytotoxic effect of sustained exposure to standard doses of ethanol on an in vitro human trophoblast cell line, JEG3, was examined. Viable cell count by exclusion method, total protein concentration, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and activation of apoptotic markers (P-H2AX, caspase-3 and PARP-1) were determined. Sustained exposure to ethanol decreased viable cell count and total protein concentration. LDH activity did not increased in exposed cells but apoptotic markers were detected. In addition, there was a dose-dependent relationship between ethanol concentration and apoptotic pathways activation. Sustained ethanol exposure causes cellular cytotoxicity by apoptotic pathways induction as a result of DNA damage. This apoptotic induction may partially explain the altered function of placental cells and the damage previously detected in other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Clave
- Unitat de Recerca Infància i Entorn (URIE), Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), PRBB, C/ Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Salud Materno Infantil y del Desarrollo (SAMID), Programa RETIC, Instituto Carlos III, C/ Sinesio Delgado 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - X Joya
- Unitat de Recerca Infància i Entorn (URIE), Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), PRBB, C/ Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Salud Materno Infantil y del Desarrollo (SAMID), Programa RETIC, Instituto Carlos III, C/ Sinesio Delgado 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Salat-Batlle
- Unitat de Recerca Infància i Entorn (URIE), Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), PRBB, C/ Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Salud Materno Infantil y del Desarrollo (SAMID), Programa RETIC, Instituto Carlos III, C/ Sinesio Delgado 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - O Garcia-Algar
- Unitat de Recerca Infància i Entorn (URIE), Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), PRBB, C/ Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Salud Materno Infantil y del Desarrollo (SAMID), Programa RETIC, Instituto Carlos III, C/ Sinesio Delgado 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Departament de Pediatria, Obstetricia i Ginecologia, i Medicina Preventiva, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus M, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - O Vall
- Unitat de Recerca Infància i Entorn (URIE), Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), PRBB, C/ Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Salud Materno Infantil y del Desarrollo (SAMID), Programa RETIC, Instituto Carlos III, C/ Sinesio Delgado 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Departament de Pediatria, Obstetricia i Ginecologia, i Medicina Preventiva, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus M, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Hutson JR, Lubetsky A, Eichhorst J, Hackmon R, Koren G, Kapur BM. Adverse placental effect of formic acid on hCG secretion is mitigated by folic acid. Alcohol Alcohol 2013; 48:283-7. [PMID: 23408242 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Formic acid has recently been detected in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood of infants born to alcohol abusing mothers. This toxic metabolite of methanol requires folate for detoxification. We hypothesized that formic acid produced in the maternal circulation will transfer across the placenta and will be toxic to the placenta. Our objectives were, first, to determine whether formic acid transfers across the human placenta and whether it is toxic to the placenta and second, to determine whether folate can decrease transplacental transfer of formic acid and mitigate toxicity. METHODS Dual perfusion of a single placental lobule ex vivo was used to characterize the transfer of formic acid across the placenta. After a 1-h control period, formic acid (2 mM) was introduced into the maternal circulation with (n = 4) or without folate (1 µM) (n = 4) and was allowed to equilibrate for 3 h. RESULTS Formic acid transferred rapidly from the maternal to the fetal circulation, and transfer was not altered with the addition of folate. Compared with the control period, there was a significant decrease in hCG secretion (P = 0.03) after addition of formic acid. The addition of folic acid to the perfusate mitigated the decrease in hCG. CONCLUSIONS Formic acid rapidly transfers across the placenta and thus has the potential to be toxic to the developing fetus. Formic acid decreases hCG secretion in the placenta, which may alter steroidogenesis and differentiation of the cytotrophoblasts, and this adverse effect can be mitigated by folate.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Hutson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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Acetaldehyde-Mediated Neurotoxicity: Relevance to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2011. [PMCID: PMC3166768 DOI: 10.1155/2011/213286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol-induced neuro-developmental abnormalities are associated with impaired insulin and IGF signaling, and increased oxidative stress in CNS neurons. We examined the roles of ethanol and its principal toxic metabolite, acetaldehyde, as mediators of impaired insulin/IGF signaling and oxidative injury in immature cerebellar neurons. Cultures were exposed to 3.5 mM acetaldehyde or 50 mM ethanol ± 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP), an inhibitor of ethanol metabolism, and viability, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and insulin responsiveness were measured 48 hours later. Acetaldehyde or ethanol increased neuronal death and levels of 8-OHdG and 4-HNE, and reduced mitochondrial function. Ethanol inhibited insulin responsiveness, whereas acetaldehyde did not. 4-MP abated ethanol-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, but failed to restore insulin responsiveness. Furthermore, alcohol and aldehyde metabolizing enzyme genes were inhibited by prenatal ethanol exposure; this effect was mediated by acetaldehyde and not ethanol + 4MP. These findings suggest that brain insulin resistance in prenatal alcohol exposure is caused by direct effects of ethanol, whereas oxidative stress induced neuronal injury is likely mediated by ethanol and its toxic metabolites. Moreover, the adverse effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on brain development may be exacerbated by down-regulation of genes needed for metabolism and detoxification of alcohol in the brain.
