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Louwen F, Kreis NN, Ritter A, Yuan J. Maternal obesity and placental function: impaired maternal-fetal axis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2279-2288. [PMID: 38494514 PMCID: PMC11147848 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07462-w] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity rapidly increases, which represents a major public health concern worldwide. Maternal obesity is characteristic by metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. It is associated with health problems in both mother and offspring. Increasing evidence indicates that the placenta is an axis connecting maternal obesity with poor outcomes in the offspring. In this brief review, we have summarized the current data regarding deregulated placental function in maternal obesity. The data show that maternal obesity induces numerous placental defects, including lipid and glucose metabolism, stress response, inflammation, immune regulation and epigenetics. These placental defects affect each other and result in a stressful intrauterine environment, which transduces and mediates the adverse effects of maternal obesity to the fetus. Further investigations are required to explore the exact molecular alterations in the placenta in maternal obesity, which may pave the way to develop specific interventions for preventing epigenetic and metabolic programming in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Afsar S, Turan G, Sonmez AY, Usta CS, Usta A. Fetal vascular malperfusion score is linked with developing preeclampsia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230795. [PMID: 37971131 PMCID: PMC10645183 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal vascular malperfusion is associated with poor perinatal outcomes in women with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the association between fetal vascular malperfusion score and syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane thickness and clinicopathological variables, such as developing preeclampsia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 65 pregnant participants (34 with gestational diabetes mellitus and 31 controls) between January 2019 and January 2022. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed as ≥2 of 4 elevated values on a 3-h, 100-g oral glucose tolerance test. The fetal vascular malperfusion score was evaluated by endothelial CD34 positivity in the villous stroma of the placenta. The association between fetal vascular malperfusion score and syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane thickness with clinicopathological variables in women with gestational diabetes mellitus was evaluated. RESULTS It was revealed that the gestational diabetes mellitus group had greater fetal vascular malperfusion scores than the control group (gestational diabetes mellitus group fetal vascular malperfusion score: 34.2±9.1 and control group fetal vascular malperfusion score: 26.5±8.7, respectively, p=0.0009). Syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane thickness was correlated with the development of preeclampsia, trophoblast proliferation, and fetal vascular malperfusions (0.3952, p=0.0129; 0.3487, p=0.0211; and 0.4331, p=0.0082, respectively). On the contrary, fetal vascular malperfusions were correlated with the development of preeclampsia, villous edema, and trophoblast proliferation (0.3154, p=0.0343; 0.2922, p=0.4123; and 0.3142, p=0.0355, respectively). CONCLUSION The gestational diabetes mellitus group displayed significantly higher fetal vascular malperfusion scores and thickening of the syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane than the control group. There is a correlation between developing preeclampsia and the fetal vascular malperfusion scores and the syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selim Afsar
- Balikesir University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Gulay Turan
- Balikesir University, School of Medicine, Department of Pathology – Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Yigit Sonmez
- Adana Yuregir State Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Adana, Turkey
| | - Ceyda Sancakli Usta
- Balikesir University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Akın Usta
- Balikesir University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Balikesir, Turkey
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Alghamdi AA, Alotaibi AS. High Insulin Resistance in Saudi Women with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Case-control Study. SAUDI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 11:314-318. [PMID: 37970461 PMCID: PMC10634469 DOI: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_82_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) accounts for >50% of the patients with RPL. Insulin resistance (IR) is a potential cause of unexplained RPL. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and unexplained RPL among Saudi women. Methods This is a single-center, case-control study conducted at a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study group comprised Saudi women with unexplained RPL, while the control group had Saudi women with at least one live birth and no RPL. Blood samples were taken to determine the fasting glucose (FG) and fasting insulin (FI) levels. Women with diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovarian syndrome were excluded. A homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) value ≥3 was considered as IR. Results The study and control groups comprised 43 and 56 women, respectively. Between the groups, there was a significant difference in the mean age (case: 37.9 ± 5.4 years; control: 32.2 ± 5.9 years; P < 0.0001) and the mean BMI (case: 31.5 ± 6.0; control: 26.1 ± 2.8; P < 0.0001). FG level was slightly higher in the control group (90.9 mg/dL vs 88.7 mg/dL; P = 0.068). FI level was significantly higher in the study group (16.33 μU/mL vs. 6.17 μU/mL; P < 0.0001). HOMA-IR of ≥3 was significantly more common in the study group (n = 22; 51.2%) than the control group (4; 7.1%) (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for age and BMI, IR ≥3 was found to be independently associated with unexplained RPL (aOR: 13.2; 95% CI: 3.77-46.36). Conclusions This study showed that Saudi women with unexplained RPL had significantly higher levels of fasting insulin and insulin resistance than those without a history of RPL. Therefore, it is recommended to assess IR in women with RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam A. Alghamdi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani S. Alotaibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Juarez Cortés E, López Y López G, Perez Muñoz EI, Rodriguez Reyes B, Madrigal-Aguilar DA, Bobadilla-Lugo RA. Impact of Normal and Overweight Pregnancy in GLUT4 and Glucose-Dependent Vascular Contractility. Pharmacology 2023; 108:521-529. [PMID: 37673038 DOI: 10.1159/000533344] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity during pregnancy can contribute to hypertensive complications through changes in glucose utilization. We investigated the impact of vascular glucose uptake, GLUT4 density, and endothelium on agonist-induced vasoconstriction in the aortas of overweight pregnant rats. METHODS Isolated aortic rings with or without endothelium from pregnant or nonpregnant rats fed a standard (SD) or hypercaloric diet (HD) were contracted with phenylephrine or serotonin (10-9 to 10-4M) using standard (11 mm) or without (0 mm) glucose Krebs solution. GLUT4 density in the aortas was measured using the en face method. RESULTS Aortas from overweight pregnant animals (PHD) showed increased Phe-induced vasoconstriction (p < 0.05 vs. pregnant standard diet [PSD]), which was endothelium-independent. The contraction decreased significantly in the absence of glucose. In contrast, vessels from pregnant SD rats maintained their contraction in glucose-free Krebs solution. 5-HT increases PHD aortic contraction only in the absence of glucose. The fetal aortas from PHD mothers showed blunted vasoconstriction. Overweight significantly reduced GLUT4 expression in maternal and fetal aortas (p < 0.05 vs. PSD). CONCLUSIONS Aortic contractility is independent of glucose uptake during healthy pregnancy. In contrast, overweight pregnancy increases contractility. This increase depends directly on smooth muscle glucose uptake and inversely on GLUT-4 density. The increased contraction observed in the vasculature of overweight mothers was inverted in the fetal aortas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Juarez Cortés
- Fisioterapia (Physiotherapy), División de ciencias de la Salud e Ingenierias (Health Sciences and Engineering Division), Campus Celaya Salvatierra, Universidad de Guanajuato (University of Guanajuato), Celaya, Mexico
| | - Gustavo López Y López
- Centro de Innovación y Competitividad Empresarial (Enterprise Innovation and Competitivity Center), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (Benemérita Autonomous University of Puebla), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Eduardo I Perez Muñoz
- Escuela Superior de Medicina (Higher School of Medicine), Instituto Politécncico Nacional (National Polythechnic Institute), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Betzabel Rodriguez Reyes
