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Chai Y, Wang H, Tang D, Wu Y, Sun Z, Zeng Y, Zhang B, Niu B, Dong X. Changes of serum cortisol during pregnancy and labor initiation: an onsite cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1379693. [PMID: 38808114 PMCID: PMC11130462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1379693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Increased maternal cortisol secretion has been observed during pregnancy and labor. However, due to the limitations in diagnostic methods, the dynamic change of cortisol during the short period between threatened labor and labor is unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the changes in serum cortisol during late pregnancy and full-term labor initiation, verifying if cortisol could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of labor initiation from threatened labor. Methods This cross-sectional onsite study involved 564 participants of 6 different gestational stages (C: Control; T1: Trimester 1; T3: Trimester 3; E: expectant; TL: threatened labor; L: labor), all patients in the E, TL, and L groups were at full term. The serum cortisol concentration was quantified with a point-of-care test (POCT), and the gestation, age, parity, and BMI of participants were documented. Morning serum cortisol was collected between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., except for the TL and L group women who were tested upon arrival or during latent labor. With cortisol levels or all five variables, L was distinguished from TL using machine learning algorithms. Results Significant elevation of cortisol concentration was observed between T1 and T3, or TL and L group (P< 0.001). Women belonging to the E and TL group showed similar gestation week and cortisol levels. Diagnosis of labor initiation using cortisol levels (cutoff = 21.46 μg/dL) yielded sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 86.50%, 88.60%, and 0.934. With additional variables, a higher specificity (89.29%) was achieved. The diagnostic accuracy of all methods ranged from 85.93% to 87.90%. Conclusion Serum cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of L form TL. The rapid onsite detection of serum cortisol with POCT could facilitate medical decision-making for admission and special treatments, either as an additional parameter or when other technical platforms are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Chai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Greater Bay Area International Institute for Innovation, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Daiyu Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhonghao Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuping Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Binmao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ben Niu
- Department of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Ling S, Dai Y, Weng R, Li Y, Wu W, Zhou Z, Zhong Z, Zheng Y. Epidemiologic and genetic associations of female reproductive disorders with depression or dysthymia: a Mendelian randomization study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5984. [PMID: 38472314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55993-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Observational studies have previously reported an association between depression and certain female reproductive disorders. However, the causal relationships between depression and different types of female reproductive disorders remain unclear in terms of direction and magnitude. We conducted a comprehensive investigation using a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis, incorporating publicly available GWAS summary statistics. Our aim was to establish a causal relationship between genetically predicted depression and the risk of various female reproductive pathological conditions, such as ovarian dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), ovarian cysts, abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding(AUB), endometriosis, leiomyoma of the uterus, female infertility, spontaneous abortion, eclampsia, pregnancy hypertension, gestational diabetes, excessive vomiting in pregnancy, cervical cancer, and uterine/endometrial cancer. We analyzed a substantial sample size, ranging from 111,831 to 210,870 individuals, and employed robust statistical methods, including inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO, to estimate causal effects. Sensitivity analyses, such as Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plots, were also conducted to ensure the validity of our results. Furthermore, risk factor analyses were performed to investigate potential mediators associated with these observed relationships. Our results demonstrated that genetic predisposition to depression or dysthymia was associated with an increased risk of developing PCOS (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.28-1.59; P = 6.66 × 10-11), ovarian cysts (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.20-1.55; P = 1.57 × 10-6), AUB (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.20-1.66; P = 3.01 × 10-5), and endometriosis (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.27-1.70; P = 2.21 × 10-7) after Bonferroni correction, but no evidence for reverse causality. Our study did not find any evidence supporting a causal or reverse causal relationship between depression/dysthymia and other types of female reproductive disorders. In summary, our study provides evidence for a causal relationship between genetically predicted depression and specific types of female reproductive disorders. Our findings emphasize the importance of depression management in the prevention and treatment of female reproductive disorders, notably including PCOS, ovarian cysts, AUB, and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Ling
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqing Dai
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruoxin Weng
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenbo Wu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziqiong Zhou
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhisheng Zhong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuehui Zheng
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
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Gumusoglu SB. The role of the placenta-brain axis in psychoneuroimmune programming. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100735. [PMID: 38420039 PMCID: PMC10900837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposures have enduring impacts on brain and neuroimmune development and function. Perturbations of pregnancy leading to placental structure/function deficits, cell stress, immune activation, and endocrine changes (metabolic, growth factors, etc.) all increase neuropsychiatric risk in offspring. The existing literature links obstetric diseases with placental involvement to offspring neuroimmune outcomes and neurodevelopmental risk. Psychoneuroimmune outcomes in offspring brain include changes to microglia, cytokine/chemokine production, cell stress, and long-term immunoreactivity. These outcomes are altered by structural, anti-angiogenic/hypoxic, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases of the placenta. This fetal programming occurs via direct placental passage or production of factors which can act directly on fetal brain substrates, or indirectly via action of circulating factors on intermediates in the placenta. Placental neuroendocrine, vascular/angiogenic, immune, and extracellular vesicular mechanisms are detailed. These mechanisms interact within various placental and pregnancy conditions. An increased understanding of the placental origins of psychoneuroimmunology will yield dividends for human health. Identifying maternal and placental biomarkers for fetal neuroimmune health may also revolutionize early diagnosis and precision psychiatry, empowering patients to make the best healthcare decisions for their families. Targeting placental mechanisms may be a valuable approach for the prevention and mitigation of intergenerational, lifelong neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena B. Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. Iowa City, IA, 52327, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Mei Q, Chen X, Liu L, Xiao G. An investigation into the correlation between early-to-mid pregnancy exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and anxiety levels and quality of life in patients. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:381-388. [PMID: 38164826 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and quality of life in pregnant women. METHODS This study adopted a prospective randomized controlled trial design, and divided 60 pregnant women in the first and second trimesters into two groups. The control group received routine prenatal education, and the experimental group added moderate exercise and CBT on the basis of routine prenatal education. All participants completed the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) at the start of the study (baseline) and at 6 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS Baseline data, scores on HARS, and scores on WHOQOL-BREF were found to be consistent among the two groups of patients prior to the intervention (all P > 0.05). Following the intervention, the implementation of exercise combined with CBT resulted in significant improvements in anxiety levels within the experimental group, particularly with respect to aspects such as anxious mood, tension, insomnia, cognitive function, cardiovascular symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms (all P < 0.05). Similarly, the combination of exercise and CBT led to significant enhancement in the quality of life in the experimental group, particularly in areas such as physical health, psychological health, and environmental factors (all P < 0.05). Nevertheless, no significant disparities were observed between the two groups in terms of fears, depressive mood, muscular and sensory somatic symptoms, respiratory symptoms, genitourinary symptoms, autonomic symptoms, behavior during the interview, and social relationships (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Exercise combined with CBT can effectively reduce the anxiety of pregnant women and improve their quality of life, which has important clinical significance for improving the mental health and quality of life of pregnant women in the first and second trimesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Mei
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lifang Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Guilan Xiao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Basavaraj C, Grant AD, Aras SG, Erickson EN. Deep Learning Model Using Continuous Skin Temperature Data Predicts Labor Onset. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.25.24303344. [PMID: 38464102 PMCID: PMC10925356 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.25.24303344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Changes in body temperature anticipate labor onset in numerous mammals, yet this concept has not been explored in humans. Methods We evaluated patterns in continuous skin temperature data in 91 pregnant women using a wearable smart ring. Additionally, we collected daily steroid hormone samples leading up to labor in a subset of 28 pregnancies and analyzed relationships among hormones and body temperature trajectory. Finally, we developed a novel autoencoder long-short-term-memory (AE-LSTM) deep learning model to provide a daily estimation of days until labor onset. Results Features of temperature change leading up to labor were associated with urinary hormones and labor type. Spontaneous labors exhibited greater estriol to α-pregnanediol ratio, as well as lower body temperature and more stable circadian rhythms compared to pregnancies that did not undergo spontaneous labor. Skin temperature data from 54 pregnancies that underwent spontaneous labor between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation were included in training the AE-LSTM model, and an additional 40 pregnancies that underwent artificial induction of labor or Cesarean without labor were used for further testing. The model was trained only on aggregate 5-minute skin temperature data starting at a gestational age of 240 until labor onset. During cross-validation AE-LSTM average error (true - predicted) dropped below 2 days at 8 days before labor, independent of gestational age. Labor onset windows were calculated from the AE-LSTM output using a probabilistic distribution of model error. For these windows AE-LSTM correctly predicted labor start for 79% of the spontaneous labors within a 4.6-day window at 7 days before true labor, and 7.4-day window at 10 days before true labor. Conclusion Continuous skin temperature reflects progression toward labor and hormonal status during pregnancy. Deep learning using continuous temperature may provide clinically valuable tools for pregnancy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmai Basavaraj
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Shravan G Aras
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Hantsoo L, Jagodnik KM, Novick AM, Baweja R, di Scalea TL, Ozerdem A, McGlade EC, Simeonova DI, Dekel S, Kornfield SL, Nazareth M, Weiss SJ. The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in depression across the female reproductive lifecycle: current knowledge and future directions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1295261. [PMID: 38149098 PMCID: PMC10750128 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1295261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this narrative review is to consolidate knowledge on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in depression pathophysiology at different reproductive stages across the female lifespan. Despite growing evidence about the impact of gonadal hormones on mood disorders, no previous review has examined the interaction between such hormonal changes and the HPA axis within the context of depressive disorders in women. We will focus on HPA axis function in depressive disorders at different reproductive stages including the menstrual cycle (e.g., premenstrual dysphoric disorder [PMDD]), perinatally (e.g., postpartum depression), and in perimenopausal depression. Each of these reproductive stages is characterized by vast physiological changes and presents major neuroendocrine reorganization. The HPA axis is one of the main targets of such functional alterations, and with its key role in stress response, it is an etiological factor in vulnerable windows for depression across the female lifespan. We begin with an overview of the HPA axis and a brief summary of techniques for measuring HPA axis parameters. We then describe the hormonal milieu of each of these key reproductive stages, and integrate information about HPA axis function in depression across these reproductive stages, describing similarities and differences. The role of a history of stress and trauma exposure as a contributor to female depression in the context of HPA axis involvement across the reproductive stages is also presented. This review advances the pursuit of understanding common biological mechanisms across depressive disorders among women. Our overarching goal is to identify unmet needs in characterizing stress-related markers of depression in women in the context of hormonal changes across the lifespan, and to support future research in women's mental health as it pertains to pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew M. Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ritika Baweja