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Ethanol inhibition of aspartyl-asparaginyl-beta-hydroxylase in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: potential link to the impairments in central nervous system neuronal migration. Alcohol 2009; 43:225-40. [PMID: 19393862 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol and associated with hypoplasia and impaired neuronal migration in the cerebellum. Neuronal survival and motility are stimulated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), whose signaling pathways are major targets of ethanol neurotoxicity. To better understand the mechanisms of ethanol-impaired neuronal migration during development, we examined the effects of chronic gestational exposure to ethanol on aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) expression, because AAH is regulated by insulin/IGF and mediates neuronal motility. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were pair-fed isocaloric liquid diets containing 0, 8, 18, 26, or 37% ethanol by caloric content from gestation day 6 through delivery. Cerebella harvested from postnatal day 1 pups were used to examine AAH expression in tissue, and neuronal motility in Boyden chamber assays. We also used cerebellar neuron cultures to examine the effects of ethanol on insulin/IGF-stimulated AAH expression, and assess the role of GSK-3beta-mediated phosphorylation on AAH protein levels. Chronic gestational exposure to ethanol caused dose-dependent impairments in neuronal migration and corresponding reductions in AAH protein expression in developing cerebella. In addition, prenatal ethanol exposure inhibited insulin and IGF-I-stimulated directional motility in isolated cerebellar granule neurons. Ethanol-treated neuronal cultures (50mMx96h) also had reduced levels of AAH protein. Mechanistically, we showed that AAH protein could be phosphorylated on Ser residues by GSK-3beta, and that chemical inhibition of GSK-3beta and/or global Caspases increases AAH protein in both control- and ethanol-exposed cells. Ethanol-impaired neuronal migration in FASD is associated with reduced AAH expression. Because ethanol increases the activities of both GSK-3beta and Caspases, the inhibitory effect of ethanol on neuronal migration could be mediated by increased GSK-3beta phosphorylation and Caspase degradation of AAH protein.
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Carter JJ, Tong M, Silbermann E, Lahousse SA, Ding FF, Longato L, Roper N, Wands JR, de la Monte SM. Ethanol impaired neuronal migration is associated with reduced aspartyl-asparaginyl-beta-hydroxylase expression. Acta Neuropathol 2008; 116:303-15. [PMID: 18478238 PMCID: PMC10010160 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-008-0377-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2007] [Revised: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/05/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar hypoplasia in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is associated with inhibition of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling in the brain. Aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) is a mediator of neuronal motility, and stimulated by insulin and IGF activation of PI3 kinase-Akt, or inhibition of GSK-3beta. Since ethanol inhibits PI3 Kinase-Akt and increases GSK-3beta activity in brain, we examined the effects of ethanol and GSK-3beta on AAH expression and directional motility in neuronal cells. Control and ethanol-exposed (100 mM x 48 h) human PNET2 cerebellar neuronal cells were stimulated with IGF-1 and used to measure AAH expression and directional motility. Molecular and biochemical approaches were used to characterize GSK-3beta regulation of AAH and neuronal motility. Ethanol reduced IGF-1 stimulated AAH protein expression and directional motility without inhibiting AAH's mRNA. Further analysis revealed that: (1) AAH protein could be phosphorylated by GSK-3beta; (2) high levels of GSK-3beta activity decreased AAH protein; (3) inhibition of GSK-3beta and/or global Caspases increased AAH protein; (4) AAH protein was relatively more phosphorylated in ethanol-treated compared with control cells; and (5) chemical inhibition of GSK-3beta and/or global Caspases partially rescued ethanol-impaired AAH protein expression and motility. Ethanol-impaired neuronal migration is associated with reduced IGF-I stimulated AAH protein expression. This effect may be mediated by increased GSK-3beta phosphorylation and Caspase degradation of AAH. Therapeutic strategies to rectify CNS developmental abnormalities in FASD should target factors underlying the ethanol-associated increases in GSK-3beta and Caspase activation, e.g. IGF resistance and increased oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade J Carter