- Escuela Superior de Medicina (Higher School of Medicine), Instituto Politécncico Nacional (National Polythechnic Institute), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Damian A Madrigal-Aguilar
- Escuela Superior de Medicina (Higher School of Medicine), Instituto Politécncico Nacional (National Polythechnic Institute), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa A Bobadilla-Lugo
- Escuela Superior de Medicina (Higher School of Medicine), Instituto Politécncico Nacional (National Polythechnic Institute), Mexico City, Mexico
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O'Brien K, Wang Y. The Placenta: A Maternofetal Interface. Annu Rev Nutr 2023; 43:301-325. [PMID: 37603428 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-085246] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is the gatekeeper between the mother and the fetus. Over the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is nourished by uterine gland secretions in a process known as histiotrophic nutrition. During the second trimester of pregnancy, placentation has evolved to the point at which nutrients are delivered to the placenta via maternal blood (hemotrophic nutrition). Over gestation, the placenta must adapt to these variable nutrient supplies, to alterations in maternal physiology and blood flow, and to dynamic changes in fetal growth rates. Numerous questions remain about the mechanisms used to transport nutrients to the fetus and the maternal and fetal determinants of this process. Growing data highlight the ability of the placenta to regulate this process. As new technologies and omics approaches are utilized to study this maternofetal interface, greater insight into this unique organ and its impact on fetal development and long-term health has been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly O'Brien
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; ,
| | - Yiqin Wang
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; ,
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Diniz MS, Grilo LF, Tocantins C, Falcão-Pires I, Pereira SP. Made in the Womb: Maternal Programming of Offspring Cardiovascular Function by an Obesogenic Womb. Metabolites 2023; 13:845. [PMID: 37512552 PMCID: PMC10386510 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070845] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity incidence has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially in women of reproductive age. It is estimated that 50% of pregnancies occur in overweight or obese women. It has been described that maternal obesity (MO) predisposes the offspring to an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases in an early stage of life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the main cause of death worldwide among men and women, and it is manifested in a sex-divergent way. Maternal nutrition and MO during gestation could prompt CVD development in the offspring through adaptations of the offspring's cardiovascular system in the womb, including cardiac epigenetic and persistent metabolic programming of signaling pathways and modulation of mitochondrial metabolic function. Currently, despite diet supplementation, effective therapeutical solutions to prevent the deleterious cardiac offspring function programming by an obesogenic womb are lacking. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which an obesogenic intrauterine environment could program the offspring's cardiovascular metabolism in a sex-divergent way, with a special focus on cardiac mitochondrial function, and debate possible strategies to implement during MO pregnancy that could ameliorate, revert, or even prevent deleterious effects of MO on the offspring's cardiovascular system. The impact of maternal physical exercise during an obesogenic pregnancy, nutritional interventions, and supplementation on offspring's cardiac metabolism are discussed, highlighting changes that may be favorable to MO offspring's cardiovascular health, which might result in the attenuation or even prevention of the development of CVD in MO offspring. The objectives of this manuscript are to comprehensively examine the various aspects of MO during pregnancy and explore the underlying mechanisms that contribute to an increased CVD risk in the offspring. We review the current literature on MO and its impact on the offspring's cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, we discuss the potential long-term consequences for the offspring. Understanding the multifaceted effects of MO on the offspring's health is crucial for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S Diniz
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís F Grilo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Tocantins
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Falcão-Pires
- UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana P Pereira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Joshi N, Sahay A, Mane A, Sundrani D, Randhir K, Wagh G, Thornburg K, Powell T, Yajnik C, Joshi S. Altered expression of nutrient transporters in syncytiotrophoblast membranes in preeclampsia placentae. Placenta 2023; 139:181-189. [PMID: 37421872 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.001] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expression of nutrient transporters in the placenta affects fetal growth. This study reports the protein expression of nutrient transporters in the syncytial membranes [microvillous membrane (MVM) and basal membrane (BM)] of normotensive control and preeclampsia placentae. METHODS Placentae were collected from fourteen normotensive control women and fourteen women with preeclampsia. The syncytiotrophoblast MVM and BM membranes were isolated. The protein expression of glucose transporter (GLUT1), vitamin B12 transporter (CD320) and fatty acid transporters (FATP2, FATP4) was assessed in both the membranes. RESULTS Comparison between membranes demonstrates similar CD320 protein expression in normotensive group whereas, in preeclampsia placentae it was higher in the BM as compared to MVM (p < 0.05). FATP2&4 protein expression was higher in the BM as compared to their respective MVM fraction in both the groups (p < 0.01 for both). Comparison between groups demonstrates higher GLUT1 expression in the MVM (p < 0.05) and BM (p < 0.05) whereas lower CD320 expression in the MVM (p < 0.05) of preeclampsia placentae as compared to their respective membranes in normotensive control. Furthermore, GLUT1 protein expression was positively associated and CD320 protein expression was negatively associated with maternal body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05 for both). No difference was observed in the FATP2&4 protein expression. However, FATP4 protein expression was negatively associated with maternal blood pressure (p < 0.05 for MVM; p = 0.060 for BM) and birth weight (p < 0.05 for both membranes). DISCUSSION The current study for the first time demonstrates differential expression of various transporters in the syncytiotrophoblast membranes of the preeclampsia placentae which may influence fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Akriti Sahay
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Aditi Mane
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Deepali Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Karuna Randhir
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Girija Wagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Kent Thornburg
- Department of Medicine, Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Theresa Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States; Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Sadhana Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
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Santos ED, Hernández MH, Sérazin V, Vialard F, Dieudonné MN. Human Placental Adaptive Changes in Response to Maternal Obesity: Sex Specificities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119770. [PMID: 37298720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119770] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is increasingly prevalent and is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality rates in both mothers and children. At the interface between the mother and the fetus, the placenta mediates the impact of the maternal environment on fetal development. Most of the literature presents data on the effects of maternal obesity on placental functions and does not exclude potentially confounding factors such as metabolic diseases (e.g., gestational diabetes). In this context, the focus of this review mainly lies on the impact of maternal obesity (in the absence of gestational diabetes) on (i) endocrine function, (ii) morphological characteristics, (iii) nutrient exchanges and metabolism, (iv) inflammatory/immune status, (v) oxidative stress, and (vi) transcriptome. Moreover, some of those placental changes in response to maternal obesity could be supported by fetal sex. A better understanding of sex-specific placental responses to maternal obesity seems to be crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes and the health of mothers and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Dos Santos
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, F-78300 Poissy, France
| | - Marta Hita Hernández
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Valérie Sérazin
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, F-78300 Poissy, France
