1
|
Wei M, Gao Q, Liu J, Yang Y, Yang J, Fan J, Lv S, Yang S. Development programming: Stress during gestation alters offspring development in sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1497-1511. [PMID: 37697713 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14465] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate management practices of domestic animals during pregnancy can be potential stressors, resulting in complex behavioural, physiological and neurological consequences in the developing offspring. Some of these consequences can last into adulthood or propagate to subsequent generations. We systematically summarized the results of different experimental patterns using artificially increased maternal glucocorticoid levels or prenatal maternal physiological stress paradigms, mediators between prenatal maternal stress (PMS) and programming effects in the offspring and the effects of PMS on offspring phenotypes in sheep. PMS can impair birthweight, regulate the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, modify behavioural patterns and cognitive abilities and alter gene expression and brain morphology in offspring. Further research should focus on the effects of programming on gene expression, immune function, gut microbiome, sex-specific effects and maternal behaviour of offspring, especially comparative studies of gestational periods when PMS is applied, continual studies of programming effects on offspring and treatment strategies that effectively reverse the detrimental programming effects of prenatal stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingji Wei
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Junjun Liu
- Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Linyi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Linyi, China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Jingchang Fan
- Jiaxiang County Sheep Breeding Farm, Jiaxiang, China
| | - Shenjin Lv
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Shengmei Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Figueiredo TM, de Barros JWF, Dos Santos Borges C, Pacheco TL, de Lima Rosa J, Anselmo-Franci JA, Kempinas WDG. Reproductive outcomes of neonatal exposure to betamethasone in male and female rats. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 43:752-763. [PMID: 36511433 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4423] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Betamethasone (BM) is the drug of choice for antenatal corticosteroid therapy for women at risk of preterm delivery because it induces fetal lung maturation and enhances survival after birth. However, our group reported evidence of fetal programming and impaired reproductive development and function in rats exposed during the critical window of genital system development. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of BM on the sexual development of rats in the period that corresponds to antenatal corticosteroid therapy in humans. Male and female rats were exposed subcutaneously to BM at 0.1 μg/g of pups' body weight or to a NaCl 0.9% solution (control) on postnatal days 1-3. It was observed that neonatal exposure to BM decreased body weight and weight gain in male and female rats during treatment. The estrous cycle was deregulated and LH level was decreased in female rats. In male rats, the sperm concentration in the caput-corpus of the epididymis was decreased, whereas the sperm transit time and sperm concentration in the cauda of the epididymis were increased. Our results demonstrated that neonatal exposure to BM impaired body growth of male and female rats, deregulated the estrous cycle of female rats, and altered sperm quality of male rats. Therefore, BM exposure from postnatal days 1 to 3 corroborated results previously observed after prenatal exposure to this drug. Despite the recognized importance of human antenatal corticosteroid therapy, the findings of this study should encourage further studies in order to minimize possible adverse postnatal effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thamiris Moreira Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jorge Willian Franco de Barros
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Cibele Dos Santos Borges
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Tainá Louise Pacheco
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Josiane de Lima Rosa
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Janete Aparecida Anselmo-Franci
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alur P. Sex Differences in Nutrition, Growth, and Metabolism in Preterm Infants. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:22. [PMID: 30792973 PMCID: PMC6374621 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological differences between the sexes are apparent even from the early part of the pregnancy. The crown-rump length is larger in male fetuses compared to females in the first trimester. Placentae of male and female fetuses have different protein and gene expressions, especially in adverse conditions. Even within the intrauterine milieu, the same extracellular micro RNA may show upregulation in females and downregulation in male fetuses. There appears to be a natural survival advantage for females. Maternal glucocorticoids (GC) play an important role in fetal growth and organ maturation. However, excess glucocorticoids can not only affect growth but the response may be sex-specific and probably mediated through glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the placenta. Mild pre-eclampsia and asthma are associated with normal growth pattern in males, but in female fetuses, they are associated with a slowing of growth rate without causing IUGR