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Teresa Lanza di Scalea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Women’s Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Aysegul Ozerdem
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Erin C. McGlade
- Department of Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake, UT, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Salt Lake, UT, United States
| | - Diana I. Simeonova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Brain Health Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sharon Dekel
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sara L. Kornfield
- Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness, Psychiatry Department, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michelle Nazareth
- Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Venkatesh KK, Yee LM, Johnson J, Wu J, McNeil B, Mercer B, Simhan H, Reddy UM, Silver RM, Parry S, Saade G, Chung J, Wapner R, Lynch CD, Grobman WA. Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Abnormal Birth Weight. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:1199-1207. [PMID: 37769319 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether exposure to community or neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage as measured by the ADI (Area Deprivation Index) is associated with risk of abnormal birth weight among nulliparous individuals with singleton gestations. METHODS This was a secondary analysis from the prospective cohort NuMoM2b study (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be). Participant addresses at cohort enrollment between 6 and 13 weeks of gestation were geocoded at the Census tract level and linked to the 2015 ADI. The ADI, which incorporates the domains of income, education, employment, and housing quality into a composite national ranking of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, was categorized by quartiles (quartile 1, least disadvantaged, reference; quartile 4, most disadvantaged). Outcomes were large for gestational age (LGA; birth weight at or above the 90th percentile) and small for gestational age (SGA; birth weight below the 10th percentile) compared with appropriate for gestational age (AGA; birth weight 10th-90th percentile) as determined with the 2017 U.S. natality reference data, standardized for fetal sex. Multinomial logistic regression models were adjusted for potential confounding variables. RESULTS Of 8,983 assessed deliveries in the analytic population, 12.7% (n=1,143) were SGA, 8.2% (n=738) were LGA, and 79.1% (n=7,102) were AGA. Pregnant individuals living in the highest ADI quartile (quartile 4, 17.8%) had an increased odds of delivering an SGA neonate compared with those in the lowest referent quartile (quartile 1, 12.4%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.55). Pregnant individuals living in higher ADI quartiles (quartile 2, 10.3%; quartile 3, 10.7%; quartile 4, 9.2%) had an increased odds of delivering an LGA neonate compared with those in the lowest referent quartile (quartile 1, 8.2%) (aOR: quartile 2, 1.40, 95% CI 1.19-1.61; quartile 3, 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.61; quartile 4, 1.47, 95% CI 1.20-1.74). CONCLUSION Neonates of nulliparous pregnant individuals living in U.S. neighborhoods with higher area deprivation were more likely to have abnormal birth weights at both extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik K Venkatesh
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Columbia University, New York, New York, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, and University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, California; and RTI International, Durham, North Carolina
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Chen D, Xu T, Li Y, Xu J, Peng B, Xu W, Wang X. Stress regulation of WFS1 and PERK-p-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling pathway in placental tissue cells of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Placenta 2023; 139:1-11. [PMID: 37269649 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placental tissue stress of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is activated by ERS under hypoxia condition. PERK signaling pathway is the key pathway for UPR regulation, and is first to activated during ERS. WFS1, as an important regulatory gene of UPR pathway, participates in ERS regulation. The purpose of our study is to explore the expression level and mutual regulation mechanisms of WFS1 and PERK-mediated UPR pathway in ICP placental tissue cell under stress. METHODS Blood and placenta samples were obtained from the ICP patients and ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant rats. IHC and WB were used to detect the expression of WFS1, key factors of PERK pathway (GRP78, PERK, eIF2a, P-eIF2α, ATF4) and placental stress peptides (CRH, UCN). Furthermore, qPCR was carried out to detect mRNA expression of above indicators. RESULTS The expression levels of WFS1 and key factors of PERK pathway were significantly increased in severe ICP placental tissues. Moreover, qPCR and WB showed that relative mRNA and protein expression levels of WFS1 and key factors of PERK pathways in placenta tissues of severe ICP and EE-induced intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant rats were higher than those in control group to varying degrees, while CRH and UCN were descended. Meanwhile, after WFS1-siRNA targeted silencing of the WFS1 gene, the protein expression levels of PERK, P-eIF2α, ATF4 were significantly increased, while CRH and UCN protein were significantly decreased. DISCUSSION Our study revealed that the activation of WFS1 and PERK-p-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling pathway may contribute to stress regulation in placental tissue cells of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, thereby avoiding adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), No. 20, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), No. 20, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), No. 20, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), No. 20, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bing Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), No. 20, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), No. 20, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Li S, Yan B, Li TKT, Lu J, Gu Y, Tan Y, Gong F, Lam TW, Xie P, Wang Y, Lin G, Luo R. Ultra-low-coverage genome-wide association study-insights into gestational age using 17,844 embryo samples with preimplantation genetic testing. Genome Med 2023; 15:10. [PMID: 36788602 PMCID: PMC9926832 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very low-coverage (0.1 to 1×) whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a promising and affordable approach to discover genomic variants of human populations for genome-wide association study (GWAS). To support genetic screening using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in a large population, the sequencing coverage goes below 0.1× to an ultra-low level. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of ultra-low-coverage WGS (ulcWGS) for GWAS remains undetermined. METHODS We built a pipeline to carry out analysis of ulcWGS data for GWAS. To examine its effectiveness, we benchmarked the accuracy of genotype imputation at the combination of different coverages below 0.1× and sample sizes from 2000 to 16,000, using 17,844 embryo PGT samples with approximately 0.04× average coverage and the standard Chinese sample HG005 with known genotypes. We then applied the imputed genotypes of 1744 transferred embryos who have gestational ages and complete follow-up records to GWAS. RESULTS The accuracy of genotype imputation under ultra-low coverage can be improved by increasing the sample size and applying a set of filters. From 1744 born embryos, we identified 11 genomic risk loci associated with gestational ages and 166 genes mapped to these loci according to positional, expression quantitative trait locus, and chromatin interaction strategies. Among these mapped genes, CRHBP, ICAM1, and OXTR were more frequently reported as preterm birth related. By joint analysis of gene expression data from previous studies, we constructed interrelationships of mainly CRHBP, ICAM1, PLAGL1, DNMT1, CNTLN, DKK1, and EGR2 with preterm birth, infant disease, and breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS This study not only demonstrates that ulcWGS could achieve relatively high accuracy of adequate genotype imputation and is capable of GWAS, but also provides insights into the associations between gestational age and genetic variations of the fetal embryos from Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bin Yan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas K. T. Li
- grid.415550.00000 0004 1764 4144Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianliang Lu
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifan Gu
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan China ,grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XClinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Yueqiu Tan
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan China ,grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XClinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Fei Gong
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 Hunan China ,grid.477823.d0000 0004 1756 593XClinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410013 Hunan China
| | - Tak-Wah Lam
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pingyuan Xie
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. .,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yuexuan Wang
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ge Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. .,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Ruibang Luo
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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10
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Chen YE, Loy SL, Chen LW. Chrononutrition during Pregnancy and Its Association with Maternal and Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ramadan and Non-Ramadan Studies. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030756. [PMID: 36771469 PMCID: PMC9921927 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Much evidence suggests that food intakes and eating patterns are major determinants of the phase of peripheral circadian clocks, and desynchronization between them is thought to contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. However, much remains to be understood about how different dimensions of chrononutrition during pregnancy affect pregnant women's and their offspring's health outcomes. Therefore, we systematically reviewed and integrated all emerging evidence on chrononutrition during pregnancy (including meal skipping, meal frequency, night eating, and (Ramadan) fasting) and their relationships with maternal and offspring outcomes. The results suggest that meal skipping and night eating during pregnancy were generally associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, whereas no strong conclusion could be reached for meal frequency. In our meta-analysis, Ramadan fasting did not seem to be related with birth weight or gestational age at birth, but evidence for other mother-offspring outcomes was inconsistent. To further elucidate the effect of chrononutrition factors on maternal and offspring health outcomes, larger and well-conducted prospective cohort and interventional studies are needed. In addition, information on covariates such as physical activity, sleep, diet quality and quantity, fasting days, fasting period per day, and trimester exposure should also be collected and considered during analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-En Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
| | - See Ling Loy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Ling-Wei Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
- Master of Public Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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11
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Watt M, Mohammadzadeh P, Pinsinski E, Hollinshead FK, Bouma GJ. Corticotropin releasing hormone is present in the feline placenta and maternal serum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1132743. [PMID: 37124751 PMCID: PMC10140359 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1132743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In women, placental corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) can be detected in maternal blood throughout pregnancy and is important in the regulation of the timing of parturition. However, its role in other mammalian species is unclear. In fact, very little is known about the presence and localization of CRH in placentas other than human. In this study we report for the first time the presence of CRH in feline placenta and maternal serum. Methods Presence of CRH mRNA and protein was assessed using RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively, in at term domestic cat placentas opportunistically obtained at a local animal shelter and spay clinic. In addition, CRH localization within the placenta was demonstrated via immunohistochemistry. Finally, presence of CRH in maternal blood from early (¾21 days) and mid (25-35 days) stages of pregnancy was investigated by ELISA. Results CRH mRNA and protein were detected in feline placentas, and localized to larger decidual cells and fetal trophoblast cells, including the binucleate cells. CRH was detectable in maternal blood collected from early-stage pregnancies, and amounts significantly increased in mid-gestation samples. Conclusion This is the first report on the presence and localization of CRH in the feline placenta, and its increase in maternal serum during the first half of pregnancy. These data lay the foundation for future studies to determine if CRH can be used as potential novel marker for early pregnancy diagnosis, determination, and monitoring in felids, and could greatly increase efficiency and success in zoo breeding programs utilizing artificial reproductive technologies for endangered feline species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Watt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Pardis Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Emma Pinsinski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Fiona K. Hollinshead