| | - François Vialard
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, F-78300 Poissy, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Dieudonné
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Role of melatonin receptor 1B gene polymorphism and its effect on the regulation of glucose transport in gestational diabetes mellitus. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2023; 24:78-88. [PMID: 36632752 PMCID: PMC9837374 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin receptor 1B (MT2, encoded by the MTNR1B gene), a high-affinity receptor for melatonin, is associated with glucose homeostasis including glucose uptake and transport. The rs10830963 variant in the MTNR1B gene is linked to glucose metabolism disorders including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the relationship between MT2-mediated melatonin signaling and a high birth weight of GDM infants from maternal glucose abnormality remains poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the relationship between rs10830963 variants and GDM development, as well as the effects of MT2 receptor on glucose uptake and transport in trophoblasts. TaqMan-MGB (minor groove binder) probe quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used for rs10930963 genotyping. MT2 expression in the placenta of GDM and normal pregnant women was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and qPCR. The relationship between MT2 and glucose transporters (GLUTs) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was established by western blot, and glucose consumption of trophoblasts was measured by a glucose assay kit. The results showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10830963 were significantly different between GDM and normal pregnant women (P<0.05). The fasting, 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels of G-allele carriers were significantly higher than those of C-allele carriers (P<0.05). Besides, the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MT2 in the placenta of GDM was significantly higher than that of normal pregnant women (P<0.05). Melatonin could stimulate glucose uptake and GLUT4 and PPARγ protein expression in trophoblasts, which could be attenuated by MT2 receptor knockdown. In conclusion, the rs10830963 variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM. The MT2 receptor is essential for melatonin to raise glucose uptake and transport, which may be mediated by PPARγ.
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Brombach C, Tong W, Giussani DA. Maternal obesity: new placental paradigms unfolded. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:823-835. [PMID: 35760668 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and is providing a major challenge for obstetric practice. Adverse effects on maternal and fetal health are mediated by complex interactions between metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress signaling in the placenta. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) are common downstream pathways of cell stress, and there is evidence that this conserved homeostatic response may be a key mediator in the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction. We summarize the current literature on the placental cellular and molecular changes that occur in obese women. A special focus is cast onto placental ER stress in obese pregnancy, which may provide a novel link for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wen Tong
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge CB2 3EL, Cambridge UK.
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge CB2 3EL, Cambridge UK; Cambridge Cardiovascular Centre for Research Excellence, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Rodrigo N, Saad S, Pollock C, Glastras SJ. Diet Modification before or during Pregnancy on Maternal and Foetal Outcomes in Rodent Models of Maternal Obesity. Nutrients 2022; 14:2154. [PMID: 35631295 PMCID: PMC9146671 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has serious implications for women of reproductive age; its rising incidence is associated not just with health implications for the mother but also has transgenerational ramifications for the offspring. Increased incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and kidney disease are seen in both the mothers and the offspring. Animal models, such as rodent studies, are fundamental to studying maternal obesity and its impact on maternal and offspring health, as human studies lack rigorous controlled experimental design. Furthermore, the short and prolific reproductive potential of rodents enables examination across multiple generations and facilitates the exploration of interventional strategies to mitigate the impact of maternal obesity, both before and during pregnancy. Given that obesity is a major public health concern, it is important to obtain a greater understanding of its pathophysiology and interaction with reproductive health, placental physiology, and foetal development. This narrative review focuses on the known effects of maternal obesity on the mother and the offspring, and the benefits of interventional strategies, including dietary intervention, before or during pregnancy on maternal and foetal outcomes. It further examines the contribution of rodent models of maternal obesity to elucidating pathophysiological pathways of disease development, as well as methods to reduce the impact of obesity on the mothers and the developing foetus. The translation of these findings into the human experience will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natassia Rodrigo
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia;
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia; (S.S.); (C.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Sonia Saad
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia; (S.S.); (C.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Carol Pollock
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia; (S.S.); (C.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia
| | - Sarah J. Glastras
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia;
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia; (S.S.); (C.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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12
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Fetomaternal Expression of Glucose Transporters (GLUTs)—Biochemical, Cellular and Clinical Aspects. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102025. [PMID: 35631166 PMCID: PMC9146575 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102025] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Several types of specialized glucose transporters (GLUTs) provide constant glucose transport from the maternal circulation to the developing fetus through the placental barrier from the early stages of pregnancy. GLUT1 is a prominent protein isoform that regulates placental glucose transfer via glucose-facilitated diffusion. The GLUT1 membrane protein density and permeability of the syncytial basal membrane (BM) are the main factors limiting the rate of glucose diffusion in the fetomaternal compartment in physiological conditions. Besides GLUT1, the GLUT3 and GLUT4 isoforms are widely expressed across the human placenta. Numerous medical conditions and molecules, such as hormones, adipokines, and xenobiotics, alter the GLUT’s mRNA and protein expression. Diabetes upregulates the BM GLUT’s density and promotes fetomaternal glucose transport, leading to excessive fetal growth. However, most studies have found no between-group differences in GLUTs’ placental expression in macrosomic and normal control pregnancies. The fetomaternal GLUTs expression may also be influenced by several other conditions, such as chronic hypoxia, preeclampsia, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
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13
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Hufnagel A, Dearden L, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Ozanne SE. Programming of cardiometabolic health: the role of maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia. J Endocrinol 2022; 253:R47-R63. [PMID: 35258482 PMCID: PMC9066586 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes during pregnancy have multiple short- and long-term consequences for both mother and child. One common feature of pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and gestational diabetes is maternal hyperinsulinaemia, which has effects on the mother and her adaptation to pregnancy. Even though insulin does not cross the placenta insulin can act on the placenta as well affecting placental growth, angiogenesis and lipid metabolism. Obese and gestational diabetic pregnancies are often characterised by maternal hyperglycaemia resulting in exposure of the fetus to high levels of glucose, which freely crosses the placenta. This leads to stimulation of fetal ß-cells and insulin secretion in the fetus. Fetal hyperglycaemia/hyperinsulinaemia has been shown to cause multiple complications in fetal development, such as altered growth trajectories, impaired neuronal and cardiac development and early exhaustion of the pancreas. These changes could increase the susceptibility of the offspring to develop cardiometabolic diseases later in life. In this review, we aim to summarize and review the mechanisms by which maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia impact on (i) maternal health during pregnancy; (ii) placental and fetal development; (iii) offspring energy homeostasis and long-term cardiometabolic health; (iv) how interventions can alleviate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Laura Dearden