probably as an adaptive response for future adverse events. Thus, female fetuses survive while male fetuses exhibit IUGR, preterm delivery and even death in the face of another adverse event. It is thought that the maternal diet may not influence growth but may influence the programming for adult disease. There is growing evidence that maternal pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity status is directly associated with a higher risk of obesity in a male child, but not in a female child, at 1 year of age. It is observed that exposure to gestational diabetes is a risk factor for childhood overweight in boys but not in girls. It is fascinating that male and female fetuses respond differently to the same intrauterine environment, and this suggests a fundamental biological variation most likely at the cellular and molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Alur
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zazara DE, Arck PC. Developmental origin and sex-specific risk for infections and immune diseases later in life. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:137-151. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
5
|
Cartwright RD, Harding JE, Crowther CA, Cutfield WS, Battin MR, Dalziel SR, McKinlay CJD. Repeat Antenatal Betamethasone and Cardiometabolic Outcomes. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-0522. [PMID: 29895522 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeat dose(s) of antenatal betamethasone are recommended for women at <32 weeks with ongoing risk of preterm birth. However, there is concern that use of repeat dose(s) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) may increase the risk of later cardiometabolic disease. METHODS We undertook secondary analysis of data from the Australasian Collaborative Trial of Repeat Doses of Corticosteroids Midchildhood Outcome Study to determine if FGR influences the effect of repeat betamethasone on growth and cardiometabolic function. At 6 to 8 years, children underwent anthropometry, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, intravenous glucose tolerance testing, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and spirometry. FGR was defined as severe FGR at entry, cesarean delivery for FGR, or customized birth weight below the third centile. RESULTS Of 266 children assessed, FGR occurred in 43 of 127 (34%) exposed to repeat betamethasone and 44 of 139 (32%) exposed to placebo. There was an interaction between FGR and repeat betamethasone treatment for the effect on height (z score mean difference [95% confidence interval]; FGR: 0.59 [0.01 to 1.17]; non-FGR: -0.29 [-0.69 to 0.10]; P = .01). However, FGR did not influence the effect of repeat betamethasone on cardiometabolic function, which was similar in treatment groups, both in FGR and non-FGR subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Repeat antenatal betamethasone treatment had no adverse effects on cardiometabolic function, even in the presence of FGR. It may have a positive effect on height in FGR. Clinicians should use repeat doses of antenatal corticosteroids when indicated before preterm birth, regardless of FGR, in view of the associated neonatal benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline A Crowther
- Liggins Institute and.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wayne S Cutfield
- Liggins Institute and.,A Better Start, National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Malcolm R Battin
- Liggins Institute and.,Newborn Services, National Women's Health, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stuart R Dalziel
- Liggins Institute and.,Children's Emergency Department, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | - Christopher J D McKinlay
- Liggins Institute and .,Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Kidz First Neonatal Care, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clifton V, Cuffe J, Moritz K, Cole T, Fuller P, Lu N, Kumar S, Chong S, Saif Z. Review: The role of multiple placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms in adapting to the maternal environment and regulating fetal growth. Placenta 2017; 54:24-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
7
|
Fowden AL, Valenzuela OA, Vaughan OR, Jellyman JK, Forhead AJ. Glucocorticoid programming of intrauterine development. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56 Suppl:S121-32. [PMID: 27345310 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are important environmental and maturational signals during intrauterine development. Toward term, the maturational rise in fetal glucocorticoid receptor concentrations decreases fetal growth and induces differentiation of key tissues essential for neonatal survival. When cortisol levels rise earlier in gestation as a result of suboptimal conditions for fetal growth, the switch from tissue accretion to differentiation is initiated prematurely, which alters the phenotype that develops from the genotype inherited at conception. Although this improves the chances of survival should delivery occur, it also has functional consequences for the offspring long after birth. Glucocorticoids are, therefore, also programming signals that permanently alter tissue structure and function during intrauterine development to optimize offspring fitness. However, if the postnatal environmental conditions differ from those signaled in utero, the phenotypical outcome of early-life glucocorticoid receptor overexposure may become maladaptive and lead to physiological dysfunction in the adult. This review focuses on the role of GCs in developmental programming, primarily in farm species. It examines the factors influencing GC bioavailability in utero and the effects that GCs have on the development of fetal tissues and organ systems, both at term and earlier in gestation. It also discusses the windows of susceptibility to GC overexposure in early life together with the molecular mechanisms and long-term consequences of GC programming with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine phenotype of the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - O A Valenzuela