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Delpisheh A, Topping J, Reyad M, Tang A, Brabin BJ. Prenatal alcohol exposure, CYP17 gene polymorphisms and fetal growth restriction. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2008; 138:49-53. [PMID: 17875358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2007.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Revised: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 08/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association of maternal CYP17 gene polymorphisms and prenatal alcohol consumption with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). STUDY DESIGN A case-control study in singleton livebirths was conducted at the Liverpool Women's Hospital between 2004 and 2005. Cases (n=90) were mothers with an IUGR baby and controls (n=180) those with a normal birthweight infant. Maternal genomic DNA was extracted from buccal smears and PCR (RFLP) was used for genotyping. RESULTS Amongst cases, the prevalence of the maternal CYP17 homozygous wild type "A1A1", heterozygous "A1A2" and homozygous "A2A2" variants was 36.7%, 47.7% and 15.6%, which did not differ significantly from their prevalence amongst controls (p=0.6). The proportion with prenatal alcohol exposure was significantly higher in cases than controls (45.6% versus 30.6%, p=0.01). Mean birthweight was significantly lower in mothers with the CYP17 A1A1 genotype compared to those with variant genotypes (A1A2/A2A2) in both the alcohol-exposed (p=0.03) and non-exposed groups (p=0.01). In all women regardless of genotype, IUGR risk increased in mothers exposed to alcohol during pregnancy (OR, 2.9, 95% CI; 1.8-4.2, p=0.01). There was a significant interaction between the CYP17 A1A1 genotype and prenatal alcohol consumption for fetal growth restriction (adjusted OR, 1.4, 95% CI; 1.1-1.9, p=0.04). CONCLUSION The association between prenatal alcohol exposure and intrauterine fetal growth restriction was modulated by the maternal CYP17 A1A1 genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Delpisheh
- Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this paper we review published studies of alcohol exposure on placentation, placenta growth and function. METHODS We searched PubMed using the MeSH terms: placenta, ethanol, fetal alcohol syndrome and prenatal exposure with delayed effects. We searched the years 1996-2006 and used the references from other articles to expand our search. We limited the search to English only and human only. We excluded studies using choriocarcinoma and animal studies. We grouped the 66 papers into seven topic areas for ease of review. RESULTS Alcohol exposure is associated with placental dysfunction, decreased placental size, impaired blood flow and nutrient transport, endocrine changes, increased rates of stillbirth and abruption, umbilical cord vasoconstriction, and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal alcohol exposure has a broad range of adverse effects on placental development and function. Additional research on placental development from populations with heavy alcohol exposure should be encouraged. A tissue bank of placentas with detailed assessment of exposure to alcohol, smoking and other relevant data should be considered as a repository to support additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA.
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Chu J, Tong M, de la Monte SM. Chronic ethanol exposure causes mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in immature central nervous system neurons. Acta Neuropathol 2007; 113:659-73. [PMID: 17431646 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-007-0199-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 01/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar hypoplasia in experimental fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is associated with impaired insulin-stimulated survival signaling. In vitro studies demonstrated that ethanol inhibition of neuronal survival is mediated by apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Since insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) regulate energy metabolism, and ethanol can exert its toxic effects by causing oxidative damage to DNA and proteins, we further characterized the effects of chronic gestational exposure to ethanol on mitochondrial gene expression, and the degree to which ethanol inhibition of mitochondrial function is mediated by impaired insulin/IGF responsiveness. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were fed isocaloric liquid diets containing 0, 2, 4.5, 6.5, or 9.25% v/v ethanol from gestation day 6 through delivery. Cerebella harvested on postnatal day 1 were examined for indices of oxidative stress, and mRNA levels of mitochondrial, pro-oxidant, and pro-apoptosis gene expression. Rat primary cerebellar neuron cultures were used to characterize the effects of ethanol (50 mM for 96 h) on insulin and IGF stimulated mitochondrial function and ATP production. Ethanol-exposed cerebella had significantly reduced mRNA levels of mitochondrial genes encoding Complexes II-A, IV, and V, increased expression of p53 and NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 and 3, and increased immunoreactivity for 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (HNE) and 8-OHdG in cerebellar granule cells. The activations of p53 and NOX genes were highest in cerebella from pups exposed to the 6.5 or 9.25% ethanol containing diet, whereas the impairments in mitochondrial Complex IV and V expression were similar at low and high levels of ethanol exposure. In vitro experiments confirmed that ethanol treatment reduces neuronal expression of mitochondrial genes encoding Complexes IV and V, impairs mitochondrial function and ATP production, and increases HNE and 8-OHdG immunoreactivity, but they also showed that these effects were not insulin- or IGF-dependent. Together, the results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in FAS may be largely due to the toxic effects of ethanol rather than specific impairments in insulin or IGF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chu
- Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Pierre Galletti Research Building, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Wolff GS, Chiang PJ, Smith SM, Romero R, Armant DR. Epidermal growth factor-like growth factors prevent apoptosis of alcohol-exposed human placental cytotrophoblast cells. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:53-60. [PMID: 17392498 PMCID: PMC1950777 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.057984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy can produce an array of birth defects comprising fetal alcohol syndrome. A hallmark of fetal alcohol syndrome is intrauterine growth retardation, which is associated with elevated apoptosis of placental cytotrophoblast cells. Using a human first trimester cytotrophoblast cell line, we examined the relationship between exposure to ethanol and cytotrophoblast survival, as well as the ameliorating effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factors produced by human cytotrophoblast cells. After exposure to 0-100 mM ethanol, cell death was quantified by the TUNEL method, and expression of the nuclear proliferation marker, Ki67, was measured by immunohistochemistry. The mode of cell death was determined by assessing annexin V binding, caspase 3 activation, pyknotic nuclear morphology, reduction of TUNEL by caspase inhibition, and cellular release of lactate dehydrogenase. Ethanol significantly reduced proliferation and increased cell death approximately 2.5-fold through the apoptotic pathway within 1-2 h of exposure to 50 mM alcohol. Exposure to 25-50 mM ethanol significantly increased transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), but not EGF or amphiregulin (AREG). When cytotrophoblasts were exposed concurrently to 100 mM ethanol and 1 nM HBEGF or TGFA, the increase in apoptosis was prevented, while EGF ameliorated at 10 nM and AREG was weakly effective. HBEGF survival-promoting activity required ligation of either of its cognate receptors, HER1 or HER4. These findings reveal the potential for ethanol to rapidly induce cytotrophoblast apoptosis. However, survival factor induction could provide cytotrophoblasts with an endogenous cytoprotective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garen S. Wolff
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201
| | - Po Jen Chiang
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201
| | - Susan M. Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - D. Randall Armant
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201
- Correspondence: D. Randall Armant, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 E. Hancock Ave., Detroit, MI 48201-1415. FAX: 313 577 8554; e-mail:
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Kay HH, Tsoi S, Grindle K, Magness RR. Markers of oxidative stress in placental villi exposed to ethanol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 13:118-21. [PMID: 16443505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2005.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ethanol exposure during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Recent studies in several organ systems, including the placenta, suggest that oxidative stress is involved. In this study we investigated the presence and levels of three oxidative stress markers in placental villous tissue exposed to ethanol. METHODS Villous tissues from normal placentas were perfused with Dulbeco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with HEPES buffer, sodium bicarbonate, and glucose at pH 7.4. After stabilization, 100 mM ethanol was added to the perfusate. After 2 hours of perfusion, the tissue was removed, fixed and stained for nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHDG). Staining within the trophoblasts was quantified with densitometry. RESULTS Nitrotyrosine and 4HNE immunostaining was seen in the trophoblasts. 4HNE was also seen in the stroma. In contrast, 8-OHDG was seen only in the stroma and endothelial cells in the fetal circulation. Ethanol exposure significantly increased nitrotyrosine levels in the trophoblasts beyond levels in the control tissue. Nitrotyrosine and 8-OHDG levels were also increased in stroma. CONCLUSION Within the placental villi, markers of oxidative stress are present in the trophoblasts and stroma after a short period of ethanol exposure. There is an increase in oxidative stress, primarily involving the nitric oxide pathway, in the trophoblasts as well as DNA damage in the stroma. Lipid peroxidation is not acutely changed in our 2-hour exposure window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H Kay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 722205, USA.
