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Follistatin dysregulation impaired trophoblast biological functions by GDF11-Smad2/3 axis in preeclampsia placentas. Placenta 2022; 121:145-154. [PMID: 35339026 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the main causes of maternal, fetal, and neonatal mortality. So far, the underlying mechanism of this pregnancy-specific syndrome remains unelucidated. The expression of Follistatin (FST) decreased in maternal serum (especially early onset severe PE) and placental trophoblasts of PE patients. However, whether FST-deficiency in preeclamptic placentas alters trophoblast function remains to be determined. METHODS Trophoblast cell lines were cultured in vitro and LV3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to silence FST. Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) expression level in placentas and serum were detected by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay, respectively. To verify the effect of reduced FST expression on trophoblasts, microRNA-24-3p, which was predicted to target the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of FST, was screened out, and miR-24-3p mimic, inhibitor was used to regulate FST expression in trophoblasts. RESULTS Downregulation of FST significantly enhanced the apoptosis and impaired migration and invasion of trophoblast. Reduced FST caused the upregulation of GDF11 in trophoblasts. Interestingly, GDF11 reduced in preeclamptic placental microvascular endothelial cells. Dysregulation of FST-GDF11-Smad2/3 signaling pathway, leading to increased apoptosis of trophoblast. Expression levels of miR-24-3p, was significantly elevated in preeclamptic placentas. Trophoblast cells transfected with miR-24-3p mimics displayed impaired migration and invasion and increased apoptosis. Treated by miR-24-3p inhibitor, trophoblast cells exhibited rescued function. DISCUSSION FST-deficiency impaired trophoblast function by upregulating GDF11 levels in trophoblasts. The regulation of FST-GDF11-Smad2/3 axis by microRNAs mimic or inhibitor may be critical to trophoblast function regulation and helps to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanism of PE.
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Li Y, Yan J, Chang HM, Chen ZJ, Leung PCK. Roles of TGF-β Superfamily Proteins in Extravillous Trophoblast Invasion. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:170-189. [PMID: 33478870 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Following embryo implantation, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the maternal decidua to a certain extent during early pregnancy, which is critical for normal placentation and successful pregnancy in humans. Although sharing a similar protein structure, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members exert divergent functions in regulating EVT invasion, which contributes to a relative balance of TGF-β superfamily proteins in precisely modulating this process at the maternal-fetal interface during the first trimester of pregnancy. This review details recent advances in our understanding of the functions of TGF-β superfamily members and their corresponding receptors, signaling pathways, and downstream molecular targets in regulating human EVT invasion from studies using various in vitro or ex vivo experimental models. Also, the relevance of these discoveries about TGF-β superfamily members to adverse pregnancy outcomes is summarized. The application of 3D culture trophoblast organoids, single-cell sequencing, and microfluidic assays in EVT invasion studies will help better reveal the molecular mechanisms through which TGF-β superfamily members regulate human EVT invasion, shedding light on the development of innovative strategies for predicting, diagnosing, treating, and preventing adverse human pregnancy outcomes related to EVT invasion dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200000, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200000, China.