- Centre for Trophoblast and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - O R Vaughan
- Centre for Trophoblast and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - J K Jellyman
- Centre for Trophoblast and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - A J Forhead
- Centre for Trophoblast and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Saif Z, Dyson RM, Palliser HK, Wright IMR, Lu N, Clifton VL. Identification of Eight Different Isoforms of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in Guinea Pig Placenta: Relationship to Preterm Delivery, Sex and Betamethasone Exposure. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148226. [PMID: 26840867 PMCID: PMC4739593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is central to glucocorticoid signalling and for mediating steroid effects on pathways associated with fetal growth and lung maturation but the GR has not been examined in the guinea pig placenta even though this animal is regularly used as a model of preterm birth and excess glucocorticoid exposure. Guinea pig dams received subcutaneous injections of either vehicle or betamethasone at 24 and 12 hours prior to preterm or term caesarean-section delivery. At delivery pup and organ weights were recorded. Placentae were dissected, weighed and analysed using Western blot to examine GR isoform expression in nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts. A comparative examination of the guinea pig GR gene identified it is capable of producing seven of the eight translational GR isoforms which include GRα-A, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3. GRα-B is not produced in the Guinea Pig. Total GR antibody identified 10 specific bands from term (n = 29) and preterm pregnancies (n = 27). Known isoforms included GRγ, GRα A, GRβ, GRP, GRA and GRα D1-3. There were sex and gestational age differences in placental GR isoform expression. Placental GRα A was detected in the cytoplasm of all groups but was significantly increased in the cytoplasm and nucleus of preterm males and females exposed to betamethasone and untreated term males (KW-ANOVA, P = 0.0001, P = 0.001). Cytoplasmic expression of GRβ was increased in female preterm placentae and preterm and term male placentae exposed to betamethasone (P = 0.01). Nuclear expression of GRβ was increased in all placentae exposed to betamethasone (P = 0.0001). GRα D2 and GRα D3 were increased in male preterm placentae when exposed to betamethasone (P = 0.01, P = 0.02). The current data suggests the sex-specific placental response to maternal betamethasone may be dependent on the expression of a combination of GR isoforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zarqa Saif
- Mater Medical Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia; and Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Hannah K. Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia; and Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ian M. R. Wright
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia; and Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Nick Lu
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bansal A, Bloomfield FH, Connor KL, Dragunow M, Thorstensen EB, Oliver MH, Sloboda DM, Harding JE, Alsweiler JM. Glucocorticoid-Induced Preterm Birth and Neonatal Hyperglycemia Alter Ovine β-Cell Development. Endocrinology 2015. [PMID: 26204462 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Adults born preterm are at increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Late gestation fetuses exposed to high blood glucose concentration also are at increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance as adults. Preterm babies commonly become hyperglycemic and are thus exposed to high blood glucose concentration at an equivalent stage of pancreatic maturation. It is not known whether preterm birth itself, or complications of prematurity, such as hyperglycemia, alter later pancreatic function. To distinguish these, we made singleton preterm lambs hyperglycemic (HYPER) for 12 days after birth with a dextrose infusion and compared them with vehicle-treated preterm and term controls and with HYPER lambs made normoglycemic with an insulin infusion. Preterm birth reduced β-cell mass, apparent by 4 weeks after term and persisting to adulthood (12 mo), and was associated with reduced insulin secretion at 4 months (juvenile) and reduced insulin mRNA expression in adulthood. Hyperglycemia in preterm lambs further down-regulated key pancreatic gene expression in adulthood. These findings indicate that reduced β-cell mass after preterm birth may be an important factor in increased risk of diabetes after preterm birth and may be exacerbated by postnatal hyperglycemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amita Bansal
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Frank H Bloomfield
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Eric B Thorstensen
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mark H Oliver
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Deborah M Sloboda
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Harding
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jane M Alsweiler