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McAleer MF, Tuan RS. Cytotoxicant-induced trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal pregnancy outcomes: role of zinc and metallothionein. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 72:361-70. [PMID: 15662702 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Normal trophoblast function, including implantation, hormone production, and formation of the selectively permeable maternofetal barrier, is essential for the establishment and maintenance of the fetoplacental unit and proper fetal development. Maternal cytotoxicant exposure causes the destruction of these cells, especially the terminally differentiated syncytiotrophoblasts, and results in a myriad of poor pregnancy outcomes. These outcomes range from intrauterine growth retardation and malformation to spontaneous abortion or stillbirth. There is recent evidence that the metal-binding protein, metallothionein, is involved in the protection of human trophoblastic cells from heavy metal-induced and severe oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Metallothionein, with its unique biochemical structure, can both bind essential metal ions, such as the transcription modulator zinc, and yet allow their ready displacement by toxic nonessential metal ions or damaging free radicals. These properties suggest that metallothionein may be responsible not only for sequestering the cytotoxic agents, but also for altering signal transduction in the affected cells. Here, we review several identified causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes (specifically, prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol, gestational infection, and exposure to environmental contaminants), discuss the role of zinc in modulating the cellular response to these toxic insults, and then propose how metallothionein may function to mediate this protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Frances McAleer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Nacharaju VL, Divald A, McCalla CO, Yang L, Muneyyirci-Delale O. 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Carbenoxolone Stimulates Chorionic Gonadotropin Secretion from Human Term Cytotrophoblast Cells Differentiated In Vitro
*. Am J Reprod Immunol 2004; 52:133-8. [PMID: 15274654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2004.00195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To investigate the effect of altering local glucocorticoid concentration on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production by cultured placental trophoblast cells. METHOD OF STUDY Human placental trophoblasts were isolated from fresh placentas. Cytotrophoblasts were purified and placed into 24-well multiplates. For cultivation Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with 15 mm HEPES and 15% FBS was used. 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) activity and its inhibition by carbenoxolone (CE) were measured in cultured cells. Cultures were exposed to CE for 16-20 hr. Overnight production of hCG was measured by radioimmunoassay in control and treated cells. RESULTS The 11beta-HSD activity in these cultures was inhibited by nm concentrations of CE, the apparent Ki being 2.5 nm. Inhibition of 11beta-HSD activity with 0.1 nm CE resulted in 1.5-fold increase in the production of hCG. CONCLUSIONS Increasing local glucocorticoid concentration by the inhibition of 11beta-HSD results in higher hCG secretion, which in turn enhance cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya L Nacharaju
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Down State Medical Center, SUNY, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Vuorela P, Sarkola T, Alfthan H, Halmesmaki E. Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Epidermal Growth Factor, and Placenta Growth Factor Concentrations in Peripheral Blood of Pregnant Women With Alcohol Abuse. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2002.tb02591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Monte SM, Wands JR. Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Impaired Mitochondrial Function Contribute to Apoptosis of Insulin-Stimulated Ethanol-Exposed Neuronal Cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2001. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2001.tb02296.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Impaired Mitochondrial Function Contribute to Apoptosis of Insulin-Stimulated Ethanol-Exposed Neuronal Cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2001. [DOI: 10.1097/00000374-200106000-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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de la Monte SM, Ganju N, Banerjee K, Brown NV, Luong T, Wands JR. Partial rescue of ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis by growth factor activation of phosphoinositol-3-kinase. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2000. [PMID: 10832914 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2000.tb02044.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol inhibition of insulin signaling pathways may contribute to impaired central nervous system (CNS) development in the fetal alcohol syndrome and brain atrophy associated with alcoholic neurodegeneration. Previous studies demonstrated ethanol inhibition of insulin-stimulated growth in PNET2 CNS-derived proliferative (immature) neuronal cells. We now provide evidence that the growth-inhibitory effect of ethanol in insulin-stimulated PNET2 cells is partly due to apoptosis. METHODS Control and ethanol-treated PNET2 cells were stimulated with insulin and analyzed for viability, apoptosis, activation of pro-apoptosis and survival gene expression and signaling pathways, and evidence of caspase activation. RESULTS Ethanol-treated PNET2 neuronal cells exhibited increased apoptosis mediated by increased levels of p53 and phospho-amino-terminal c-jun kinase (phospho-JNK), and reduced levels of Bcl-2, phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3 K), and intact (approximately 116 kD) poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP), a deoxyribonucleic acid repair enzyme and important substrate for caspase 3. Partial rescue from ethanol-induced neuronal cell death was effected by culturing the cells in medium that contained 2% fetal calf serum instead of insulin, or insulin plus either insulin-like growth factor type 1 or nerve growth factor. The resulting enhanced viability was associated with reduced levels of p53 and phospho-JNK and increased levels of PI3 K and intact PARP. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that ethanol-induced apoptosis of insulin-stimulated neuronal cells can be reduced by activating PI3 K and inhibiting pro-apoptosis gene expression and intracellular signaling through non-insulin-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M de la Monte
