1
|
Deer LK, Su C, Thwaites NA, Davis EP, Doom JR. A framework for testing pathways from prenatal stress-responsive hormones to cardiovascular disease risk. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1111474. [PMID: 37223037 PMCID: PMC10200937 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1111474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, with the prevalence projected to keep rising. Risk factors for adult CVD emerge at least as early as the prenatal period. Alterations in stress-responsive hormones in the prenatal period are hypothesized to contribute to CVD in adulthood, but little is known about relations between prenatal stress-responsive hormones and early precursors of CVD, such as cardiometabolic risk and health behaviors. The current review presents a theoretical model of the relation between prenatal stress-responsive hormones and adult CVD through cardiometabolic risk markers (e.g., rapid catch-up growth, high BMI/adiposity, high blood pressure, and altered blood glucose, lipids, and metabolic hormones) and health behaviors (e.g., substance use, poor sleep, poor diet and eating behaviors, and low physical activity levels). Emerging evidence in human and non-human animal literatures suggest that altered stress-responsive hormones during gestation predict higher cardiometabolic risk and poorer health behaviors in offspring. This review additionally highlights limitations of the current literature (e.g., lack of racial/ethnic diversity, lack of examination of sex differences), and discusses future directions for this promising area of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LillyBelle K. Deer
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Chen Su
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | | | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jenalee R. Doom
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fowden AL, Vaughan OR, Murray AJ, Forhead AJ. Metabolic Consequences of Glucocorticoid Exposure before Birth. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112304. [PMID: 35684104 PMCID: PMC9182938 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic processes to support fetal growth, fuel storage and energy production with respect to nutrient availability. More specifically, they regulate the transport, utilization and production of a range of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues that enables greater metabolic flexibility in utero while minimizing any further drain on maternal resources during periods of stress. Near term, the natural rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations also stimulates key metabolic adaptations that prepare tissues for the new energy demanding functions after birth. Glucocorticoids, therefore, have a central role in the metabolic communication between the mother, placenta and fetus that optimizes offspring metabolic phenotype for survival to reproductive age. This review discusses the effects of maternal and fetal glucocorticoids on the supply and utilization of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues with particular emphasis on studies using quantitative methods to assess metabolism in rodents and sheep in vivo during late pregnancy. It considers the routes of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, including experimental administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, and the mechanisms by which these hormones control feto-placental metabolism at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. It also briefly examines the consequences of intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure for postnatal metabolic health and the generational inheritance of metabolic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen R. Vaughan
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Effect of Preterm Birth on Cardiac and Cardiomyocyte Growth and the Consequences of Antenatal and Postnatal Glucocorticoid Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173896. [PMID: 34501343 PMCID: PMC8432182 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth coincides with a key developmental window of cardiac growth and maturation, and thus has the potential to influence long-term cardiac function. Individuals born preterm have structural cardiac remodelling and altered cardiac growth and function by early adulthood. The evidence linking preterm birth and cardiovascular disease in later life is mounting. Advances in the perinatal care of preterm infants, such as glucocorticoid therapy, have improved survival rates, but at what cost? This review highlights the short-term and long-term impact of preterm birth on the structure and function of the heart and focuses on the impact of antenatal and postnatal glucocorticoid treatment on the immature preterm heart.
Collapse
|
4
|
Nathanielsz PW, Huber HF, Li C, Clarke GD, Kuo AH, Zambrano E. The nonhuman primate hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis is an orchestrator of programming-aging interactions: role of nutrition. Nutr Rev 2020; 78:48-61. [PMID: 33196092 PMCID: PMC7667468 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental programming alters life-course multi-organ function and significantly affects life-course health. Recently, interest has developed in how programming may influence the rate of aging. This review describes interactions of nutrition and programming-aging interactions in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) development and function from fetal development to old age. A full picture of these interactions requires data on levels of HPA activity relating to the hypothalamic, adrenal cortical, circulating blood, and peripheral cortisol metabolism. Data are provided from studies on our baboon, nonhuman primate model both across the normal life course and in offspring of maternal baboons who were moderately undernourished by a global 30% diet reduction during pregnancy and lactation. Sex differences in offspring outcomes in response to similar challenges are described. The data clearly show programming of increased HPA axis activity by moderate maternal undernutrition. Increased postnatal circulating cortisol concentrations are related to accelerated aging of the brain and cardiovascular systems. Future studies should address peripheral cortisol production and the influence of aging advantage in females. These data support the view that the HPA is an orchestrator of interactions of programming-aging mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Nathanielsz
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-course Health Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hillary F Huber
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-course Health Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Cun Li