- Liggins Institute (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., E.B.T., M.H.O., D.M.S., J.E.H., J.M.A.), Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health (F.H.B., J.M.A.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and Centre of Brain Research (M.D.), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development (A.B., F.H.B., K.L.C., M.D., M.H.O., D.M.S.), Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The impact of maternal synthetic glucocorticoid administration in late pregnancy on fetal and early neonatal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes regulatory genes is dependent upon dose and gestational age at exposure. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2015; 4:77-89. [PMID: 25080184 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174412000591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we determined the gene and/or protein expression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulatory molecules following synthetic glucocorticoid exposures. Pregnant sheep received intramuscular saline or betamethasone (BET) injections at 104 (BET-1), 104 and 111(BET-2) or 104, 111 and 118 (BET-3) days of gestation (dG). Samples were collected at numerous time-points between 75 dG and 12 weeks postnatal age. In the BET-3 treatment group, fetal plasma cortisol levels were lower at 145 dG than controls and gestational length was lengthened significantly. The cortisol:adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ratio in fetal plasma of control and BET-3 fetuses rose significantly between132 and 145 dG, and remained elevated in lambs at 6 and 12 weeks of age; this rise was truncated at day 145 in fetuses of BET-3 treated mothers. After BET treatment, fetal and postnatal pituitary proopiomelanocortin mRNA levels were reduced from 109 dG to 12 weeks postnatal age; pituitary prohormone convertase 1 and 2 mRNA levels were reduced at 145 dG and postnatally; hypothalamic arginine vasopressin mRNA levels were lowered at all time-points, but corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA levels were reduced only in postnatal lambs. Maternal BET increased late fetal and/or postnatal adrenal mRNA levels of ACTH receptor and 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase but decreased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and P450 17-α hydroxylase. The altered mRNA levels of key HPA axis regulatory proteins after maternal BET injections suggests processes that may subserve long-term changes in HPA activity in later life after prenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids.
Collapse
|
11
|
Er H, Acar N, Kipmen-Korgun D, Celik-Ozenci C, Ustunel I, Asar M, Korgun ET. Determination of PCNA, cyclin D3, p27, p57 and apoptosis rate in normal and dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restricted rat placentas. Acta Histochem 2015; 117:137-47. [PMID: 25596037 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major clinical problem, which causes perinatal morbidity and mortality. One of the reasons for IUGR is abnormal placentation. In rats, fetal-placental exposure to maternally administered glucocorticoids decreases birth weight and placental weight. Proper placental development depends on the proliferation and differentiation of trophoblasts. Our knowledge about the mitotic regulators that play key roles in synchronizing these events is limited. Also the mechanisms underlying the placental growth inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalization, mRNA and protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D3, p27 and p57 in normal and dexamethasone-induced IUGR Wistar rat placentas by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot. We also compared apoptotic cell numbers at the light microscopic level via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy. Glucocorticoid levels were higher in IUGR rats than in control rats after 60 and 120min of injection. We showed reduced gene and protein expressions of PCNA and cyclin D3 and increased expressions of p27 and p57 in IUGR placentas compared to control placentas. Apoptotic cell number was higher in the placentas of the IUGR group. In brief we found that maternal dexamethasone treatment led to a shift from cell proliferation to apoptosis in IUGR placentas. Dexamethasone induced placental and embryonal abnormalities which could be associated with reduced expressions of PCNA and cyclin D3, increased expressions of p27 and p57 and increased rate of apoptosis in IUGR placentas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Er
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey; Department of Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Nuray Acar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Dijle Kipmen-Korgun
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ustunel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mevlut Asar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - Emin Turkay Korgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Since their introduction more than forty years ago, antenatal glucocorticoids have become a cornerstone in the management of preterm birth and have been responsible for substantial reductions in neonatal mortality and morbidity. Clinical trials conducted over the past decade have shown that these benefits may be increased further through administration of repeat doses of antenatal glucocorticoids in women at ongoing risk of preterm and in those undergoing elective cesarean at term. At the same time, a growing body of experimental animal evidence and observational data in humans has linked fetal overexposure to maternal glucocorticoids with increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic and other disorders in later life. Despite these