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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14
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Garcia-Santillan JA, Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy ML, Rodriguez-Saldaña GC, Solis-Barbosa MA, Corona-Figueroa MA, Gonzalez-Dominguez MI, Gomez-Zapata HM, Malacara JM, Barbosa-Sabanero G. Placental Nutrient Transporters and Maternal Fatty Acids in SGA, AGA, and LGA Newborns From Mothers With and Without Obesity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:822527. [PMID: 35399516 PMCID: PMC8990844 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.822527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse environmental factors in early life result in fetal metabolic programming and increased risk of adult diseases. Birth weight is an indirect marker of the intrauterine environment, modulated by nutrient availability and placental transport capacity. However, studies of placental transporters in idiopathic birth weight alterations and in maternal obesity in relation to neonatal metabolic outcomes are scarce. We aimed to analyze the placental nutrient transporter protein expression in small (SGA, n = 14), adequate (AGA, n = 18), and large (LGA n = 10) gestational age term for newborns from healthy or obese mothers (LGA-OB, n = 9) and their association with maternal fatty acids, metabolic status, placental triglycerides, and neonatal outcomes. The transporter expression was determined by Western blot. The fatty acid profile was evaluated by gas chromatography, and placental triglycerides were quantified by an enzymatic colorimetric method. GLUT1 was higher in LGA and lower in SGA and positively correlated with maternal HbA1c and placental weight (PW). SNAT2 was lower in SGA, while SNAT4 was lower in LGA-OB. FATP1 was lower in SGA and higher in LGA. SNAT4 correlated negatively and FATP1 correlated positively with the PW and birth anthropometry (BA). Placental triglycerides were higher in LGA and LGA-OB and correlated with pregestational BMI, maternal insulin, and BA. Maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was higher in SGA, specifically in male placentas, correlating negatively with maternal triglycerides, PW, cord glucose, and abdominal perimeter. Palmitic acid (PA) correlated positively with FATP4 and cord insulin, linoleic acid correlated negatively with PA and maternal cholesterol, and arachidonic acid correlated inversely with maternal TG and directly with FATP4. Our study highlights the importance of placental programming in birth weight both in healthy and obese pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miguel-Angel Solis-Barbosa
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Campus Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Juan-Manuel Malacara
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Campus Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Gloria Barbosa-Sabanero
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Campus Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Gloria Barbosa-Sabanero,
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15
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Song L, Wang N, Peng Y, Sun B, Cui W. Placental lipid transport and content in response to maternal overweight and gestational diabetes mellitus in human term placenta. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2022; 32:692-702. [PMID: 35109996 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Placental lipid transport is altered in women with high prepregnancy body mass index (pre-BMI) or gestational diabetes (GDM), which consequently affects foetal growth. However, the interaction of maternal overweight (OW) and GDM on placental lipid metabolism and possible adaptations are less studied. We aimed to examine whether maternal OW or GDM is the main factor disrupting placental lipid processing in human term placenta. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 152 lean (18.5 ≤ pre-BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2) and OW (24 ≤ pre-BMI ≤ 27.9 kg/m2) pregnant women with or without GDM with a scheduled delivery by caesarean section were recruited. Maternal venous blood samples were used to measure metabolic parameters during pregnancy. Term placentas and cord blood were collected at delivery to determine placental lipid metabolism and foetal circulating lipid levels. Maternal OW significantly increased the placental mRNA expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism (FAT/CD36, FATP1, FATP4, FATP6, and PPAR-α), elevated placental lipid content (triglyceride, cholesterol), enhanced placental mTORC1-rpS6 and ERK1/2 signalling, increased cord blood insulin levels and birth weight. Neonatal birth weight was positively correlated with maternal pre-BMI, placental ERK1/2 signalling and cord blood insulin. There was an interaction between OW and GDM in regulating key placental fuel transport and storage gene expression (LPL, FATP6, FABP7, PPAR-α, PPAR-β, PPAR-γ, IR-β, GLUT1, SNAT2, SNAT4, and LAT1). CONCLUSION Maternal OW mainly affects placental lipid metabolism, which may contribute to foetal overgrowth and may impact long-term offspring health. GDM plays a less significant role in affecting placental lipid transfer and other mechanisms may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Song
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Second Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanqi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Second Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Second Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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16
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Yang T, Yang Y, Zhang Q, Liu D, Liu N, Li Y, Yao Z, Zhang Y, Tian F, Zhao J, Li Y. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance Is Associated With Late Miscarriage in Non-Dyslipidemic Women Undergoing Fresh IVF/ICSI Embryo Transfer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:880518. [PMID: 35784578 PMCID: PMC9247267 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.880518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations between homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pregnancy outcomes in non-dyslipidemic infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study involving 3,615 non-dyslipidemic infertile women who attend to the Reproductive Medicine Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (CSU) between January 2014 and October 2021. Eligible participants were divided into three groups according to the quartiles of HOMA-IR: Group 1 (HOMA-IR <1.46), Group 2 (1.46 to <2.71) and Group 3 (HOMA-IR ≥2.71). Baseline data, clinical characteristics during the assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes were compared among the three groups. Subgroup analysis based on presence or absence of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status was also performed to analyze the effects of HOMA-IR among non-PCOS populations. RESULTS The late miscarriage rate and percentage of macrosomia increased with the HOMA-IR group (for late miscarriage rate: 2.23% vs. 3.04% vs. 7.35%, P<0.001; for macrosomia: 0.21% vs. 1.70% vs. 3.23%, P=0.002). Increased HOMA-IR (HOMA-IR≥2.71) was positively associated with late miscarriage (crude OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.64-7.47, P=0.001; adjusted OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.56-8.15, P=0.003). In the subgroup analysis, there were 3,165 participants in the non-PCOS group and 450 were assigned to the PCOS group. Late miscarriage rate increased with the HOMA-IR group among non-PCOS populations (2.20% vs. 3.03% vs. 7.67%, P<0.001). Late miscarriage rate of PCOS women were comparable among the three HOMA-IR groups (2.50% vs. 3.06% vs. 5.71%, P=0.634). Among non-PCOS women, increased HOMA-IR (HOMA-IR≥2.71) was positively associated with late miscarriage (crude OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.66-8.30, P=0.001; adjusted OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.59-9.17, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS Late miscarriage rate and prevalence of macrosomia increased with the HOMA-IR index. Preconception HOMA-IR is an independent risk factor for late miscarriage in normolipidemic women undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET. Controlling insulin resistance before ART might prevent the occurrence of late miscarriage and macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Donge Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Nenghui Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongyuan Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yeqing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Tian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yanping Li, ; Jing Zhao,
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women’s Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yanping Li, ; Jing Zhao,