- MGH East Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
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Abstract
In this study, we examined the role of fibrogenic cytokines in alcohol-induced fibrosis. In particular, we examined the production of a novel fibrogenic cytokine, fibrosin, among others, by fibroblasts in response to ethanol in vitro; we also studied the production of fibrosin in an animal model of alcohol-induced liver injury. This model system utilizes the intragastric feeding rat model in which rats are fed different dietary fats and ethanol or dextrose. Our study showed that physiologic concentrations of ethanol directly induced proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro and also stimulated the production of cytokines. In particular, fibrosin, the novel fibrogenic cytokine, was produced. Other cytokines such as TGFbeta, IL-6, and TNFalpha were also induced. Also, exposure of fibroblasts to interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha induced production of fibrosin. In the fish oil-ethanol-fed rats which showed fibrotic lesions in the liver, fibrosin mRNA as well as protein was expressed. Fibrosin was not detected in control rats not exhibiting fibrosis. These studies show that ethanol can directly stimulate fibroblast proliferation and production of fibrogenic cytokines. It is likely that fibrosin, which may be derived from inflammatory cells, contributes to alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Prakash
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, Massachusetts
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de la Monte SM, Ganju N, Tanaka S, Banerjee K, Karl PJ, Brown NV, Wands JR. Differential effects of ethanol on insulin-signaling through the insulin receptor substrate-1. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1999. [PMID: 10371394 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1999.tb04182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Insulin stimulation increases cell proliferation and energy metabolism by activating the insulin receptor substrate I (IRS-1)-signaling pathways. This downstream signaling is mediated by interactions of specific tyrosyl phosphorylated (PY) IRS-1 motifs with SH2-containing molecules such as growth-factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) and Syp. Ethanol inhibits insulin-stimulated tyrosyl phosphorylation of IRS-1 and DNA synthesis. This study explores the roles of the Grb2- and Syp-binding motifs of IRS-1 in relation to the inhibitory effects of ethanol on insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is known to be essential for cell proliferation. NIH3T3 cells were stably transfected with wild-type IRS-1, or IRS-1 mutated at the Grb2 (IRS-1deltaGrb2), Syp (IRS-1deltaSyp), or Grb2 and Syp (IRS-1deltaGrb2deltaSyp)- binding sites. Cells transfected with IRS-1 had increased levels of DNA synthesis, PCNA, GAPDH, and activated MAPK. The IRS-1deltaGrb2 transfectants were highly responsive to insulin stimulation, achieving levels of GAPDH, PCNA, and activated MAPK that were higher than control. In contrast, the IRS-1deltaSyp and IRS-1deltaGrb2deltaSyp transfectants had reduced levels of DNA synthesis, PCNA, and activated MAPK. Ethanol exposure decreased insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis, PCNA, GAPDH, and activated MAPK levels in all clones, but the wild-type IRS-1 transfectants were relatively resistant, and the IRS-1deltaGrb2 transfectants were extraordinarily sensitive to these inhibitory effects of ethanol. The findings suggest that insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis and PCNA expression are mediated through the Syp-binding domain, whereas GAPDH expression and MAPK activation are modulated through both the Grb2 and Syp motifs of IRS-1. In addition, ethanol exposure may preferentially inhibit downstream signaling that requires interaction between Syp and PY-IRS-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M de la Monte
- MGH East Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
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Banerje K, Mohry L, Wands JR, Monte SM. Ethanol Inhibition of Insulin Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1998. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1998.tb05921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Abstract
A common pattern of birth defects was reported in children born to alcoholic women over 20 years ago. Shortly thereafter the constellation of defects became known as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and reports from around the world served to acknowledge the pervasiveness of the disorder. Simultaneously with the clinical reports, animal models were developed to characterize the full spectrum of the teratogenic effects of ethanol. Not only did these animal models serve to define the actions of ethanol on fetal growth and development at the molecular pharmacological, neuroanatomical, and behavioral level, but unintentionally, they have resulted in renewed scientific interest in the effects of ethanol on pregnancy and parturition itself. The purpose of this review is twofold. First we will consolidate and summarize data from both clinical and basic research that pertains to ethanol and parturition. These data will demonstrate that ethanol consumption during pregnancy results in both delayed as well as premature delivery depending upon the pattern of consumption and timing of exposure. With these data as a background, the second objective will be to present a theoretical case for prostaglandins as possible mediators of ethanol-induced effects on the onset of parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Cook
- Department of Physiology and Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA
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Karl PI, Divald A, Diehl AM, Fisher SE. Altered cyclic AMP-dependent human chorionic gonadotropin production in cultured human placental trophoblasts exposed to ethanol. Biochem Pharmacol 1998; 55:45-51. [PMID: 9413929 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-2952(97)00404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol abuse during pregnancy can cause fetal injury, including the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). A contributing factor in this fetal injury may be the effect of ethanol on placental function. Previous studies have shown that ethanol treatment increases human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production by cultured human placental trophoblasts. In this study, we demonstrated that the stimulation of hCG production correlates with the ethanol concentration. Ethanol treatment enhanced intracellular adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels in response to either cholera toxin (CTX) or forskolin (FSK). Moreover, basal (i.e. unstimulated) cAMP levels were increased at 2 hr of ethanol exposure. However, this effect did not persist throughout the 24-hr incubation period. Therefore, ethanol treatment appears to induce increased hCG production, secondary to enhanced basal or stimulated cAMP production. The effect of ethanol was not associated with changes in Gs or Gi2 expression, as determined by northern blot and western blot analyses. In plasma membrane preparations from ethanol-treated cells, cAMP production was higher in response to Mn2+, a direct stimulator of adenylyl cyclase. Inclusion of Rp-cAMP, a protein kinase A inhibitor, eliminated the ethanol effect on hCG production. Treatment of cells with 8-Br-cAMP stimulated hCG production, but there was no difference between the ethanol-naive control and the ethanol-treated cells. These data suggest that ethanol treatment increases in vitro hCG production in human placental trophoblasts by enhancing cAMP production. Ethanol treatment appears to increase trophoblast adenylyl cyclase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Karl
- Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital-New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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Karl PI, Harvey B, Fisher SE. Ethanol and mitotic inhibitors promote differentiation of trophoblastic cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1996; 20:1269-74. [PMID: 8904981 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1996.tb01122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol abuse during pregnancy can cause fetal injury. A contributing factor in this fetal injury may be the effect of ethanol on the placenta. Ethanol treatment increases human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production by cultured human placental trophoblasts. In this study, we show that ethanol treatment reduces total DNA and total protein while stimulating hCG production in term trophoblasts. Ethanol treatment inhibits growth in rapidly proliferating trophoblastic cells from a first trimester placenta and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. In both cell types, the normal increases in total DNA were inhibited in an ethanol dose-dependent manner. Normal increases in total protein were inhibited as well. In contrast, hCG production, an indicator of differentiation, was stimulated by ethanol treatment. Treatment of JEG-3 cells with antimitogenic agents, methotrexate (MTX) or cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), inhibited cell growth as indicated by decreased total DNA and total protein accumulation. Similar to that with ethanol treatment, inhibition of cell proliferation was accompanied by increases in hCG production. Taken together, these data suggest that one mechanism by which ethanol increases hCG production in human placental trophoblasts may involve alterations in cellular growth and/or differentiation; such alterations may also occur in other proliferating cells in the growing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Karl
- Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
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McKenzie PP, McClaran JD, Caudle MR, Fukuda A, Wimalasena J. Alcohol inhibits epidermal growth factor-stimulated progesterone secretion from human granulosa cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1995; 19:1382-8. [PMID: 8749799 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1995.tb00996.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, luteinized human granulosa cells (GC) obtained during in vitro fertilization procedures were used as a model system to evaluate the effects of ethanol (EtOH), a well-known reproductive toxin, on epidermal growth factor (EGF) and gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis. Our results demonstrate that the basal progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) secretion by human GC in vitro was dependent on the ovarian stimulation protocol. EGF significantly enhanced P4, but not E2, secretion in human GC from clomiphene citrate (CC), human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), and hMG/gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a)-treated patients. The effects of EGF plus luteinizing hormone (LH) were additive in cells from the CC group, but less than additive in hMG and hMG/GnRH-a groups. EtOH at 20 mM or more inhibited EGF stimulated P4 secretion in human GC from all three patient groups. EtOH inhibited P4 secretion stimulated by EGF and LH cotreatment in the CC and hMG/GnRH-a groups, but not in human GC from the hMG-treated patients. These results suggest that basal and EGF or LH-stimulated P4 secretion by human GC, as well as the effects of EtOH, are profoundly influenced by the follicle's hormonal milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P McKenzie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville 37920, USA
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Bhavani K, de la Monte S, Brown NV, Xu YY, Sasaki Y, Wands JR. Effect of ethanol on p36 protein kinase substrate and insulin receptor substrate 1 expression and tyrosyl phosphorylation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1995; 19:441-6. [PMID: 7542850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1995.tb01528.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol inhibits insulin (IN) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis. Growth factor receptor kinases, such as IN and EGF, phosphorylate insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1) and p36 protein kinase substrate, respectively, on tyrosine residues. IRS-1 and p36 are thought to be important intracellular signal transduction molecules involved in the regulation of cell growth. These investigations explored the effect of ethanol additions on the expression and tyrosyl phosphorylation (TP) of p36 and IRS-1 in a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (FOCUS) in relationship to cell proliferation induced by IN and serum growth factor stimulation. It was found that p36 was constitutively and highly expressed in serum-starved cells and protein, and mRNA levels did not change with cell proliferation induced by growth factors. However, exposure of FOCUS cells to ethanol additions substantially inhibited TP of p36. The early TP of IRS-1 induced by IN stimulation was also reduced by ethanol additions. Finally, there was a parallel decrease of FOCUS cell proliferation in ethanol-exposed cultures. These studies suggest that one possible mechanism of ethanol inhibitory effect on cell proliferation is through reduced TP of putative intracellular signal transduction molecules, such as p36 and IRS-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bhavani