concerns, and somewhat surprisingly, there has been little evidence to date from randomized trials of longer-term harm from clinical doses of synthetic glucocorticoids. However, with wider clinical application of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy there has been greater need to consider the potential for later adverse effects. This paper reviews current evidence for the short- and long-term health effects of antenatal glucocorticoids and discusses the apparent discrepancy between data from randomized clinical trials and other studies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Baumann MU, Schneider H, Malek A, Palta V, Surbek DV, Sager R, Zamudio S, Illsley NP. Regulation of human trophoblast GLUT1 glucose transporter by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). PLoS One 2014; 9:e106037. [PMID: 25157747 PMCID: PMC4144961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose transport to the fetus across the placenta takes place via glucose transporters in the opposing faces of the barrier layer, the microvillous and basal membranes of the syncytiotrophoblast. While basal membrane content of the GLUT1 glucose transporter appears to be the rate-limiting step in transplacental transport, the factors regulating transporter expression and activity are largely unknown. In view of the many studies showing an association between IGF-I and fetal growth, we investigated the effects of IGF-I on placental glucose transport and GLUT1 transporter expression. Treatment of BeWo choriocarcinoma cells with IGF-I increased cellular GLUT1 protein. There was increased basolateral (but not microvillous) uptake of glucose and increased transepithelial transport of glucose across the BeWo monolayer. Primary syncytial cells treated with IGF-I also demonstrated an increase in GLUT1 protein. Term placental explants treated with IGF-I showed an increase in syncytial basal membrane GLUT1 but microvillous membrane GLUT1 was not affected. The placental dual perfusion model was used to assess the effects of fetally perfused IGF-I on transplacental glucose transport and syncytial GLUT1 content. In control perfusions there was a decrease in transplacental glucose transport over the course of the perfusion, whereas in tissues perfused with IGF-I through the fetal circulation there was no change. Syncytial basal membranes from IGF-I perfused tissues showed an increase in GLUT1 content. These results demonstrate that IGF-I, whether acting via microvillous or basal membrane receptors, increases the basal membrane content of GLUT1 and up-regulates basal membrane transport of glucose, leading to increased transepithelial glucose transport. These observations provide a partial explanation for the mechanism by which IGF-I controls nutrient supply in the regulation of fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc U. Baumann
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Henning Schneider
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Malek
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Vidya Palta
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Daniel V. Surbek
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Sager
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Stacy Zamudio
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Nicholas P. Illsley
- Center for Abnormal Placentation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Braun T, Meng W, Shang H, Li S, Sloboda DM, Ehrlich L, Lange K, Xu H, Henrich W, Dudenhausen JW, Plagemann A, Newnham JP, Challis JRG. Early dexamethasone treatment induces placental apoptosis in sheep. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:47-59. [PMID: 25063551 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114542028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid treatment given in late pregnancy in sheep resulted in altered placental development and function. An imbalance of placental survival and apoptotic factors resulting in an increased rate of apoptosis may be involved. We have now investigated the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) in early pregnancy on binucleate cells (BNCs), placental apoptosis, and fetal sex as a determinant of these responses. Pregnant ewes carrying singleton fetuses (n = 105) were randomized to control (n = 56, 2 mL saline/ewe) or DEX treatment (n = 49, intramuscular injections of 0.14 mg/kg ewe weight per 12 hours over 48 hours) at 40 to 41 days of gestation (dG). Placentomes were collected at 50, 100, 125, and 140 dG. At 100 dG, DEX in females reduced BNC numbers, placental antiapoptotic (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), and increased proapoptotic factors (Bax, p53), associated with a temporarily decrease in fetal growth. At 125 dG, BNC numbers and apoptotic markers were restored to normal. In males, ovine placental lactogen-protein levels after DEX were increased at 50 dG, but at 100 and 140 dG significantly decreased compared to controls. In contrast to females, these changes were independent of altered BNC numbers or apoptotic markers. Early DEX was associated with sex-specific, transient alterations in BNC numbers, which may contribute to changes in placental and fetal development. Furthermore, in females, altered placental apoptosis markers may be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Braun
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenbin Meng
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hongkai Shang
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaofu Li
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah M Sloboda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Loreen Ehrlich
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karolin Lange