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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Hussein RS, Elnashar I, Amin AF, Abou-Taleb HA, Abbas AM, Abdelmageed AM, Farghaly T, Zhao Y. Revisiting debates of premature luteinization and its effect on assisted reproductive technology outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2195-2206. [PMID: 31650455 PMCID: PMC6885458 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of the prematurely elevated serum progesterone on the late follicular phase, commonly known as premature luteinization (PL), is a matter of continuing debate. Available evidence supports that serum progesterone ≥ 1.5 ng/ml on the day of ovulation triggering could reduce the pregnancy potential in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles by jeopardizing endometrial receptivity. Causes of PL during ovarian stimulation are unclear. Recent studies point toward the daily follicle-stimulating hormone dosage, duration of controlled ovarian stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, and peak estradiol level as factors affecting the incidence of PL. Emerging data show additional influence on embryo quality. The prevention of PL has been challenging. The key elements in preventing PL include individualization of ovarian stimulation according to patient's ovarian reserve, proper ovulation trigger timing, and use of medications such as corticosteroids and metformin. Embryo cryopreservation with deferred embryo transfer is the established strategy to overcome PL, yet it is an extra burden to the IVF laboratory and increased cost for patients. Herein, we review the up-to-date knowledge of this frequent IVF problem including causes, proposed diagnostic criteria, and its impact on endometrial receptivity, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes. The preventive measures and rescue strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda S Hussein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ihab Elnashar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Amin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hisham A Abou-Taleb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Abbas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
- Women Health Hospital, Assiut, 71511, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M Abdelmageed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Tarek Farghaly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Yong HE, Murthi P, Wong MH, Kalionis B, Cartwright JE, Brennecke SP, Keogh RJ. Effects of normal and high circulating concentrations of activin A on vascular endothelial cell functions and vasoactive factor production. Pregnancy Hypertens 2015; 5:346-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Basualto-Alarcón C, Varela D, Duran J, Maass R, Estrada M. Sarcopenia and Androgens: A Link between Pathology and Treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:217. [PMID: 25566189 PMCID: PMC4270249 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is becoming more prevalent as the lifespan continues to increase in most populations. As sarcopenia is highly disabling, being associated with increased risk of dependence, falls, fractures, weakness, disability, and death, development of approaches to its prevention and treatment are required. Androgens are the main physiologic anabolic steroid hormones and normal testosterone levels are necessary for a range of developmental and biological processes, including maintenance of muscle mass. Testosterone concentrations decline as age increase, suggesting that low plasma testosterone levels can cause or accelerate muscle- and age-related diseases, as sarcopenia. Currently, there is increasing interest on the anabolic properties of testosterone for therapeutic use in muscle diseases including sarcopenia. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this muscle syndrome and its relationship with plasma level of androgens are not completely understood. This review discusses the recent findings regarding sarcopenia, the intrinsic, and extrinsic mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of this disease and the treatment approaches that have been developed based on testosterone deficiency and their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Basualto-Alarcón
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Varela
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Duran
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Maass
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Morfofunción, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Estrada
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Manuel Estrada, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8389100, Chile e-mail:
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Douglas GC, VandeVoort CA, Kumar P, Chang TC, Golos TG. Trophoblast stem cells: models for investigating trophectoderm differentiation and placental development. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:228-40. [PMID: 19299251 PMCID: PMC2726840 DOI: 10.1210/er.2009-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is an ephemeral organ containing diverse populations of trophoblasts that are all derived from the embryonic trophectoderm but have morphological, functional, and molecular diversity within and across species. In hemochorial placentation, these cells play especially important roles, interfacing with and modifying the cells of the maternal decidua. Within the rapidly growing placenta, it has been shown that there are trophoblast stem cells well characterized in the mouse and postulated but not well understood in primates. This review will discuss the characteristics of candidates for human and nonhuman primate trophoblast stem cells, present the diverse methods of their generation, and propose future prospects for experimental systems in which they can shed light on developmental and pathophysiological processes in human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon C Douglas
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, Wisconsin 53715-1299, USA
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Coutts SM, Childs AJ, Fulton N, Collins C, Bayne RAL, McNeilly AS, Anderson RA. Activin signals via SMAD2/3 between germ and somatic cells in the human fetal ovary and regulates kit ligand expression. Dev Biol 2007; 314:189-99. [PMID: 18166170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2007] [Revised: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian germ cell survival is dependent upon the formation of primordial follicles, which occurs during fetal life in the human. Activin contributes to germ cell proliferation and survival at this time. SMADs2 and 3 are central elements in the activin signalling pathway and thus indicate sites of activin action. We have investigated the expression and localisation of SMADs2 and 3 in the fetal ovary between 14 and 20 weeks gestation, i.e. preceding and during primordial follicle formation. SMAD3 mRNA expression increased 1.9 fold (P=0.02). SMAD2 and 3 proteins were localised by immunofluorescence to the nuclei of three distinct populations of somatic cells: (a) stromal cells between clusters of germ cells; (b) some somatic cells intermingled with activin beta A-expressing germ cells; (c) pre-granulosa cells surrounding primordial follicles. Germ cells did not express SMAD2 or 3. Activin A increased and follistatin decreased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 in vitro, and activin increased SMAD2 and decreased KITLG mRNA expression. It therefore appears that somatic cells are the targets for activin signalling in the developing ovary. The effects of activin on germ cells are indirect and include mediation by the kit ligand/c-Kit pathway, rather than being an autocrine germ cell effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiona M Coutts
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
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