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Fiona K. Hollinshead,
| | - Gerrit J. Bouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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12
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Zhao LH, Lin J, Ji SY, Zhou XE, Mao C, Shen DD, He X, Xiao P, Sun J, Melcher K, Zhang Y, Yu X, Xu HE. Structure insights into selective coupling of G protein subtypes by a class B G protein-coupled receptor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6670. [PMID: 36335102 PMCID: PMC9637140 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33851-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to couple with multiple G protein subtypes, such as Gs, Gi/o, or Gq/11, by a given G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) is critical for many physiological processes. Over the past few years, the cryo-EM structures for all 15 members of the medically important class B GPCRs, all in complex with Gs protein, have been determined. However, no structure of class B GPCRs with Gq/11 has been solved to date, limiting our understanding of the precise mechanisms of G protein coupling selectivity. Here we report the structures of corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2R) bound to Urocortin 1 (UCN1), coupled with different classes of heterotrimeric G proteins, G11 and Go. We compare these structures with the structure of CRF2R in complex with Gs to uncover the structural differences that determine the selective coupling of G protein subtypes by CRF2R. These results provide important insights into the structural basis for the ability of CRF2R to couple with multiple G protein subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Zhao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Jingyu Lin
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Su-Yu Ji
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Biophysics and Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - X. Edward Zhou
- grid.251017.00000 0004 0406 2057Department of Structural Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA
| | - Chunyou Mao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Biophysics and Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Dan-Dan Shen
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Biophysics and Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xinheng He
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Peng Xiao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Karsten Melcher
- grid.251017.00000 0004 0406 2057Department of Structural Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Biophysics and Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XLiangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121 China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XMOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China ,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory diseases, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xiao Yu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - H. Eric Xu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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13
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Ugartemendia L, De Guzman RM, Cai J, Rajamanickam S, Jiang Z, Tao J, Zuloaga DG, Justice NJ. A subpopulation of oxytocin neurons initiate expression of CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) in females post parturition. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 145:105918. [PMID: 36116320 PMCID: PMC9881188 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is essential for successful reproduction, particularly during parturition and lactation. During the postpartum period, OT also influences maternal behavior to promote bonding between mothers and their newborns, and increases stress resilience. However, the mechanism by which stress influences OT neuron activity and OT release has remained unclear. Here, we provide evidence that a subpopulation of OT neurons initiate expression of the receptor for the stress neuropeptide Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF), CRFR1, in reproductive females. OT neuron expression of CRFR1 begins at the first parturition and increases during the postpartum period until weaning. The percentage of OT neurons that express CRFR1 increases with successive breeding cycles until it reaches a plateau of 20-25% of OT neurons. OT neuron expression of CRFR1 in reproductive females is maintained after they are no longer actively breeding. CRFR1 expression leads to activation of OT neurons when animals are stressed. We propose a model in which direct CRF signaling to OT neurons selectively in reproductive females potentiates OT release to promote stress resilience in mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lierni Ugartemendia
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Rose M De Guzman
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Jing Cai
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Shivakumar Rajamanickam
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Zhiying Jiang
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Jonathan Tao
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, United States.
| | - Nicholas J Justice
- Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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14
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Vidal MS, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Spontaneous preterm birth: Involvement of multiple feto-maternal tissues and organ systems, differing mechanisms, and pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1015622. [PMID: 36313741 PMCID: PMC9606232 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1015622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of preterm birth struggle with multitudes of disabilities due to improper in utero programming of various tissues and organ systems contributing to adult-onset diseases at a very early stage of their lives. Therefore, the persistent rates of low birth weight (birth weight < 2,500 grams), as well as rates of neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities, need to be addressed. Active research throughout the years has provided us with multiple theories regarding the risk factors, initiators, biomarkers, and clinical manifestations of spontaneous preterm birth. Fetal organs, like the placenta and fetal membranes, and maternal tissues and organs, like the decidua, myometrium, and cervix, have all been shown to uniquely respond to specific exogenous or endogenous risk factors. These uniquely contribute to dynamic changes at the molecular and cellular levels to effect preterm labor pathways leading to delivery. Multiple intervention targets in these different tissues and organs have been successfully tested in preclinical trials to reduce the individual impacts on promoting preterm birth. However, these preclinical trial data have not been effectively translated into developing biomarkers of high-risk individuals for an early diagnosis of the disease. This becomes more evident when examining the current global rate of preterm birth, which remains staggeringly high despite years of research. We postulate that studying each tissue and organ in silos, as how the majority of research has been conducted in the past years, is unlikely to address the network interaction between various systems leading to a synchronized activity during either term or preterm labor and delivery. To address current limitations, this review proposes an integrated approach to studying various tissues and organs involved in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, promotion of normal parturition, and more importantly, contributions towards preterm birth. We also stress the need for biological models that allows for concomitant observation and analysis of interactions, rather than focusing on these tissues and organ in silos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S. Vidal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan C. V. Lintao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Elise L. Severino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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15
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Mustafa FEZA. Characterization of giant neuroendocrine cells in the pregnant New Zealand white rabbit vagina demonstrated by histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:3309-3315. [PMID: 35729870 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24185] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The vagina is part of the genitalia and constitutes part of the birth canal. Sperm is deposited into vagina, and it acts in transport of sperm. Pregnancy is a complex process involving different physiological changes in the body associated with hormonal and metabolic alterations that control maternal and fetal demands. During pregnancy, neuroendocrine cells in rabbit vagina are considered part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system observed throughout the body. Giant neuroendocrine cells in rabbit vagina during pregnancy have not been observed previously. This study detected the presence of giant neuroendocrine cells in the vagina of the pregnant rabbit. The presence of these cells was demonstrated with the use of different histological techniques, including hematoxylin and eosin, PAS, combined Alcian blue-PAS, Crossmon's trichrome, and the Grimelius silver method. Giant neuroendocrine cells were observed in late-pregnancy intraepithelial sites and on the lamina propria. These cells were characterized by vacuolated basophilic cytoplasm with PAS- and PAS-AB-positive granules. Moreover, neuroendocrine cells exhibited an argyrophilic character. Immunohistochemically, neuroendocrine cells in rabbit vagina during pregnancy demonstrated positive immunoreactivity to neuron-specific enolase (NSE) with different intensities, mild immunoreactivity to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and negative immunoreactivity to CD68.
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16
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Vannuccini S, Clemenza S, Rossi M, Petraglia F. Hormonal treatments for endometriosis: The endocrine background. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:333-355. [PMID: 34405378 PMCID: PMC9156507 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09666-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign uterine disorder characterized by menstrual pain and infertility, deeply affecting women's health. It is a chronic disease and requires a long term management. Hormonal drugs are currently the most used for the medical treatment and are based on the endocrine pathogenetic aspects. Estrogen-dependency and progesterone-resistance are the key events which cause the ectopic implantation of endometrial cells, decreasing apoptosis and increasing oxidative stress, inflammation and neuroangiogenesis. Endometriotic cells express AMH, TGF-related growth factors (inhibin, activin, follistatin) CRH and stress related peptides. Endocrine and inflammatory changes explain pain and infertility, and the systemic comorbidities described in these patients, such as autoimmune (thyroiditis, arthritis, allergies), inflammatory (gastrointestinal/urinary diseases) and mental health disorders.The hormonal treatment of endometriosis aims to block of menstruation through an inhibition of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis or by causing a pseudodecidualization with consequent amenorrhea, impairing the progression of endometriotic implants. GnRH agonists and antagonists are effective on endometriosis by acting on pituitary-ovarian function. Progestins are mostly used for long term treatments (dienogest, NETA, MPA) and act on multiple sites of action. Combined oral contraceptives are also used for reducing endometriosis symptoms by inhibiting ovarian function. Clinical trials are currently going on selective progesterone receptor modulators, selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. Nowadays, all these hormonal drugs are considered the first-line treatment for women with endometriosis to improve their symptoms, to postpone surgery or to prevent post-surgical disease recurrence. This review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the current and future hormonal treatments for endometriosis, exploring the endocrine background of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vannuccini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Clemenza
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Margherita Rossi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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17
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Social Isolation Stress Modulates Pregnancy Outcomes and the Inflammatory Profile of Rat Uterus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116169. [PMID: 35682846 PMCID: PMC9181517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stressors have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes; including preterm birth (PTB). Recent work demonstrates that social isolation in mothers represents a silent stressor contributing to PTB risk. Here; we investigate the association of inflammatory and stress markers with PTB risk in Long–Evans rats exposed to social isolation stress (SIS) during preconception and pregnancy across four generations (F0-F3). Gestational length; blood glucose; corticosterone levels; and maternal and offspring weights were assessed in two SIS paradigms: transgenerational (TG) and multigenerational (MG) exposure. Maternal uterine tissues were collected 21 days after the dams gave birth. Exposure to SIS reduced pregnancy lengths in the parental generation and neonatal birth weights in the F1 and F2 generations. Interleukin (IL)-1β (Il1b) mRNA levels increased in F0 animals but decreased in the offspring of both stress lineages. Protein levels of IL-1β decreased in the TG lineage. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (Crhr1) expression decreased in SIS-exposed F0 animals and increased in the TG-F2 and MG-F1 offspring. Expression of enzyme 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11bHSD2) was enhanced in F1 animals. These findings suggest SIS has adverse consequences on the F0 mothers; but their F1–F3 progeny may adapt to this chronic stress; thus supporting the fetal programming hypothesis.