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Huaisheng Xu
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Lanshan, China
| | - Wolfgang Henrich
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim W Dudenhausen
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Plagemann
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics, Study Group Perinatal Programming, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - John P Newnham
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John R G Challis
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia Department of Physiology Obstetrics and Gynecology, at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Fetal development is a critical period for shaping the lifelong health of an individual. However, the fetus is susceptible to internal and external stimuli that can lead to adverse long-term health consequences. Glucocorticoids are an important developmental switch, driving changes in gene regulation that are necessary for normal growth and maturation. The fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is particularly susceptible to long-term programming by glucocorticoids; these effects can persist throughout the life of an organism. Dysfunction of the HPA axis as a result of fetal programming has been associated with impaired brain growth, altered behaviour and increased susceptibility to chronic disease (such as metabolic and cardiovascular disease). Moreover, the effects of glucocorticoid-mediated programming are evident in subsequent generations, and transmission of these changes can occur through both maternal and paternal lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasilis G Moisiadis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Braun T, Challis JR, Newnham JP, Sloboda DM. Early-life glucocorticoid exposure: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, placental function, and long-term disease risk. Endocr Rev 2013; 34:885-916. [PMID: 23970762 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
An adverse early-life environment is associated with long-term disease consequences. Adversity early in life is hypothesized to elicit developmental adaptations that serve to improve fetal and postnatal survival and prepare the organism for a particular range of postnatal environments. These processes, although adaptive in their nature, may later prove to be maladaptive or disadvantageous if the prenatal and postnatal environments are widely discrepant. The exposure of the fetus to elevated levels of either endogenous or synthetic glucocorticoids is one model of early-life adversity that contributes substantially to the propensity of developing disease. Moreover, early-life glucocorticoid exposure has direct clinical relevance because synthetic glucocorticoids are routinely used in the management of women at risk of early preterm birth. In this regard, reports of adverse events in human newborns have raised concerns about the safety of glucocorticoid treatment; synthetic glucocorticoids have detrimental effects on fetal growth and development, childhood cognition, and long-term behavioral outcomes. Experimental evidence supports a link between prenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids and alterations in fetal development and changes in placental function, and many of these alterations appear to be permanent. Because the placenta is the conduit between the maternal and fetal environments, it is likely that placental function plays a key role in mediating effects of fetal glucocorticoid exposure on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis development and long-term disease risk. Here we review recent insights into how the placenta responds to changes in the intrauterine glucocorticoid environment and discuss possible mechanisms by which the placenta mediates fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal development, metabolism, cardiovascular function, and reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 4H30A, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xie L, Antonow-Schlorke I, Schwab M, McDonald TJ, Nathanielsz PW, Li C. The frontal cortex IGF system is down regulated in the term, intrauterine growth restricted fetal baboon. Growth Horm IGF Res 2013; 23:187-192. [PMID: 23911858 PMCID: PMC3919499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The IGF system exerts systemic and local actions during development. We previously demonstrated that fetal cerebral cortical IGF1 is reduced at 0.5 gestation in our IUGR baboon nonhuman primate model. We hypothesized that by term protein expression of several key IGF system stimulatory peptide pathway components and downstream nutrient signaling effectors of IGF, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6, would decrease, indicating reduced cellular nutrient uptake and protein synthesis. DESIGN We fed 7 control baboons ad libitum while 6 baboons ate a globally reduced diet (70% of feed eaten by controls) from 0.16 gestation through pregnancy that produces IUGR. Fetuses were removed at Cesarean section at 0.9 gestation. Frontal cortex sections were stained for IGFI, IGFII, IGFRI, IGFR2, IGFBP2, 3, 5 and 6, and mTOR and ribosomal protein S6 and double stained with NeuN a neuron-specific nuclear antigen. RESULTS All proteins stained neuronal cytoplasm except IGFRI which showed only glial cell cytoplasmic and blood vessel staining. IUGR fetuses showed decreased frontal cortical immunoreactive IGFI, IGFII, IGFRI, IGFBP2, 5 and 6, and mTOR and S6 (p < 0.05). IGFBP3 increased (p < 0.05) and IGFR2 was unchanged (p > 0.05). There were no differences between male and female fetal brains. CONCLUSIONS When fetal nutrient availability is decreased, IUGR down regulates the IGF system and its mTOR signaling pathway in the fetal frontal cortex coincident with slowed growth. These findings emphasize the importance of the local tissue IGF system in fetal primate brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Xie