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Francis EC, Dabelea D, Boyle KE, Jansson T, Perng W. Maternal Diet Quality Is Associated with Placental Proteins in the Placental Insulin/Growth Factor, Environmental Stress, Inflammation, and mTOR Signaling Pathways: The Healthy Start ECHO Cohort. J Nutr 2021; 152:816-825. [PMID: 34850052 PMCID: PMC8891174 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal nutritional status affects placental function, which may underlie the intrauterine origins of obesity and diabetes. The extent to which diet quality is associated with placental signaling and which specific pathways are impacted is unknown. OBJECTIVES To examine sex-specific associations of maternal diet quality according to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-developed to align with recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans-with placental proteins involved in metabolism and mediators of environmental stress, inflammation, and growth factors. METHODS Among 108 women from the Healthy Start cohort with a mean ± SD age of 29.0 ± 6.1 y and a prepregnancy BMI (in kg/m2) of 24.8 ± 5.3, we conducted multivariable linear regression analysis stratified by offspring sex. We adjusted for maternal race or ethnicity, age, education, prenatal smoking habits, and physical activity and tested for an association of maternal HEI >57 compared with ≤57 and the abundance and phosphorylation of key proteins involved in insulin/growth factor signaling; mediators of environmental stress, inflammation, and growth factors; mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling proteins; and energy sensing in placental villus samples. HEI >57 was chosen given its prior relevance among Healthy Start mother-child dyads. RESULTS In adjusted models, HEI >57 was associated with greater abundance of insulin receptor β (0.80; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.49) in placentas of females. In males, maternal HEI >57 was associated with greater activation and abundance of select placental nutrient-sensing proteins and environmental stress, inflammation, and growth factor proteins (S6K1Thr389/S6K1: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.21, 1.41; JNK1Thr183/Tyr185/JNK1: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.27, 1.37; JNK2Thr183/Tyr185/JNK2: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.02, 1.11). CONCLUSIONS Higher-quality diet had sex-specific associations with placental protein abundance/phosphorylation. Given that these proteins have been correlated with neonatal anthropometry, our findings provide insight into modifiable factors and placental pathways that should be examined in future studies as potential links between maternal diet and offspring metabolic health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02273297.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana Dabelea
- The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kristen E Boyle
- The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA,Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA,Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Deptartment of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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18
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Espinoza C, Fuenzalida B, Leiva A. Increased Fetal Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Potential Synergy Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Hypercholesterolemia. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:601-623. [PMID: 33902412 DOI: 10.2174/1570161119666210423085407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that the risk for CVD can increase at the fetal stages due to maternal metabolic diseases, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH). GDM is a hyperglycemic, inflammatory, and insulin-resistant state that increases plasma levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides, impairs endothelial vascular tone regulation, and due to the increased nutrient transport, exposes the fetus to the altered metabolic conditions of the mother. MSPH involves increased levels of cholesterol (mainly as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) which also causes endothelial dysfunction and alters nutrient transport to the fetus. Despite that an association has already been established between MSPH and increased CVD risk, however, little is known about the cellular processes underlying this relationship. Our knowledge is further obscured when the simultaneous presentation of MSPH and GDM takes place. In this context, GDM and MSPH may substantially increase fetal CVD risk due to synergistic impairment of placental nutrient transport and endothelial dysfunction. More studies on the separate and/or cumulative role of both processes are warranted to suggest specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Espinoza
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Barbara Fuenzalida
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Leiva
- School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Providencia 7510157, Chile
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19
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Stanirowski PJ, Szukiewicz D, Majewska A, Wątroba M, Pyzlak M, Bomba-Opoń D, Wielgoś M. Placental expression of glucose transporters GLUT-1, GLUT-3, GLUT-8 and GLUT-12 in pregnancies complicated by gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Investig 2021; 13:560-570. [PMID: 34555239 PMCID: PMC8902395 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction The aim of the present study was to evaluate the placental expression of glucose transporters GLUT‐1, GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 in term pregnancies complicated by well‐controlled gestational (GDM) and type 1 pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). Materials and Methods A total of 103 placental samples were obtained from patients diagnosed with GDM (n = 60), PGDM (n = 20) and a non‐diabetic control group (n = 23). Computer‐assisted quantitative morphometry of stained placental sections was performed to determine the expression of selected GLUT proteins. Results Immunohistochemical techniques used for the identification of GLUT‐1, GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 revealed the presence of all glucose transporters in the placental tissue. Morphometric evaluation performed for the vascular density‐matched placental samples demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of GLUT‐1 protein in patients with PGDM as compared to GDM and control groups (P < 0.05). With regard to the expression of the other GLUT isoforms, no statistically significant differences were observed between patients from the diabetic and control populations. Positive correlations between fetal birthweight and the expression of GLUT‐1 protein in the PGDM group (rho = 0.463, P < 0.05) and GLUT‐12 in the control group (rho = 0.481, P < 0.05) were noted. Conclusions In term pregnancies complicated by well‐controlled GDM/PGDM, expression of transporters GLUT‐3, GLUT‐8 and GLUT‐12 in the placenta remains unaffected. Increased expression of GLUT‐1 among women with type 1 PGDM might contribute to a higher rate of macrosomic fetuses in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Jan Stanirowski
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Majewska
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wątroba
- Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Pyzlak
- Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Bomba-Opoń
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Wielgoś
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Joshi NP, Mane AR, Sahay AS, Sundrani DP, Joshi SR, Yajnik CS. Role of Placental Glucose Transporters in Determining Fetal Growth. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2744-2759. [PMID: 34339038 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutrient availability and its transport through the placenta are crucial for fetal development. Nutrients are transported to the fetus via specific transporters present on the microvillous (MVM) and basal membrane (BM) of the placenta. Glucose is the most abundant nutrient transferred to the fetus and plays a key role in the fetal growth and development. The transfer of glucose across the human placenta is directly proportional to maternal glucose concentrations, and is mediated by glucose transporter family proteins (GLUTs). Maternal glucose concentration influences expression and activity of GLUTs in the MVM (glucose uptake) and BM (glucose delivery). Alteration in the number and function of these transporters may affect the growth and body composition of the fetus. The thin-fat phenotype of the Indian baby (low ponderal index, high adiposity) is proposed as a harbinger of future metabolic risk. We propose that placental function mediated through nutrient transporters contributes to the phenotype of the baby, specifically that glucose transporters will influence neonatal fat. This review discusses the role of various glucose transporters in the placenta in determining fetal growth and body composition, in light of the above hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Aditi R Mane
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Akriti S Sahay
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Deepali P Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India.