- Molecular Hepatology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, USA
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Wimalasena J, Beams F, Caudle MR. Ethanol modulates the hormone secretory responses induced by epidermal growth factor in choriocarcinoma cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1994; 18:1448-55. [PMID: 7695043 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1994.tb01449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of clinical data has implicated ethanol (EtOH) as an embryotoxic agent and as an agent that disrupts normal placental structure and function. Because epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an important regulator of placental function, we have studied the effects of EtOH on EGF-induced hormone secretion using JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells that serve as a model for trophoblast cells. EtOH at physiological (5-100 mM) concentrations modulated effects of EGF in a time and dose-dependent manner. EGF-induced P4 secretion was increased by 20-100 mM EtOH after a 2-day pretreatment of cells with EtOH, but not after a 6-day pretreatment. Preincubation with 50 mM EtOH doubled the P4 responses to 50 and 100 ng/ml EGF. Although a 2- or 4-day preincubation of cells with 10-50 mM EtOH increased the secretion of E2 in response to 20 ng/ml EGF, a 6-day preincubation inhibited the secretory response to EGF. Pretreatment of cells with 10-50 mM, but not 100 mM EtOH for 2 to 6 days enhanced the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretory response to EGF. At 50 mm EtOH, the secretion of hCG in response to EGF was increased 2-fold. EtOH also increased basal hCG secretion in a dose-dependent manner between 10-50 mM EtOH. These results suggest that EtOH may modulate EGF-stimulated hormone secretion from cells of placental origin. Such alterations, if they occur in vivo, may impact on the function of the placenta and could potentially explain the pathophysiology of alcohol toxicity during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wimalasena
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Medical Center-Knoxville 37920
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Karl PI, Divald A, Fisher SE. Ethanol enhancement of ligand-stimulated cAMP production by cultured human placental trophoblasts. Biochem Pharmacol 1994; 48:1493-500. [PMID: 7945450 DOI: 10.1016/0006-2952(94)90575-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol (EtOH) use during pregnancy can be associated with fetal injury including the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). A contributing factor in this fetal injury may be the effect of EtOH on the placenta. In this study, we have examined the effect of in vitro EtOH treatment on adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production by cultured trophoblasts, in response to various ligands. Epinephrine (10(-6) M) rapidly stimulated cAMP with a peak between 2.5 and 5 min, which gradually returned to basal levels over 3-4 hr. EtOH treatment for > 16 hr resulted in an up-regulation of epinephrine-stimulated cAMP production. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase with Rolipram enhanced the effect of EtOH on cAMP production, suggesting that the effect of EtOH treatment was not due to phosphodiesterase inhibition. In cultured trophoblasts, EtOH treatment increased both epinephrine and 16,16'-dimethylprostaglandin E2 (dm-PGE2)-dependent cAMP production at varying ligand concentrations, suggesting an increased capacity to respond. When trophoblasts were treated with forskolin, a stimulator of adenylyl cyclase, cAMP production was enhanced in EtOH-treated cells. This suggests that EtOH treatment enhances adenylyl cyclase activity in these intact, cultured cells. Unlike trophoblasts from term human placenta, JAR choriocarcinoma cells did not respond to epinephrine, adenosine, or dm-PGE2. The choriocarcinoma cells appeared to have lost the ability to respond to these ligands. Although the JAR cell adenylyl cyclase was stimulated by forskolin, EtOH treatment did not alter forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. In summary, EtOH-induced up-regulation of cAMP production appears to be cell specific, being present in normal human trophoblasts but not in undifferentiated choriocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Karl
- Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, NY 11030
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Karl PI, Fisher SE. Chronic ethanol exposure inhibits insulin and IGF-1 stimulated amino acid uptake in cultured human placental trophoblasts. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1994; 18:942-6. [PMID: 7978107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1994.tb00063.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy can lead to abnormalities in fetal development, sometimes manifested as the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Although intrauterine growth retardation is a hallmark of FAS, the pathophysiology is not fully understood. A contributing factor may be altered placental function. In this study, the effect of long-term exposure to ethanol on subsequent amino acid uptake by the cultured human placental trophoblasts was examined. Both Na(+)-dependent and Na(+)-independent pathways for AIB uptake were measured. As reported previously, insulin and IGF-1 enhanced Na(+)-dependent AIB uptake. Exposure to ethanol had no effect on basal (nonhormone treated) AIB uptake. However, 72-hr ethanol pretreatment of trophoblasts inhibited Na(+)-dependent AIB uptake under stimulation by insulin or IGF-1 in the absence of ethanol. Na(+)-independent uptake was not affected. Ethanol treatment had no effect on insulin or IGF-1 binding to cultured trophoblasts. These findings suggest that 72-hr ethanol treatment in cultured trophoblasts may affect postreceptor signal transduction in the insulin or IGF-1 pathways. Such changes have implications for the effect of ethanol on normal function of the human placenta, the major interface for maternal/fetal transfer of nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Karl
- Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, New York 11030
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