- The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Dept. OB/GYN, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Braun T, Husar A, Challis J, Dudenhausen J, Henrich W, Plagemann A, Sloboda D. Growth restricting effects of a single course of antenatal betamethasone treatment and the role of human placental lactogen. Placenta 2013; 34:407-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
19
|
Effects of glucocorticoid treatment given in early or late gestation on growth and development in sheep. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2013; 4:146-56. [DOI: 10.1017/s204017441200075x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids are used to augment fetal lung maturity in human pregnancy. Dexamethasone (DEX) is also used to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia of the fetus in early pregnancy. We previously reported effects of synthetic corticosteroids given to sheep in early or late gestation on pregnancy length and fetal cortisol levels and glucocorticoids alter plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) concentrations in late pregnancy and reduce fetal weight. The effects of administering DEX in early pregnancy on fetal organ weights and betamethasone (BET) given in late gestation on weights of fetal brain regions or organ development have not been reported. We hypothesized that BET or DEX administration at either stage of pregnancy would have deleterious effects on fetal development and associated hormones. In early pregnancy, DEX was administered as four injections at 12-hourly intervals over 48 h commencing at 40–42 days of gestation (dG). There was no consistent effect on fetal weight, or individual fetal organ weights, except in females at 7 months postnatal age. When BET was administered at 104, 111 and 118 dG, the previously reported reduction in total fetal weight was associated with significant reductions in weights of fetal brain, cerebellum, heart, kidney and liver. Fetal plasma insulin, leptin and triiodothyronine were also reduced at different times in fetal and postnatal life. We conclude that at the amounts given, the sheep fetus is sensitive to maternal administration of synthetic glucocorticoid in late gestation, with effects on growth and metabolic hormones that may persist into postnatal life.
Collapse
|
20
|
Jellyman JK, Martin-Gronert MS, Cripps RL, Giussani DA, Ozanne SE, Shen QW, Du M, Fowden AL, Forhead AJ. Effects of cortisol and dexamethasone on insulin signalling pathways in skeletal muscle of the ovine fetus during late gestation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52363. [PMID: 23300651 PMCID: PMC3530600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Before birth, glucocorticoids retard growth, although the extent to which this is mediated by changes in insulin signalling pathways in the skeletal muscle of the fetus is unknown. The current study determined the effects of endogenous and synthetic glucocorticoid exposure on insulin signalling proteins in skeletal muscle of fetal sheep during late gestation. Experimental manipulation of fetal plasma glucocorticoid concentration was achieved by fetal cortisol infusion and maternal dexamethasone treatment. Cortisol infusion significantly increased muscle protein levels of Akt2 and phosphorylated Akt at Ser473, and decreased protein levels of phosphorylated forms of mTOR at Ser2448 and S6K at Thr389. Muscle GLUT4 protein expression was significantly higher in fetuses whose mothers were treated with dexamethasone compared to those treated with saline. There were no significant effects of glucocorticoid exposure on muscle protein abundance of IR-β, IGF-1R, PKCζ, Akt1, calpastatin or muscle glycogen content. The present study demonstrated that components of the insulin signalling pathway in skeletal muscle of the ovine fetus are influenced differentially by naturally occurring and synthetic glucocorticoids. These findings may provide a mechanism by which elevated concentrations of endogenous glucocorticoids retard fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanita K. Jellyman
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata S. Martin-Gronert
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roselle L. Cripps
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Qingwu W. Shen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, United States of America
| | - Min Du
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, United States of America
| | - Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jensen EC, Bennet L, Wood C, Vickers M, Breier B, Gunn AJ, Keller-Wood M. Loss of the pregnancy-induced rise in cortisol concentrations in the ewe impairs the fetal insulin-like growth factor axis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:665-72. [PMID: 21635815 DOI: 10.1071/rd10317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal cortisol levels increase during pregnancy. Although this change is important for optimal fetal growth, the mechanisms of the changes in growth remain unclear. The hypothesis examined was that alterations in maternal plasma cortisol concentrations are associated with changes in the fetal insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. Pregnant ewes in late gestation (115 ± 0.4 days) were studied: six control animals, five ewes given 1 mg kg(-1) day(-1) cortisol (high cortisol) and five adrenalectomised ewes given 0.5-0.6 mg kg(-1) day(-1) cortisol (low