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18
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Grant AD, Erickson EN. Birth, love, and fear: Physiological networks from pregnancy to parenthood. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100138. [PMID: 35757173 PMCID: PMC9227990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most dramatic physiological and emotional transformations of a lifetime. Despite their central importance to human survival, many gaps remain in our understanding of the temporal progression of and mechanisms underlying the transition to new parenthood. The goal of this paper is to outline the physiological and emotional development of the maternal-infant dyad from late pregnancy to the postpartum period, and to provide a framework to investigate this development using non-invasive timeseries. We focus on the interaction among neuroendocrine, emotional, and autonomic outputs in the context of late pregnancy, parturition, and post-partum. We then propose that coupled dynamics in these outputs can be leveraged to map both physiologic and pathologic pregnancy, parturition, and parenthood. This approach could address gaps in our knowledge and enable early detection or prediction of problems, with both personalized depth and broad population scale. Giving birth and caring for offspring are dynamic processes that can instill both love and fear. Maternal physiology continuously integrates fetal, social, and environmental cues. The result is coupled change in hormonal, autonomic nervous, and emotional output. Coupling may allow internal state to be assessed from peripheral autonomic markers. Such markers may identify healthy or pathologic pregnancy, parturition, and parenting, and enable creation of real-world tools.
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19
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Nulty AK, Bovbjerg ML, Herring AH, Siega-Riz AM, Thorp JM, Evenson KR. Meal patterning and the onset of spontaneous labor. Birth 2022; 49:123-131. [PMID: 34453454 PMCID: PMC8810608 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of consensus in the literature about the association between meal patterning during pregnancy and birth outcomes. This study examined whether maternal meal patterning in the week before birth was associated with an increased likelihood of imminent spontaneous labor. METHODS Data came from 607 participants in the third phase of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study (PIN3). Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire after birth, before hospital discharge. Questions included the typical number of meals and snacks consumed daily, during both the week before labor onset and the 24-hour period before labor onset. A self-matched, case-crossover study design examined the association between skipping one or more meals and the likelihood of spontaneous labor onset within the subsequent 24 hours. RESULTS Among women who experienced spontaneous labor, 87.0% reported routinely eating three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the week before their labor began, but only 71.2% reported eating three meals during the 24-hour period before their labor began. Compared with the week before their labor, the odds of imminent spontaneous labor were 5.43 times as high (95% CI: 3.41-8.65) within 24 hours of skipping 1 or more meals. The association between skipping 1 or more meals and the onset of spontaneous labor remained elevated for both pregnant individuals who birthed early (37-<39 weeks) and full-term (≥39 weeks). CONCLUSIONS Skipping meals later in pregnancy was associated with an increased likelihood of imminent spontaneous labor, though we are unable to rule out reverse causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Nulty
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Marit L Bovbjerg
- Epidemiology Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Amy H Herring
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anna Maria Siega-Riz
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Services, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - John M Thorp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kelly R Evenson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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20
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Impaired Compensatory Vasodilatory Effect Mediated by Wolfram Syndrome 1 and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Family Peptides in 17α-Ethynylestradiol-Induced Intrahepatic Cholestasis Pregnant Rats When Under Additional Acute Hypoxia Stress. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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21
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Zhang Y, Xu C, Tang Z, Guo D, Yao R, Zhao H, Chen Z, Ni X. Furin is involved in uterine activation for labor. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21565. [PMID: 33864414 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002128rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The uterus undergoes distinct molecular and functional changes during pregnancy and parturition. These processes are associated with the dramatic changes in various proteins. Given that the maturation and activation of many proteins require proteolytic processing by proprotein convertases (PCs), we sought to explore the role of PCs in uterine activation for labor. First, we found that furin was the most dramatically increased PC member in myometrial tissues from the pregnant women after onset of labor at term. Using the model of cultured human myometrial smooth muscle cells (HMSMCs), we showed that furin inhibitor CMK, D6R treatment and furin siRNA transfection suppressed contractility. Inhibition of furin activity or interfering furin expression decreased connexin 43 (CX43), prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxide synthase-2 (COX-2) and PGF2α receptor (FP) expression and NF-κB activation. In mouse model, administration of furin inhibitors prolonged gestational length. However, D6R treatment did not affect RU38486- and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced preterm birth. Furthermore, D6R and furin siRNA treatment reduced the release of soluble form of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), while furin overexpression led to an increase in soluble TWEAK release in cultured HMSMCs. D6R treatment decreased TWEAK level in blood of pregnant mice. TWEAK treatment promoted contractility and NF-κB activation, while TWEAK receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (FN14) antagonist treatment inhibited contractility and NF-κB activation in HMSMCs. In pregnant mice, administration of FN14 antagonist prolonged gestational length. Our data suggest that furin can act as a stimulator for uterine activation for labor at term. TWEAK is one of the potential substrates which mediate furin regulation of parturition initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical School of Fundan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengshan Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dewei Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruojin Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huina Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixi Chen
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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22
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Ye X, Shin BC, Baldauf C, Ganguly A, Ghosh S, Devaskar SU. Developing Brain Glucose Transporters, Serotonin, Serotonin Transporter, and Oxytocin Receptor Expression in Response to Early-Life Hypocaloric and Hypercaloric Dietary, and Air Pollutant Exposures. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:27-42. [PMID: 33774619 DOI: 10.1159/000514709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbed maternal diet and prenatal exposure to air pollution (AP) affect the fetal brain, predisposing to postnatal neurobehavioral disorders. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are key in fueling neurotransmission; deficiency of the neuronal isoform GLUT3 culminates in autism spectrum disorders. Along with the different neurotransmitters, serotonin (5-HT) and oxytocin (OXT) are critical for the development of neural connectivity. Serotonin transporter (SERT) modulates synaptic 5-HT levels, while the OXT receptor (OXTR) mediates OXT action. We hypothesized that perturbed brain GLUT1/GLUT3 regulated 5-HT-SERT imbalance, which serves as a contributing factor to postnatal neuropsychiatric phenotypes, with OXT/OXTR providing a counterbalance. Employing maternal diet restriction (intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR]), high-fat (HF) dietary modifications, and prenatal exposure to simulated AP, fetal (E19) murine brain 5-HT was assessed by ELISA with SERT and OXTR being localized by immunohistochemistry and measured by quantitative Western blot analysis. IUGR with lower head weights led to a 48% reduction in male and female fetal brain GLUT3 with no change in GLUT1, when compared to age- and sex-matched controls, with no significant change in OXTR. In addition, a ∼50% (p = 0.005) decrease in 5-HT and SERT concentrations was displayed in fetal IUGR brains. In contrast, despite emergence of microcephaly, exposure to a maternal HF diet or AP caused no significant changes. We conclude that in the IUGR during fetal brain development, reduced GLUT3 is associated with an imbalanced 5-HT-SERT axis. We speculate that these early changes may set the stage for altering the 5HT-SERT neural axis with postnatal emergence of associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center of the UCLA Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bo-Chul Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center of the UCLA Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Claire Baldauf
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center of the UCLA Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amit Ganguly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center of the UCLA Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center of the UCLA Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sherin U Devaskar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology & Developmental Biology and the Neonatal Research Center of the UCLA Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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23
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Flinn T, McCarthy NL, Swinbourne AM, Gatford KL, Weaver AC, McGrice HA, Kelly JM, Walker SK, Kind KL, Kleemann DO, van Wettere WHEJ. Supplementing Merino ewes with melatonin during the last half of pregnancy improves tolerance of prolonged parturition and survival of second-born twin lambs. J Anim Sci 2021; 98:5986736. [PMID: 33205209 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High preweaning mortality rates continue to limit sheep production globally, constituting a major economic and welfare concern. Greater losses in twin lambs (≥30%) compared with singletons (≥10%) are attributed primarily to lower birth weight and increased risk of intrapartum hypoxia, leading to impairment of thermoregulation, neuromotor activity, and maternal bonding behavior. Previous intensive studies demonstrated that supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin reduced the adverse effects of fetal growth restriction and perinatal hypoxia on the neonatal brain via increased umbilical blood flow, placental efficiency, and antioxidant actions. The current study examined the effects of supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin on lamb survival, birth weight, and behavior under intensive conditions. From gestational day (gD) 80 until parturition, pregnant singleton and twin-bearing ewes were supplemented with melatonin via a 2-mg capsule fed daily (Mel-FED, n = 61) or 18 mg subcutaneous implant (Regulin), with one implant administered at gD80 and another at gD125 (Mel-IMP, n = 60). Control ewes received no supplementation (CTL, n = 60). Ewes and lambs were monitored via video throughout parturition. Postpartum measures were taken from lambs at 4 and 24 h (live weight [LW], rectal temperature, serum immunoglobulin G, and latency to stand and suck after birth) and LW at 72 h, 7 d, marking (49.7 ± 0.2 d), and weaning (124.2 ± 0.8 d). Chi-square analysis was used to compare lamb survival between treatment groups. There were no treatment effects on singleton lamb survival. Melatonin supplementation tended to increase the proportion of twin lambs surviving from birth to weaning (Mel-FED = 85.5%; Mel-IMP = 85.9%; CTL = 72.9%; each P < 0.1). Survival of first-born twins did not differ between treatment (each ~90%, P = 0.745) but within second-born twins, survival of Mel-FED was greater than CTL (81.6 vs. 57.1%, P = 0.023), and Mel-IMP (78.1%) tended to be greater than CTL (P = 0.068). Similarly, in second-born twins exposed to prolonged parturition (≥ 90 min), survival of lambs from Mel-FED ewes was greater than CTL (86.7% vs. 42.9%, P = 0.032), while Mel-IMP was intermediate (66.7%). These data suggest that the neuroprotective actions of melatonin may improve twin lamb survival by increasing tolerance of prolonged parturition and provide a sound basis for continued testing in extensively managed sheep flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Flinn
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Niki L McCarthy
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Alyce M Swinbourne
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alice C Weaver
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Hayley A McGrice
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Kelly
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Simon K Walker
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David O Kleemann
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - William H E J van Wettere
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
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24
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Lee Y, Ma EL, Patel M, Kim G, Howe C, Pothoulakis C, Kim YS, Im E, Rhee SH. Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Alters the Tumor Development and Growth in Apcmin/+ Mice and in a Chemically-Induced Model of Colon Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031043. [PMID: 33494263 PMCID: PMC7864487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroendocrine circuit of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family peptides, via their cognate receptors CRHR1 and CRHR2, copes with psychological stress. However, peripheral effects of the CRH system in colon cancer remains elusive. Thus, we investigate the role of CRHR1 and CRHR2 in colon cancer. Human colon cancer biopsies were used to measure the mRNA levels of the CRH family by quantitative real-time PCR. Two animal models of colon cancer were used: Apcmin/+ mice and azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice. The mRNA levels of CRHR2 and UCN III are reduced in human colon cancer tissues compared to those of normal tissues. Crhr1 deletion suppresses the tumor development and growth in Apcmin/+ mice, while Crhr2 deficiency exacerbates the tumorigenicity. Crhr1 deficiency not only inhibits the expression of tumor-promoting cyclooxygenase 2, but also upregulates tumor-suppressing phospholipase A2 in Apcmin/+ mice; however, Crhr2 deficiency does not change these expressions. In the AOM/DSS model, Crhr2 deficiency worsens the tumorigenesis. In conclusion, Crhr1 deficiency confers tumor-suppressing effects in Apcmin/+ mice, but Crhr2 deficiency worsens the tumorigenicity in both Apcmin/+ and AOM/DSS-treated mice. Therefore, pharmacological inhibitors of CRHR1 or activators of CRHR2 could be of significance as anti-colon cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunna Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea;
| | - Elise L. Ma
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, and Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatcher and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.L.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Marisa Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (M.P.); (G.K.); (C.H.)