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21
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Castillo-Castrejon M, Yamaguchi K, Rodel RL, Erickson K, Kramer A, Hirsch NM, Rolloff K, Jansson T, Barbour LA, Powell TL. Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on placental expression and activity of nutrient transporters and their association with birth weight and neonatal adiposity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 532:111319. [PMID: 33989714 PMCID: PMC8206039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Infants born to women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are at risk of being born large for gestational age due to excess fetal fat accretion. Placental nutrient transport determines fetal nutrient availability, impacting fetal growth. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of T2DM on placental insulin signaling, placental nutrient transporters and neonatal adiposity. METHODS Placentas were collected from BMI-matched normoglycemic controls (NGT, n = 9) and T2DM (n = 9) women. Syncytiotrophoblast microvillous (MVM) and basal (BM) plasma membranes were isolated. Expression of glucose (GLUT1, -4), fatty acid (FATP2, -4, -6, FAT/CD36), amino acid (SNAT1, -2, -4, LAT1, -2) transporters, insulin signaling, and System A transporter activity was determined. Neonatal fat mass (%) was measured in a subset of neonates born to T2DM women. RESULTS GLUT1 protein expression was increased (p = 0.001) and GLUT4 decreased (p = 0.006) in BM from T2DM. MVM FATP6 expression was increased (p = 0.02) and correlated with birth weight in both T2DM and NGT groups (r = 0.65, p = 0.02). BM FATP6 expression was increased (p = 0.01) in T2DM. In MVM of T2DM placentas, SNAT1 expression was increased (p = 0.05) and correlated with birth weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004); SNAT2 was increased (p = 0.01), however System A transporter activity was not different between groups. MVM LAT1 expression was increased (p = 0.01) in T2DM and correlated with birth weight (r = 0.59, p = 0.04) and neonatal fat mass (r = 0.76, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION In pregnancies complicated by T2DM placental protein expression of transporters for glucose, amino acids and fatty acids is increased, which may contribute to increased fetal growth and neonatal adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Castillo-Castrejon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Kyohei Yamaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Rachel L Rodel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kathryn Erickson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anita Kramer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicole M Hirsch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kristy Rolloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Linda A Barbour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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22
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Placental Glucose Transporters and Response to Bisphenol A in Pregnancies from of Normal and Overweight Mothers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126625. [PMID: 34205666 PMCID: PMC8233759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic phenol extensively used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins and a component of liquid and food storages. Among health disorders potentially attributed to BPA, the effects on metabolism have been especially studied. BPA represents a hazard in prenatal life because of its presence in tissues and fluids during pregnancy. Our recent study in rats fed with BPA showed a placental increase in glucose type 1 transporter (GLUT-1), suggesting a higher uptake of glucose. However, the role of BPA on GLUT transporters in pregnant women with metabolic dysfunction has not yet been investigated. In this study, placental tissue from 26 overweight (OW) women and 32 age-matched normal weight (NW) pregnant women were examined for expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4. Placental explants from OW and NW mothers were exposed to BPA 1 nM and 1 μM and tested for GLUTs expression. The data showed a different response of placental explants to BPA in GLUT1 expression with an increase in NW mothers and a decrease in OW ones. GLUT4 expression was lower in the explants from OW than NW mothers, while no difference was showed between OW and NW in placental biopsies for any of the transporters.
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23
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Fowden AL, Camm EJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Effects of Maternal Obesity On Placental Phenotype. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:113-131. [PMID: 32400334 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200513115316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of obesity is rising rapidly worldwide with the consequence that more women are entering pregnancy overweight or obese. This leads to an increased incidence of clinical complications during pregnancy and of poor obstetric outcomes. The offspring of obese pregnancies are often macrosomic at birth although there is also a subset of the progeny that are growth-restricted at term. Maternal obesity during pregnancy is also associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine dysfunction in the offspring later in life. As the interface between the mother and fetus, the placenta has a central role in programming intrauterine development and is known to adapt its phenotype in response to environmental conditions such as maternal undernutrition and hypoxia. However, less is known about placental function in the abnormal metabolic and endocrine environment associated with maternal obesity during pregnancy. This review discusses the placental consequences of maternal obesity induced either naturally or experimentally by increasing maternal nutritional intake and/or changing the dietary composition. It takes a comparative, multi-species approach and focusses on placental size, morphology, nutrient transport, metabolism and endocrine function during the later stages of obese pregnancy. It also examines the interventions that have been made during pregnancy in an attempt to alleviate the more adverse impacts of maternal obesity on placental phenotype. The review highlights the potential role of adaptations in placental phenotype as a contributory factor to the pregnancy complications and changes in fetal growth and development that are associated with maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - E J Camm
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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24
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Bedell S, Hutson J, de Vrijer B, Eastabrook G. Effects of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Placenta: Current Knowledge and Targets for Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:176-192. [PMID: 32543363 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200616144512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development as well as metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in the offspring. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of obesity and GDM on placental development and function. Understanding these processes is key in developing therapeutic interventions with the goal of mitigating these effects and preventing future cardiovascular and metabolic pathology in subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Bedell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Janine Hutson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Genevieve Eastabrook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
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25
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Inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling decreases levels of O-GlcNAc transferase and increases serotonin release in the human placenta. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:3123-3136. [PMID: 33215629 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Changes in placental function, in particular down-regulation of placental O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) in response to maternal stress and increased placental secretion of serotonin into the fetal circulation following maternal infection, have been mechanistically linked to adverse neurodevelopment in mice. We hypothesized that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is a key regulator of trophoblast serotonin synthesis and OGT protein expression and that serotonin is secreted by the human placenta into the fetal circulation. Placental homogenates (n=46) from elective terminations at 8-22 weeks of gestation and from healthy-term women were sexed and the protein levels of OGT and enzymes involved in serotonin synthesis was determined. Primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells were isolated from normal term placenta (n=27), cultured and transfected (n=8) with siRNA targeting a scramble sequence (control), raptor (inhibits mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1)), or rictor (inhibits mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2)). Subsequently, conditioned media and PHT cell lysates were collected. Free serotonin concentration was measured using ELISA in cell culture media and in platelet-depleted normal term umbilical vein and artery plasma (n=38). Both mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibition down-regulated OGT levels in PHT cells. The level of serotonin synthesis enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH-1) was higher in early gestation female placentas and at term serotonin concentration was three-fold higher in the umbilical vein than in the umbilical artery. Inhibition of mTORC2, but not mTORC1, increased cultured PHT cell serotonin secretion. Our data are consistent with the model that mTOR signaling is a key regulator of trophoblast serotonin synthesis and OGT protein expression.