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-course Health Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Clarke
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Anderson H Kuo
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elena Zambrano
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cuzziol Boccioni AP, Peltzer PM, Martinuzzi CS, Attademo AM, León EJ, Lajmanovich RC. Morphological and histological abnormalities of the neotropical toad, Rhinella arenarum (Anura: Bufonidae) larvae exposed to dexamethasone. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2020; 56:41-53. [PMID: 33112724 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2020.1832410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is a glucocorticoid highly effective as an anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant and decongestant drug. In the present study, a preliminary acute toxicity test was assayed in order to determinate DEX median-lethal, lowest-observed-effect and the no-observed-effect concentrations (LC50, LOEC and NOEC, respectively) on the common toad embryos (Rhinella arenarum). Also, morphological and histological abnormalities from five body larval regions, liver melanomacrophages (MM) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were evaluated in the toad larvae to characterize the chronic sublethal effects of DEX (1-1,000 µg L-L). Results of the acute test showed that the LC50 of DEX at 96 h of exposure for the toad embryos (GS 18-20) was 10.720 mg L-g, and the LOEC was 1 µg L-g. In the chronic assay, the larval development and body length were significantly affected. DEX exposition also induced teratogenic effects. Most frequent external abnormalities observed in DEX-treated larvae included abdominal edema and swollen body, abnormal gut coiling and visceral congestion. Intestinal dysplasia was recurrent in cross-section of all DEX-treated larvae. Neural, conjunctive and renal epithelial cells were also affected. Significant increase in liver MM number and size, and GST activity levels were also registered in DEX treatments with respect to controls. The evaluation of a variety of biomarkers provided clear evidence of toad larvae sensitivity to DEX, and the ecotoxicological risk of these pharmaceuticals, commonly found in different water bodies worldwide on aquatic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Cuzziol Boccioni
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola M Peltzer
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Candela S Martinuzzi
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrés M Attademo
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Evelina J León
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rafael C Lajmanovich
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huber HF, Jenkins SL, Li C, Nathanielsz PW. Strength of nonhuman primate studies of developmental programming: review of sample sizes, challenges, and steps for future work. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 11:297-306. [PMID: 31566171 PMCID: PMC7103515 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonhuman primate (NHP) studies are crucial to biomedical research. NHPs are the species most similar to humans in lifespan, body size, and hormonal profiles. Planning research requires statistical power evaluation, which is difficult to perform when lacking directly relevant preliminary data. This is especially true for NHP developmental programming studies, which are scarce. We review the sample sizes reported, challenges, areas needing further work, and goals of NHP maternal nutritional programming studies. The literature search included 27 keywords, for example, maternal obesity, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal high-fat diet, and maternal nutrient reduction. Only fetal and postnatal offspring studies involving tissue collection or imaging were included. Twenty-eight studies investigated maternal over-nutrition and 33 under-nutrition; 23 involved macaques and 38 baboons. Analysis by sex was performed in 19; minimum group size ranged from 1 to 8 (mean 4.7 ± 0.52, median 4, mode 3) and maximum group size from 3 to 16 (8.3 ± 0.93, 8, 8). Sexes were pooled in 42 studies; minimum group size ranged from 2 to 16 (mean 5.3 ± 0.35, median 6, mode 6) and maximum group size from 4 to 26 (10.2 ± 0.92, 8, 8). A typical study with sex-based analyses had group size minimum 4 and maximum 8 per sex. Among studies with sexes pooled, minimum group size averaged 6 and maximum 8. All studies reported some significant differences between groups. Therefore, studies with group sizes 3-8 can detect significance between groups. To address deficiencies in the literature, goals include increasing age range, more frequently considering sex as a biological variable, expanding topics, replicating studies, exploring intergenerational effects, and examining interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hillary F. Huber
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Susan L. Jenkins
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Cun Li
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dosing and formulation of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation and gene expression in rhesus macaques. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9039. [PMID: 31227752 PMCID: PMC6588577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids (ANS) are the major intervention to decrease respiratory distress syndrome and mortality from premature birth and are standard of care. The use of ANS is expanding to include new indications and gestational ages, although the recommended dosing was never optimized. The most widely used treatment is two intramuscular doses of a 1:1 mixture of betamethasone-phosphate (Beta-P) and betamethasone-acetate (Beta-Ac) - the clinical drug. We tested in a primate model the efficacy of the slow release Beta-Ac alone for enhancing fetal lung maturation and to reduce fetal corticosteroid exposure and potential toxic effects. Pregnant rhesus macaques at 127 days of gestation (80% of term) were treated with either the clinical drug (0.25 mg/kg) or Beta-Ac (0.125 mg/kg). Beta-Ac alone increased lung compliance and surfactant concentration in the fetal lung equivalently to the clinical drug. By transcriptome analyses the early suppression of genes associated with immune responses and developmental pathways were less affected by Beta-Ac than the clinical drug. Promoter and regulatory analysis prediction identified differentially expressed genes targeted by the glucocorticoid receptor in the lung. At 5 days the clinical drug suppressed genes associated with neuronal development and differentiation in the fetal hippocampus compared to control, while low dose Beta-Ac alone did not. A low dose ANS treatment with Beta-Ac should be assessed for efficacy in human trials.
Collapse
|