| | - Gayoung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (M.P.); (G.K.); (C.H.)
| | - Cody Howe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (M.P.); (G.K.); (C.H.)
| | - Charalabos Pothoulakis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, and Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatcher and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.L.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Yong Sung Kim
- Digestive Disease Research Institute and GutnFood Healthcare Inc., School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea;
| | - Eunok Im
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea;
- Correspondence: (E.I.); (S.H.R.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2812 (E.I.); +1-248-370-4162 (S.H.R.)
| | - Sang Hoon Rhee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; (M.P.); (G.K.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (E.I.); (S.H.R.); Tel.: +82-51-510-2812 (E.I.); +1-248-370-4162 (S.H.R.)
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25
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Yadava SM, Feng A, Parobchak N, Wang B, Rosen T. miR-15b-5p promotes expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human placenta by inhibiting Apelin signaling pathway. Placenta 2020; 104:8-15. [PMID: 33197856 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The timing of parturition at end of human gestation may be controlled by fetal signals. The signaling molecules contributing to activation of human labor may be mediated by fetal exosomes. In this study, we focused on investigation of the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from fetal exosomes in the regulation of human placental gene expression. METHODS Using immunofluorescent labeling, array-based miRNA profiling assay, target prediction analysis, and conducting a variety of biochemical approaches including miRNA mimics, dual-luciferase, siRNA-mediated gene silencing, and immunohistochemical staining assay in primary trophoblast culture and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded placental tissues, we examined whether fetal exosomal miRNAs can stimulate expression of proinflammatory mediators in human placenta. RESULTS We showed placental uptake of exosomes derived from the umbilical artery, and found that 9 fetal exosomal miRNAs: let-7i-5p, miR-185-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-376c-3p, miR-548d-5p, miR-92b-3p, miR-16-5p, and miR-1301-3p were significantly increased in placentas of women delivering following term labor compared to those delivering by Cesarean section in the late preterm period. Target prediction analysis identified miR-15b-5p of particular interest, because one of its predicted targets is Apelin, a potent inhibitor of proinflammatory mediators. We further found that miR-15b-5p repressed Apelin protein levels and activated pro-labor hormones and cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. DISCUSSION These data suggest a potential fetal-to-placental signal that could play a role in the length of human gestation and onset of human labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy M Yadava
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Andrew Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Nataliya Parobchak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Todd Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Birthweight is a well-known predictor of adult-onset chronic disease. The placenta plays a necessary role in regulating fetal growth and determining birth size. Maternal stressors that affect placental function and prenatal growth include maternal overnutrition and undernutrition, toxic social stress, and exposure to toxic chemicals. These stressors lead to increased vulnerability to disease within any population. This vulnerability arises from placental and fetal exposure to stressors during fetal life. The biological drivers linking various social determinants of health to compromised placental function and fetal development have been little studied.
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27
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Menon R, Shahin H. Extracellular vesicles in spontaneous preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13353. [PMID: 32975858 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Feto-maternal communication helps to maintain pregnancy and contributes to parturition at term and preterm. Endocrine and immune factor are well-reported communication mediators. Recent advances in extracellular vesicle (EV) biology have introduced them as major communication channels between the mother and fetus. EVs are round structures with a lipid bilayer membrane. EVs are generally categorized based on their size and mode of biogenesis. The most commonly reported EVs are exosomes with a size range of 30-160 nm that are formed inside the intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular body. Microvesicles (MVs) are larger than > 200 nm and formed by outward budding of plasma membrane. Vesicles are released from all cells and carry various factors that reflect the physiologic state of cell at the time of their release. Analysis of vesicle provides a snapshot of origin cell. Recent studies in perinatal medicine have shown that exosomes are key communicators between feto-maternal units, and they can cross placenta. Fetal-derived exosomes released under term labor-associated conditions can cause parturition-associated changes in maternal uterine tissues. Exosomes carrying inflammatory cargo can cause preterm birth in animal models suggesting their functional role in parturition. A few reports have profiled differences between exosome cargos from term and preterm pregnancies and indicated their biomarker potential to predict high-risk pregnancy status. There are hardly any reports on MVs and their functional roles in reproduction. Herein, we review of EVs and MVs, their characteristics, function, and usefulness predicting adverse pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hend Shahin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
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28
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Zhang P, Wei Z, Hui SW, Abel G, Martelli P, Hao Y, Li S. Sexual maturity, seasonal estrus, and gestation in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus inferred from serum reproductive hormones. Integr Zool 2020; 16:575-585. [PMID: 32961018 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive hormones in serum concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus, n = 12) housed in Ocean Park Hong Kong were investigated in the present study. Results showed that, onset of puberty of captive Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins was at 5 years while sexual maturity was at 6. Average serum progesterone concentrations in non-pregnant sexually mature individuals was 0.33 (0.25-0.97) ng/mL (interquartile), significantly higher than in immature ones 0.26 (0.25-0.38) ng/mL. This study found significant difference in serum estradiol concentrations between individuals at the onset of puberty (9.5 ± 1.7 pg/mL, ±SD) and not (below detection limit 9 pg/mL). A slightly seasonal breeding pattern, with progesterone values tend to be higher from February to October (0.38 [0.25-1.07] ng/mL) was inferred. During pregnancy, serum progesterone concentrations range from 10.54 ± 8.74 ng/mL (indexed month post-conception [IMPC] 0) to 25.49 ± 12.06 ng/mL (IMPC 2), and display a bimodal pattern with 2 peaks in early- (25.49 ± 12.06 ng/mL, IMPC 2) and late-pregnancy (21.71 ± 10.25 ng/mL, IMPC 12), respectively. Serum estradiol concentrations can seldom be detected in early-pregnancy and increase constantly in mid- (9.45 ± 1.83 pg/mL) and late-pregnancy (11.88 ± 3.81 pg/mL), with a spike (15.45 ± 6.78 pg/mL) 1 month prior to delivery. Serum testosterone concentrations elevate significantly in IMPC 7 (0.36 ± 0.10 ng/mL) compared to other months (0.16 ± 0.10 ng/mL) of the year. The present study provides normal concentration profiles for some reproductive hormones in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and can contribute to the breeding monitoring of this species. Also, our study would shed further light on the reproductive physiology of small cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijun Zhang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Zhengzhi Wei
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Grant Abel
- Ocean Park Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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29
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Simpson SJS, Smith LIF, Jones PM, Bowe JE. UCN2: a new candidate influencing pancreatic β-cell adaptations in pregnancy. J Endocrinol 2020; 245:247-257. [PMID: 32106091 PMCID: PMC7159164 DOI: 10.1530/joe-19-0568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family of peptides, including urocortin (UCN) 1, 2 and 3, are established hypothalamic neuroendocrine peptides, regulating the physiological and behaviour responses to stress indirectly, via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. More recently, these peptides have been implicated in diverse roles in peripheral organs through direct signalling, including in placental and pancreatic islet physiology. CRH has been shown to stimulate insulin release through activation of its cognate receptors, CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) and 2. However, the physiological significance of this is unknown. We have previously reported that during mouse pregnancy, expression of CRH peptides increase in mouse placenta suggesting that these peptides may play a role in various biological functions associated with pregnancy, particularly the pancreatic islet adaptations that occur in the pregnant state to compensate for the physiological increase in maternal insulin resistance. In the current study, we show that mouse pregnancy is associated with increased circulating levels of UCN2 and that when we pharmacologically block endogenous CRHR signalling in pregnant mice, impairment of glucose tolerance is observed. This effect on glucose tolerance was comparable to that displayed with specific CRHR2 blockade and not with specific CRHR1 blockade. No effects on insulin sensitivity or the proliferative capacity of β-cells were detected. Thus, CRHR2 signalling appears to be involved in β-cell adaptive responses to pregnancy in the mouse, with endogenous placental UCN2 being the likely signal mediating this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian J S Simpson
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to S J S Simpson:
| | - Lorna I F Smith
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Peter M Jones
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - James E Bowe
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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30
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Behura SK, Kelleher AM, Spencer TE. Regulation of uterine genes during the peri‐implantation period, and its relationship to the maternal brain in gestating mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:482-492. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanta K. Behura
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbia Missouri
- Institute for Data Science and InformaticsUniversity of MissouriColumbia Missouri
| | | | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbia Missouri
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's HealthUniversity of MissouriColumbia Missouri
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31
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Aker A, McConnell RER, Loch-Caruso R, Park SK, Mukherjee B, Rosario ZY, Vélez-Vega CM, Huerta-Montanez G, Alshawabkeh AN, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Interactions between chemicals and non-chemical stressors: The modifying effect of life events on the association between triclocarban, phenols and parabens with gestational length in a Puerto Rican cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:134719. [PMID: 31785910 PMCID: PMC6957748 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenols and parabens are common additives to consumer products. There is evidence of adverse birth outcomes in association with prenatal exposure to these chemicals, in addition to psychosocial factors. We previously reported an increase in gestational length with bisphenol-A, methylparaben and propylparaben, and a decrease in gestational length with triclocarban. OBJECTIVES We examined the modifying effect of psychosocial stress on the association between chemicals and gestational length in up to 752 women among a pregnancy cohort study. METHODS Urinary biomarkers were measured at up to three time points in pregnancy. Multiple linear regression models were conducted to investigate the association between gestational length and the interaction between average exposure biomarkers and LES. Multiple linear regression models regressing the exposure biomarkers in relation to gestational length were also stratified by LES, Negative LES, and Positive LES, based on the subjective ratings of events. Results were transformed into the change in gestational length for an inter-quartile-range difference in the exposure. RESULTS Of the four psychosocial stress measures, only the life events score (LES) was a significant modifier. Associations between triclocarban, bisphenol-S, methyl- and propylparaben in relation to gestational length were stronger among women with negative Total LES scores. Among women with negative Total LES scores, bisphenol-S and triclocarban were associated with a 3-5 day decrease in gestational length [(-3.15; 95% CI: -6.06, -0.24); (-4.68; 95% CI: -8.47, -0.89)], whereas methylparaben and propylparaben were associated with a 2-3 day increase in gestational length [(2.21; 95% CI: 0.02, 4.40); (2.92; 95% CI: 0.58, 5.26)]. Significant interactions were driven by negative life events, but the association with triclocarban was driven by few positive life events. CONCLUSIONS Associations between exposure biomarkers and gestational length were stronger in the presence of negative life events. This provides evidence that stress makes the body more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Aker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rafael E Rios McConnell
- Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zaira Y Rosario
- Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA
| | | | | | - José F Cordero
- College of Public Health, Athens, University of Georgia, GA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Padula AM, Monk C, Brennan PA, Borders A, Barrett ES, McEvoy C, Foss S, Desai P, Alshawabkeh A, Wurth R, Salafia C, Fichorova R, Varshavsky J, Kress A, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. A review of maternal prenatal exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors-implications for research on perinatal outcomes in the ECHO program. J Perinatol 2020; 40:10-24. [PMID: 31616048 PMCID: PMC6957228 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-019-0510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors during pregnancy have been individually associated with adverse perinatal outcomes related to birthweight and gestational age, but are not often considered in combination. We review types of psychosocial stressors and instruments used to assess them and classes of environmental chemical exposures that are known to adversely impact perinatal outcomes, and identify studies relevant studies. We discuss the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program that has combined existing longitudinal cohorts that include more than 50,000 children across the U.S. We describe future opportunities for investigators to use this important new resource for addressing relevant and critical research questions to maternal health. Of the 84 cohorts in ECHO, 38 collected data on environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors and perinatal outcomes. The diverse ECHO pregnancy cohorts provide capacity to compare regions with distinct place-based environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Padula
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
USA
| | | | | | - Ann Borders
- North Shore University Health System, Evanston, IL,
USA
| | | | | | - Sophie Foss
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Preeya Desai
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Raina Fichorova
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amii Kress
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Maguire J, McCormack C, Mitchell A, Monk C. Neurobiology of maternal mental illness. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 171:97-116. [PMID: 32736761 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64239-4.00005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of current research discoveries beginning to uncover the neurobiology of maternal mental illness. Results are described according to standard diagnostic categories (specifically, perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety and OCD, postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, and trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder), yet we aim to put this approach in context with the introduction of a classification model for psychiatric research, the research domain criteria, gaining traction in basic and clinical translational fields. We first review a new area of study, the neuroplasticity of the pregnant and postpartum brain, as work here has relevance for understanding the pathophysiology of mental disorders and may provide clues to changes in brain functioning that are related to compromised parenting in the context of postpartum depression. We next provide background information on neuroendocrine and immune changes during pregnancy and, to a lesser extent, the postpartum period, as alterations in these systems are significantly implicated in underlying neurobiology of mental illness for peripartum women. Our discussion of the major mental illnesses for pregnant and postpartum women includes neuroendocrine changes, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter alterations, as well as circuit dysfunction. Overall, remarkable progress has been made in identifying variations in neurobiology (and related systems) involved in maternal mental illness; yet, it is clear that, as classified with standard diagnostic systems, these are heterogeneous disorders and there is individual variability in the alterations in neurobiology for the same illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Clare McCormack
- Center for Science and Society, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anika Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States.
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Abstract
The neuroendocrinology of reproduction focuses on the neuromodulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the ontogeny of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and common reproductive events and conditions, namely, puberty, the menstrual cycle, and disorders of reproductive function. The core concept underpinning the neuroendocrinology of reproduction is neuroregulation of hypothalamic GnRH drive. In both men and women, reproductive function requires that GnRH input elicit appropriate secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary and that the gonads respond to such input appropriately. Moreover, insufficient GnRH drive causes hypothalamic hypogonadism and secondary insufficiency of gonadal sex steroid hormone synthesis and release in both sexes. Alterations in GnRH drive also reflect gonadal conditions such as dysgenesis, hyperandrogenism, gonadotropin mutations, and aging and loss or absence of oocytes or Sertoli cells. The most common cause of insufficient GnRH drive is functional, that is, due to the endocrine effects of psychologic or behavioral variables. Rarely does reduced GnRH drive reflect organic or congenital causes such as developmental defects, brain tumors, or celiac disease. Despite a common neuropathogenesis the heterogeneity of behavioral variables associated with reduced GnRH drive has resulted in a variety of names, including functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, stress-induced anovulation, and psychogenic amenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Garg
- (1)Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.
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Bijnens EM, Derom C, Weyers S, Janssen BG, Thiery E, Nawrot TS. Placental mitochondrial DNA content is associated with childhood intelligence. J Transl Med 2019; 17:361. [PMID: 31703745 PMCID: PMC6839247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental processes in the placenta and the fetal brain are shaped by the similar biological signals. Evidence accumulates that adaptive responses of the placenta may influence central nervous system development. We hypothesize that placental mtDNA content at birth is associated with intelligence in childhood. In addition, we investigate if intra-pair differences in mtDNA content are associated with intra-pair differences in intelligence. METHODS Relative mtDNA content was measured using qPCR in placental tissue of 375 children of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey. Intelligence was assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) between 8 and 15 years old. We accounted for sex, gestational age, birth weight, birth year, zygosity and chorionicity, cord insertion, age at measurement, indicators of socioeconomic status, smoking during pregnancy, and urban environment. RESULTS In multivariable adjusted mixed modelling analysis, each doubling in placental mtDNA content was associated with 2.0 points (95% CI 0.02 to 3.9; p = 0.05) higher total and 2.3 points (95% CI 0.2 to 4.3; p = 0.03) higher performance IQ in childhood. We observed no association between mtDNA content and verbal intelligence. Intra-pair differences in mtDNA content and IQ were significantly (p = 0.01) correlated in monozygotic-monochorionic twin pairs, showing that the twin with the highest mtDNA content was 1.9 times more likely (p = 0.05) to have the highest IQ. This was not observed in dichorionic twin pairs. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first evidence that placental mtDNA content is associated with childhood intelligence. This emphasizes the importance of placental mitochondrial function during in utero life on fetal brain development with long-lasting consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Catherine Derom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Weyers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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36
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Behura SK, Dhakal P, Kelleher AM, Balboula A, Patterson A, Spencer TE. The brain-placental axis: Therapeutic and pharmacological relevancy to pregnancy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104468. [PMID: 31600597 PMCID: PMC6944055 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in mammalian reproduction. Although it is a transient organ, its function is indispensable to communication between the mother and fetus, and supply of nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus. During pregnancy, the placenta is vulnerable to various intrinsic and extrinsic conditions which can result in increased risk of fetal neurodevelopmental disorders as well as fetal death. The placenta controls the neuroendocrine secretion in the brain as a means of adaptive processes to safeguard the fetus from adverse programs, to optimize fetal development and other physiological changes necessary for reproductive success. Although a wealth of information is available on neuroendocrine functions in pregnancy, they are largely limited to the regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/gonad (HPA/ HPG) axis, particularly the oxytocin and prolactin system. There is a major gap in knowledge on systems-level functional interaction between the brain and placenta. In this review, we aim to outline the current state of knowledge about the brain-placental axis with description of the functional interactions between the placenta and the maternal and fetal brain. While describing the brain-placental interactions, a special emphasis has been given on the therapeutics and pharmacology of the placental receptors to neuroligands expressed in the brain during gestation. As a key feature of this review, we outline the prospects of integrated pharmacogenomics, single-cell sequencing and organ-on-chip systems to foster priority areas in this field of research. Finally, we remark on the application of precision genomics approaches to study the brain-placental axis in order to accelerate personalized medicine and therapeutics to treat placental and fetal brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States; Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, United States.
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States
| | | | - Ahmed Balboula
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States
| | - Amanda Patterson
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, United States
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, United States; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, United States
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37
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Initiation of human parturition: signaling from senescent fetal tissues via extracellular vesicle mediated paracrine mechanism. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2019; 62:199-211. [PMID: 31338337 PMCID: PMC6629986 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2019.62.4.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which signals from the fetus initiate human parturition is required. Our recent findings support the core hypothesis that oxidative stress (OS) and cellular senescence of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) trigger human parturition. Fetal membrane cell senescence at term is a natural physiological response to OS that occurs as a result of increased metabolic demands by the maturing fetus. Fetal membrane senescence is affected by the activation of the p38 mitogen activated kinase-mediated pathway. Similarly, various risk factors of preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes also cause OS-induced senescence. Data suggest that fetal cell senescence causes inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) release. Besides SASP, high mobility group box 1 and cell-free fetal telomere fragments translocate from the nucleus to the cytosol in senescent cells, where they represent damage-associated molecular pattern markers (DAMPs). In fetal membranes, both SASPs and DAMPs augment fetal cell senescence and an associated ‘sterile’ inflammatory reaction. In senescent cells, DAMPs are encapsulated in extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, which are 30–150 nm particles, and propagated to distant sites. Exosomes traffic from the fetus to the maternal side and cause labor-associated inflammatory changes in maternal uterine tissues. Thus, fetal membrane senescence and the inflammation generated from this process functions as a paracrine signaling system during parturition. A better understanding of the premature activation of these signals can provide insights into the mechanisms by which fetal signals initiate preterm parturition.