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26
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Low CETP activity and unique composition of large VLDL and small HDL in women giving birth to small-for-gestational age infants. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6213. [PMID: 33737686 PMCID: PMC7973737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) regulates high density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol (C) and HDL-C is essential for fetal development. We hypothesized that women giving birth to large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants differed in longitudinal changes in lipoproteins, CETP activity and HDL-C and that placentas from women with higher or lower circulating HDL-C displayed differential expression of mRNAs involved in cholesterol/nutrient transport, insulin signaling, inflammation/ extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Circulating lipids and CETP activity was measured during pregnancy, NMR lipidomics in late pregnancy, and associations with LGA and SGA infants investigated. RNA sequencing was performed in 28 placentas according to higher and lower maternal HDL-C levels. Lipidomics revealed high triglycerides in large VLDL and lipids/cholesterol/cholesteryl esters in small HDL in women giving birth to SGA infants. Placentas from women with higher HDL-C had decreased levels of CETP expression which was associated with mRNAs involved in cholesterol/nutrient transport, insulin signaling and inflammation/ECM remodeling. Both placental and circulating CETP levels were associated with growth of the fetus. Low circulating CETP activity at 36–38 weeks was associated with giving birth to SGA infants. Our findings suggest a link between increased maternal HDL-C levels, low CETP levels both in circulation and placenta, and SGA infants.
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27
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Dearden L, Bouret SG, Ozanne SE. Nutritional and developmental programming effects of insulin. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12933. [PMID: 33438814 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of insulin in 1921 was a major breakthrough in medicine and for therapy in patients with diabetes. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been tightly linked to an increased prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which poses major health concerns. Babies born to GDM mothers are more likely to develop obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. Evidence accumulated during the past two decades has revealed that high levels insulin, such as those observed during GDM, can have a widespread effect on the development and function of a variety of organs. This review summarises our current knowledge on the role of insulin in the placenta, cardiovascular system and brain during critical periods of development, as well as how it can contribute to lifelong metabolic regulation. We also discuss possible intervention strategies to ameliorate and hopefully reverse the developmental defects associated with obesity and GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dearden
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sebastien G Bouret
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Research Center, Lille, France
- University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
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28
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Ning J, Yang H. O-GlcNAcylation in Hyperglycemic Pregnancies: Impact on Placental Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:659733. [PMID: 34140929 PMCID: PMC8204080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.659733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic cycling of N-acetylglucosamine, termed as O-GlcNAcylation, is a post-translational modification of proteins and is involved in the regulation of fundamental cellular processes. It is controlled by two essential enzymes, O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase. O-GlcNAcylation serves as a modulator in placental tissue; furthermore, increased levels of protein O-GlcNAcylation have been observed in women with hyperglycemia during pregnancy, which may affect the short-and long-term development of offspring. In this review, we focus on the impact of O-GlcNAcylation on placental functions in hyperglycemia-associated pregnancies. We discuss the following topics: effect of O-GlcNAcylation on placental development and its association with hyperglycemia; maternal-fetal nutrition transport, particularly glucose transport, via the mammalian target of rapamycin and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways; and the two-sided regulatory effect of O-GlcNAcylation on inflammation. As O-GlcNAcylation in the placental tissues of pregnant women with hyperglycemia influences near- and long-term development of offspring, research in this field has significant therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Foetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Foetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Huixia Yang,
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29
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Abstract
Almost 2 billion adults in the world are overweight, and more than half of them are classified as obese, while nearly one-third of children globally experience poor growth and development. Given the vast amount of knowledge that has been gleaned from decades of research on growth and development, a number of questions remain as to why the world is now in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity accompanied by the "double burden of malnutrition," where overweight coexists with underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. This challenge to the human condition can be attributed to nutritional and environmental exposures during pregnancy that may program a fetus to have a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. To explore this concept, frequently called the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), this review considers a host of factors and physiological mechanisms that drive a fetus or child toward a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). To that end, this review explores the epidemiology of DOHaD with discussions focused on adaptations to human energetics, placental development, dysmetabolism, and key environmental exposures that act to promote chronic diseases in adulthood. These areas are complementary and additive in understanding how providing the best conditions for optimal growth can create the best possible conditions for lifelong health. Moreover, understanding both physiological as well as epigenetic and molecular mechanisms for DOHaD is vital to most fully address the global issues of obesity and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and Center for Childhood Nutrition Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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30
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Placental function in maternal obesity. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:961-984. [PMID: 32313958 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal obesity is associated with pregnancy complications and increases the risk for the infant to develop obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. However, the mechanisms linking the maternal obesogenic environment to adverse short- and long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. As compared with pregnant women with normal BMI, women entering pregnancy obese have more pronounced insulin resistance, higher circulating plasma insulin, leptin, IGF-1, lipids and possibly proinflammatory cytokines and lower plasma adiponectin. Importantly, the changes in maternal levels of nutrients, growth factors and hormones in maternal obesity modulate placental function. For example, high insulin, leptin, IGF-1 and low adiponectin in obese pregnant women activate mTOR signaling in the placenta, promoting protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and nutrient transport. These changes are believed to increase fetal nutrient supply and contribute to fetal overgrowth and/or adiposity in offspring, which increases the risk to develop disease later in life. However, the majority of obese women give birth to normal weight infants and these pregnancies are also associated with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, oxidative stress, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in the placenta. Recent bioinformatics approaches have expanded our understanding of how maternal obesity affects the placenta; however, the link between changes in placental function and adverse outcomes in obese women giving birth to normal sized infants is unclear. Interventions that specifically target placental function, such as activation of placental adiponectin receptors, may prevent the transmission of metabolic disease from obese women to the next generation.