cortisol). Blood samples were taken throughout the experiment and at necropsy (130 ± 0.2 days) and fetal liver was frozen for mRNA analysis. Fetal IGF-I and insulin plasma concentrations were lower and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) concentrations were higher in the low cortisol group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Fetal liver IGF-II and IGFBP-3 mRNA were decreased in low cortisol animals compared with controls (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in these parameters in the high cortisol group, and there were no changes in fetal liver IGF-I, growth hormone receptor, IGF-I receptor, IGF-II receptor, IGFBP-1 or IGFBP-2 mRNA levels between the groups. These data suggest that reduced fetal IGF availability contributes to reduced fetal growth when maternal cortisol secretion is impaired, but not during exposure to moderate increases in cortisol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C Jensen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kiataramkul C, Wake GC, Ben-Tal A, Lenbury Y. Optimal nutritional intake for fetal growth. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2011; 8:723-732. [PMID: 21675807 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2011.8.723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The regular nutritional intake of an expectant mother clearly affects the weight development of the fetus. Assuming the growth of the fetus follows a deterministic growth law, like a logistic equation, albeit dependent on the nutritional intake, the ideal solution is usually determined by the birth-weight being pre-assigned, for example, as a percentage of the mother's average weight. This problem can then be specified as an optimal control problem with the daily intake as the control, which appears in a Michaelis-Menten relationship, for which there are well-developed procedures to follow. The best solution is determined by requiring minimum total intake under which the preassigned birth weight is reached. The algorithm has been generalized to the case where the fetal weight depends in a detailed way on the cumulative intake, suitably discounted according to the history. The optimality system is derived and then solved numerically using an iterative method for the specific values of parameter. The procedure is generic and can be adapted to any growth law and any parameterisation obtained by the detailed physiology.
Collapse
|
23
|
Cooley SM, Donnelly JC, Collins C, Geary MP, Rodeck CH, Hindmarsh PC. The relationship between maternal insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1, IGF-2) and IGFBP-3 to gestational age and preterm delivery. J Perinat Med 2010; 38:255-9. [PMID: 20121533 DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2010.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the relationship between levels of insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1, IGF-2), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in antenatal maternal serum and gestational age at delivery. METHODS Prospective cohort study of 1650 low-risk Caucasian women in a London University teaching hospital. Maternal IGF-1, IGF-2 and IGFBP-3 were measured in maternal blood at booking and analyzed with respect to gestational age at delivery. RESULTS There was no significant association between maternal IGF-1 or IGF-2 and preterm birth (PTB). A significant reduction in mean IGFBP-3 levels was noted with delivery <32 completed weeks (P=0.02). CONCLUSION Maternal mean IGFBP-3 levels are significantly reduced in cases complicated by delivery <32 completed weeks.
Collapse
|
24
|
Schlabritz-Loutsevitch NE, Lopez-Alvarenga JC, Comuzzie AG, Miller MM, Ford SP, Li C, Hubbard GB, Ferry RJ, Nathanielsz PW. The prolonged effect of repeated maternal glucocorticoid exposure on the maternal and fetal leptin/insulin-like growth factor axis in Papio species. Reprod Sci 2009; 16:308-19. [PMID: 19087979 PMCID: PMC2801412 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108325755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal obesity represents a risk factor for pregnancy-related complications. Glucocorticoids are known to promote obesity in adults. METHODS We evaluated maternal and fetal metabolic changes during and after 3 weekly courses of betamethasone administered to pregnant baboons (Papio subspecies) at doses equivalent to those given to pregnant women. RESULTS Betamethasone administration during the second half of pregnancy increased maternal weight but neither maternal food intake nor fetal weight, as assessed at the end of gestation. Betamethasone increased maternal serum glucose concentration, the ratio of insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, and serum leptin during treatment (normalized by 17, 35, and 45 days posttreatment, respectively, for each parameter). Maternal and fetal serum leptin concentrations did not differ between groups at the end of gestation. CONCLUSION Prolonged maternal hyperleptinemia caused by betamethasone administration in the second half of gestation did not change fetal metabolic parameters measured and placental leptin distribution at the end of gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia E. Schlabritz-Loutsevitch
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Anthony G. Comuzzie
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Myrna M. Miller
- Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Stephen P. Ford
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Cun Li
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Gene B. Hubbard
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Robert J. Ferry
- Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas
| |
Collapse
|