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38
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Disrupted compensatory response mediated by Wolfram syndrome 1 protein and corticotrophin-releasing hormone family peptides in early-onset intrahepatic cholestasis pregnancy. Placenta 2019; 83:63-71. [PMID: 31477210 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.06.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most adverse perinatal outcome of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is sudden fetal death related to acute fetoplacental hypoxia. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin (UCN), and Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) proteins may have a compensatory response to hypoxic stress. METHODS A total of 108 singleton pregnant women were divided into three groups: control, late-onset ICP, and early-onset ICP. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detected maternal serum CRH, UCN, and WFS1 levels. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted to quantify placental protein and mRNA levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1. Pearson correlation scatterplots and Pearson correlation matrix were employed to testify the correlation. RESULTS Placental WFS1 had a positive relation with placental UCN (r = 0.69, P < 0.05) and serum UCN (r = 0.36, P < 0.05). Placental CRH was positively correlated with maternal serum CRH (r = 0.53, P < 0.05). Maternal serum and placental levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1 significantly increased in the early-onset ICP group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Placental levels of UCN and WFS1 in the early-onset ICP group were significantly elevated and higher in comparison with the late-onset ICP group (P < 0.05). However, the transcriptional levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1 were impaired in the early-onset ICP group. DISCUSSION Our study revealed that transcription and translation of WFS1, CRH, and UCN were altered during pregnancies complicated by early-onset ICP. This disrupted compensatory response mediated by WFS1 and CRH family peptides in early-onset ICP may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of sudden fetal death in acute fetal hypoxia.
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39
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Sun X, Guo JH, Zhang D, Chen JJ, Lin WY, Huang Y, Chen H, Huang WQ, Liu Y, Tsang LL, Yu MK, Chung YW, Jiang X, Huang H, Chan HC, Ruan YC. Activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) leads to cytokine profile shift to pro-inflammatory in labor. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 10:emmm.201808868. [PMID: 30154237 PMCID: PMC6402451 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201808868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The shift of cytokine profile from anti‐ to pro‐inflammatory is the most recognizable sign of labor, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is upregulated and activated in the uterus at labor in mice. Mechanical activation of ENaC results in phosphorylation of CREB and upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines as well as COX‐2/PGE2 in uterine epithelial cells. ENaC expression is also upregulated in mice with RU486‐induced preterm labor as well as in women with preterm labor. Interference with ENaC attenuates mechanically stimulated uterine contractions and significantly delays the RU486‐induced preterm labor in mice. Analysis of a human transcriptome database for maternal–fetus tissue/blood collected at onset of human term and preterm births reveals significant and positive correlation of ENaC with labor‐associated pro‐inflammatory factors in labored birth groups (both term and preterm), but not in non‐labored birth groups. Taken together, the present finding reveals a pro‐inflammatory role of ENaC in labor at term and preterm, suggesting it as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Sun
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jing Hui Guo
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jiang Chen
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yin Lin
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wen Qing Huang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifeng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lai Ling Tsang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yiu Wa Chung
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ye Chun Ruan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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40
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Beauchamp MJ, Nielsen AV, Gong H, Nordin GP, Woolley AT. 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices for Microchip Electrophoresis of Preterm Birth Biomarkers. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7418-7425. [PMID: 31056901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This work demonstrates for the first time the creation of microchip electrophoresis devices with ∼50 μm cross-sectional dimensions by stereolithographic 3D printing and their application in the analysis of medically significant biomarkers related to risk for preterm birth (PTB). We determined that device current was linear with applied potential up to 800 V (620 V/cm). We optimized device and separation conditions using fluorescently labeled amino acids as a model system and compared the performance in our 3D printed microfluidic devices to that in other device materials commonly used for microchip electrophoresis analysis. We demonstrated for the first time microchip electrophoresis in a 3D printed device of three PTB biomarkers, including peptides and a protein, with suitable separation characteristics. Limits of detection for microchip electrophoresis in 3D printed microfluidic devices were also determined for PTB biomarkers to be in the high picomolar to low nanomolar range.
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41
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Siricilla S, Knapp KM, Rogers JH, Berger C, Shelton EL, Mi D, Vinson P, Condon J, Paria BC, Reese J, Sheng Q, Herington JL. Comparative analysis of myometrial and vascular smooth muscle cells to determine optimal cells for use in drug discovery. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104268. [PMID: 31078743 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Novel therapeutic regulators of uterine contractility are needed to manage preterm labor, induce labor and control postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, we previously developed a high-throughput assay for large-scale screening of small molecular compounds to regulate calcium-mobilization in primary mouse uterine myometrial cells. The goal of this study was to select the optimal myometrial cells for our high-throughput drug discovery assay, as well as determine the similarity or differences of myometrial cells to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)-the most common off-target of current myometrial therapeutics. Molecular and pharmacological assays were used to compare myometrial cells from four sources: primary cells isolated from term pregnant human and murine myometrium, immortalized pregnant human myometrial (PHM-1) cells and immortalized non-pregnant human myometrial (hTERT-HM) cells. In addition, myometrial cells were compared to vascular SMCs. We found that the transcriptome profiles of hTERT-HM and PHM1 cells were most similar (r = 0.93 and 0.90, respectively) to human primary myometrial cells. Comparative transcriptome profiling of primary human myometrial transcriptome and VSMCs revealed 498 upregulated (p ≤ 0.01, log2FC≥1) genes, of which 142 can serve as uterine-selective druggable targets. In the high-throughput Ca2+-assay, PHM1 cells had the most similar response to primary human myometrial cells in OT-induced Ca2+-release (Emax = 195% and 143%, EC50 = 30 nM and 120 nM, respectively), while all sources of myometrial cells showed excellent and similar robustness and reproducibility (Z' = 0.52 to 0.77). After testing a panel of 61 compounds, we found that the stimulatory and inhibitory responses of hTERT-HM cells were highly-correlated (r = 0.94 and 0.95, respectively) to human primary cells. Moreover, ten compounds were identified that displayed uterine-selectivity (≥5-fold Emax or EC50 compared to VSMCs). Collectively, this study found that hTERT-HM cells exhibited the most similarity to primary human myometrial cells and, therefore, is an optimal substitute for large-scale screening to identify novel therapeutic regulators of myometrial contractility. Moreover, VSMCs can serve as an important counter-screening tool to assess uterine-selectivity of targets and drugs given the similarity observed in the transcriptome and response to compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shajila Siricilla
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelsi M Knapp
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jackson H Rogers
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Courtney Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elaine L Shelton
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Dehui Mi
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paige Vinson
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer Condon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bibhash C Paria
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeff Reese
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Quanhu Sheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer L Herington
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Birchenall KA, Welsh GI, López Bernal A. Metabolite Changes in Maternal and Fetal Plasma Following Spontaneous Labour at Term in Humans Using Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091527. [PMID: 31052173 PMCID: PMC6539865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of human labour remains poorly understood, limiting our ability to manage complications of parturition such as preterm labour and induction of labour. In this study we have investigated the effect of labour on plasma metabolites immediately following delivery, comparing cord and maternal plasma taken from women who laboured spontaneously and delivered vaginally with women who were delivered via elective caesarean section and did not labour. Samples were analysed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Welch’s two-sample t-test was used to identify any significant differences. Of 826 metabolites measured, 26.9% (222/826) were significantly altered in maternal plasma and 21.1% (174/826) in cord plasma. Labour involves changes in many maternal organs and poses acute metabolic demands in the uterus and in the fetus and these are reflected in our results. While a proportion of these differences are likely to be secondary to the physiological demands of labour itself, these results present a comprehensive picture of the metabolome in the maternal and fetal circulations at the time of delivery and can be used to guide future studies. We discuss potential causal pathways for labour including endocannabinoids, ceramides, sphingolipids and steroids. Further work is necessary to confirm the specific pathways involved in the spontaneous onset of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Birchenall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK.
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - Gavin I Welsh
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - Andrés López Bernal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK.
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
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Aker AM, Ferguson KK, Rosario ZY, Mukherjee B, Alshawabkeh AN, Calafat AM, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. A repeated measures study of phenol, paraben and Triclocarban urinary biomarkers and circulating maternal hormones during gestation in the Puerto Rico PROTECT cohort. Environ Health 2019; 18:28. [PMID: 30940137 PMCID: PMC6444601 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal exposure to some phenols and parabens has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. Hormones may play an intermediate role between phenols and adverse outcomes. We examined the associations of phenol and paraben exposures with maternal reproductive and thyroid hormones in 602 pregnant women in Puerto Rico. Urinary triclocarban, phenol and paraben biomarkers, and serum hormones (estriol, progesterone, testosterone, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) were measured at two visits during pregnancy. METHODS Linear mixed models with a random intercept were constructed to examine the associations between hormones and urinary biomarkers. Results were additionally stratified by study visit. Results were transformed to hormone percent changes for an inter-quartile-range difference in exposure biomarker concentrations (%Δ). RESULTS Bisphenol-S was associated with a decrease in CRH [(%Δ -11.35; 95% CI: -18.71, - 3.33), and bisphenol-F was associated with an increase in FT4 (%Δ: 2.76; 95% CI: 0.29, 5.22). Butyl-, methyl- and propylparaben were associated with decreases in SHBG [(%Δ: -5.27; 95% CI: -9.4, - 1.14); (%Δ: -3.53; 95% CI: -7.37, 0.31); (%Δ: -3.74; 95% CI: -7.76, 0.27)]. Triclocarban was positively associated with T3 (%Δ: 4.08; 95% CI: 1.18, 6.98) and T3/T4 ratio (%Δ: 4.67; 95% CI: -1.37, 6.65), and suggestively negatively associated with TSH (%Δ: -10.12; 95% CI: -19.47, 0.32). There was evidence of susceptible windows of vulnerability for some associations. At 24-28 weeks gestation, there was a positive association between 2,4-dichlorophenol and CRH (%Δ: 9.66; 95% CI: 0.67, 19.45) and between triclosan and estriol (%Δ: 13.17; 95% CI: 2.34, 25.2); and a negative association between triclocarban and SHBG (%Δ: -9.71; 95% CI:-19.1, - 0.27) and between bisphenol A and testosterone (%Δ: -17.37; 95% CI: -26.7, - 6.87). CONCLUSION Phenols and parabens are associated with hormone levels during pregnancy. Further studies are required to substantiate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira M. Aker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Room 1835 SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 USA
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Room 1835 SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 USA
- Epidemiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, USA
| | - Zaira Y. Rosario
- Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | | | | | - José F. Cordero
- College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Room 1835 SPH I, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 USA
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Behura SK, Kelleher AM, Spencer TE. Evidence for functional interactions between the placenta and brain in pregnant mice. FASEB J 2019; 33:4261-4272. [PMID: 30521381 PMCID: PMC6404589 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802037r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The placenta plays a pivotal role in the development of the fetal brain and also influences maternal brain function, but our understanding of communication between the placenta and brain remains limited. Using a gene expression and network analysis approach, we provide evidence that the placenta transcriptome is tightly interconnected with the maternal brain and fetal brain in d 15 pregnant C57BL/6J mice. Activation of serotonergic synapse signaling and inhibition of neurotrophin signaling were identified as potential mediators of crosstalk between the placenta and maternal brain and fetal brain, respectively. Genes encoding specific receptors and ligands were predicted to affect functional interactions between the placenta and brain. Paralogous genes, such as sex comb on midleg homolog 1/scm-like with 4 mbt domains 2 and polycomb group ring finger (Pcgf) 2/ Pcgf5, displayed antagonistic regulation between the placenta and brain. Additionally, conditional ablation of forkhead box a2 ( Foxa2) in the glands of the uterus altered the transcriptome of the d 15 placenta, which provides novel evidence of crosstalk between the uterine glands and placenta. Furthermore, expression of cathepsin 6 and monocyte to macrophage differentiation associated 2 was significantly different in the fetal brain of Foxa2 conditional knockout mice compared with control mice. These findings provide a better understanding of the intricacies of uterus-placenta-brain interactions during pregnancy and provide a foundation and model system for their exploration.-Behura, S. K., Kelleher, A. M., Spencer, T. E. Evidence for functional interactions between the placenta and brain in pregnant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanta K. Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; and
| | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Hallman M, Haapalainen A, Huusko JM, Karjalainen MK, Zhang G, Muglia LJ, Rämet M. Spontaneous premature birth as a target of genomic research. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:422-431. [PMID: 30353040 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth is a serious and common pregnancy complication associated with hormonal dysregulation, infection, inflammation, immunity, rupture of fetal membranes, stress, bleeding, and uterine distention. Heredity is 25-40% and mostly involves the maternal genome, with contribution of the fetal genome. Significant discoveries of candidate genes by genome-wide studies and confirmation in independent replicate populations serve as signposts for further research. The main task is to define the candidate genes, their roles, localization, regulation, and the associated pathways that influence the onset of human labor. Genomic research has identified some candidate genes that involve growth, differentiation, endocrine function, immunity, and other defense functions. For example, selenocysteine-specific elongation factor (EEFSEC) influences synthesis of selenoproteins. WNT4 regulates decidualization, while a heat-shock protein family A (HSP70) member 1 like, HSPAIL, influences expression of glucocorticoid receptor and WNT4. Programming of pregnancy duration starts before pregnancy and during placentation. Future goals are to understand the interactive regulation of the pathways in order to define the clocks that influence the risk of prematurity and the duration of pregnancy. Premature birth has a great impact on the duration and the quality of life. Intensification of focused research on causes, prediction and prevention of prematurity is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Hallman
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Antti Haapalainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna M Huusko
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Minna K Karjalainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ge Zhang
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mika Rämet
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Guan YH, Lu YL, Wang YN, Xue K. Let-7g inhibits synthesis of estradiol by downregulating activity of aromatase in JEG3 cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1819-1826. [PMID: 30216511 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased production of estrogen in human placenta during pregnancy closely associates with parturition. Aromatase, encoded by CYP19A1 gene, is an enzyme critical for biosynthesis of estrogen. Despite numerous efforts in the past few decades ascribed to characterizing the mechanisms of transcriptional control of aromatase, the posttranscriptional control of CYP19A1 remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to investigate the role of microRNA, let-7g, in posttranscriptional regulation of aromatase in human trophoblast choriocarcinoma cell line, JEG3. METHODS AND RESULTS We show that the expression of let-7g was downregulated in JEG3 cell line, but upregulated in primary term trophoblast; conversely, aromatase was upregulated in JEG3 but downregulated in primary trophoblast. We further show that let-7g antagomirs and mimics increased and decreased aromatase expression, respectively; and let-7g directly targeted 3'-untranslated region of CYP19A1 mRNA by using dual luciferase assay. Using ELISA, we also demonstrate that let-7g antagomirs and mimics robustly increased and decreased production of estradiol, respectively. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that aromatase expression is regulated at multiple molecular layers in the placenta. These results further suggest that JEG3 cell line is a valuable tool to study additional mechanisms associated with human birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hong Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying-Li Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Nan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kai Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wang B, Wang P, Parobchak N, Treff N, Tao X, Wang J, Rosen T. Integrated RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis reveals a feed-forward loop regulating H3K9ac and key labor drivers in human placenta. Placenta 2019; 76:40-50. [PMID: 30642670 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromatin alterations are important mediators of gene expression changes. We have recently shown that activated non-canonical NF-κB signaling (RelB/p52) recruits histone acetyltransferase CBP and deacetylase HDAC1 to selectively acetylate H3K9 (H3K9ac) to induce expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2) in the human placenta. Both of these genes play a role in initiating parturition in human pregnancy. METHODS We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by gene sequencing (ChIP-seq) in primary term human cytotrophoblast (CTB) with use of antibodies to RelB, CBP, HDAC1 and H3K9ac. We further associated these chromatin alterations with gene expression changes from mid-trimester to term in CTB by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). RESULTS We detected a genome-wide differential gene enrichment between mid-trimester and term human placenta. Pathway analysis identified that cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-κB, and TNF are the leading pathways enriched in term placenta and associated with these chromatin alterations. DISCUSSIONS Our analysis has provided the first-time characterization of the key players of human placental origin with molecular changes resulting from chromatin modifications, which could drive human labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Panwen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA
| | - Nataliya Parobchak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Nathan Treff
- Genomic Prediction Inc, North Brunswick, NJ, 08902, USA
| | - Xin Tao
- Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920, USA
| | - Junwen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, USA
| | - Todd Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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Gharbaran R, Somenarain L. Putative Cellular and Molecular Roles of Zika Virus in Fetal and Pediatric Neuropathologies. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2019; 22:5-21. [PMID: 30149771 DOI: 10.1177/1093526618790742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the World Health Organization declared an end to the recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and its association with adverse fetal and pediatric outcome, on November 18, 2016, the virus still remains a severe public health threat. Laboratory experiments thus far supported the suspicions that ZIKV is a teratogenic agent. Evidence indicated that ZIKV infection cripples the host cells' innate immune responses, allowing productive replication and potential dissemination of the virus. In addition, studies suggest potential transplacental passage of the virus and subsequent selective targeting of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Depletion of NPCs by ZIKV is associated with restricted brain growth. And while microcephaly can result from infection at any gestational stages, the risk is greater during the first trimester. Although a number of recent studies revealed some of specific molecular and cellular roles of ZIKV proteins of this mosquito-borne flavivirus, the mechanisms by which it produces it suspected pathophysiological effects are not completely understood. Thus, this review highlights the cellular and molecular evidence that implicate ZIKV in fetal and pediatric neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Gharbaran
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College, The City University of New York, Bronx, New York
| | - Latchman Somenarain
- 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College, The City University of New York, Bronx, New York
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Šimják P, Hill M, Pařízek A, Vítek L, Velíková M, Dušková M, Kancheva R, Bulant J, Koucký M, Kokrdová Z, Adamcová K, Černý A, Hájek Z, Stárka L. May circulating steroids reveal a predisposition to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in non-pregnant women? Physiol Res 2018; 67:S499-S510. [PMID: 30484676 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a frequent liver disorder, mostly occurring in the third trimester. ICP is not harmful to the mothers but threatens the fetus. The authors evaluated steroid alterations in maternal and mixed umbilical blood to elucidate their role in the ICP development. Ten women with ICP were included in the study. Steroids in the maternal blood were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) (n=58) and RIA (n=5) at the diagnosis of ICP, labor, day 5 postpartum, week 3 postpartum and week 6 postpartum. The results were evaluated by ANOVA consisting of the subject factor, between subject factors ICP, gestational age at the diagnosis of ICP and gestational age at labor, within-subject factor Stage and ICP × Stage interaction. The 17 controls were firstly examined in the week 36 of gestation. ICP patients showed reduced CYP17A1 activity in the C17,20 lyase step thus shifting the balance between the toxic conjugated pregnanediols and harmless sulfated 5alpha/beta-reduced-17-oxo C19 steroids. Hence, more toxic metabolites originating in maternal liver from the placental pregnanes may penetrate backward to the fetal circulation. As these alterations persist in puerperium, the circulating steroids could be potentially used for predicting the predisposition to ICP even before next pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Šimják
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, Department of Steroids and Proteohormones, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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50
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Gene Expression Profiling of Placenta from Normal to Pathological Pregnancies. Placenta 2018. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.80551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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