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31
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Building GLUT4 Vesicles: CHC22 Clathrin's Human Touch. Trends Cell Biol 2020; 30:705-719. [PMID: 32620516 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Insulin stimulates glucose transport by triggering regulated delivery of intracellular vesicles containing the GLUT4 glucose transporter to the plasma membrane. This process is defective in diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). While studies in rodent cells have been invaluable in understanding GLUT4 traffic, evolutionary plasticity must be considered when extrapolating these findings to humans. Recent work has identified species-specific distinctions in GLUT4 traffic, notably the participation of a novel clathrin isoform, CHC22, in humans but not rodents. Here, we discuss GLUT4 sorting in different species and how studies of CHC22 have identified new routes for GLUT4 trafficking. We further consider how different sorting-protein complexes relate to these routes and discuss other implications of these pathways in cell biology and disease.
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32
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Bryant NJ, Gould GW. Insulin stimulated GLUT4 translocation - Size is not everything! Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 65:28-34. [PMID: 32182545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-regulated trafficking of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 has been studied in many cell types. The translocation of GLUT4 from intracellular membranes to the cell surface is often described as a highly specialised form of membrane traffic restricted to certain cell types such as fat and muscle, which are the major storage depots for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Here, we discuss evidence that favours the argument that rather than being restricted to specialised cell types, the machinery through which insulin regulates GLUT4 traffic is present in all cell types. This is an important point as it provides confidence in the use of experimentally tractable model systems to interrogate the trafficking itinerary of GLUT4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nia J Bryant
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Gwyn W Gould
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
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33
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James-Allan LB, Teal S, Powell TL, Jansson T. Changes in Placental Nutrient Transporter Protein Expression and Activity Across Gestation in Normal and Obese Women. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1758-1769. [PMID: 32072607 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth and development are dependent on placental nutrient transport. The syncytiotrophoblast (ST) and its two polarized plasma membranes, the maternal-facing microvillous membrane (MVM) and fetal-facing basal membrane (BM), represent the primary barrier in the human placenta, controlling transplacental transfer of small solutes. MVM and BM nutrient transporter expression and activity are increased in obese mothers delivering large babies. However, placental nutrient transporter expression and activity in early gestation in normal and obese women are largely unknown. Placentas from normal BMI and obese women at 6-24 weeks of gestation, and term placentas from normal BMI women, were collected and ST plasma membranes isolated. The activity and protein expression of amino acid, glucose, and fatty acid transporters was assessed. No significant differences were observed in placental nutrient transporter protein expression between normal BMI and obese women in early pregnancy. In the MVM, system A amino acid activity (p = 0.02), SNAT2 (p < 0.0001), SNAT4 (p < 0.001), and GLUT1 (p = 0.01) protein expression were higher at term compared with early gestation. In contrast, MVM system L activity (p = 0.001), FATP4 (p = 0.03), and FATP6 (p = 0.009) protein expression were lower at term compared with early pregnancy. In the BM, there was no change in system L activity across gestation; however, BM FATP6 (p = 0.002) protein expression was lower at term compared with early pregnancy. These results suggest that placental transport of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids are subjected to coordinated regulation across gestation to meet a fetal nutrient demand that changes with advancing pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B James-Allan
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Stephanie Teal
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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34
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Stanirowski PJ, Lipa M, Bomba-Opoń D, Wielgoś M. Expression of placental glucose transporter proteins in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth disorders. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 123:95-131. [PMID: 33485490 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy fetal growth disorders, including fetal macrosomia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are associated with numerous maternal-fetal complications, as well as due to the adverse effect of the intrauterine environment lead to an increased morbidity in adult life. Accumulating evidence suggests that occurrence of fetal macrosomia or FGR, may be associated with alterations in the transfer of nutrients across the placenta, in particular of glucose. The placental expression and activity of specific GLUT transporters are the main regulatory factors in the process of maternal-fetal glucose exchange. This review article summarizes the results of previous studies on the expression of GLUT transporters in the placenta, concentrating on human pregnancies complicated by intrauterine fetal growth disorders. Characteristics of each transporter protein found in the placenta is presented, alterations in the location and expression of GLUT isoforms observed in individual placental compartments are described, and the factors regulating the expression of selected GLUT proteins are examined. Based on the above data, the potential function of each GLUT isoform in the maternal-fetal glucose transfer is determined. Further on, a detailed analysis of changes in the expression of glucose transporters in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth disorders is given, and significance of these modifications for the pathogenesis of fetal macrosomia and FGR is discussed. In the final part novel interventional approaches that might reduce the risk associated with abnormalities of intrauterine fetal growth through modifications of placental GLUT-mediated glucose transfer are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Jan Stanirowski
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Club 35. Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Lipa
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Club 35. Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Bomba-Opoń
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Wielgoś
- 1(st) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Vaughan OR, Thompson F, Lorca RA, Julian CG, Powell TL, Moore LG, Jansson T. Effect of high altitude on human placental amino acid transport. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 128:127-133. [PMID: 31804891 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00691.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Women residing at high altitudes deliver infants of lower birth weight than at sea level. Birth weight correlates with placental system A-mediated amino acid transport capacity, and severe environmental hypoxia reduces system A activity in isolated trophoblast and the mouse placenta. However, the effect of high altitude on human placental amino acid transport remains unknown. We hypothesized that microvillous membrane (MVM) system A and system L amino acid transporter activity is lower in placentas of women living at high altitude compared with low-altitude controls. Placentas were collected at term from healthy pregnant women residing at high altitude (HA; >2,500 m; n = 14) or low altitude (LA; <1,700 m; n = 14) following planned, unlabored cesarean section. Birth weight, but not placenta weight, was 13% lower in HA pregnancies (2.88 ± 0.11 kg) compared with LA (3.30 ± 0.07 kg, P < 0.01). MVM erythropoietin receptor abundance, determined by immunoblot, was greater in HA than in LA placentas, consistent with lower placental oxygen levels at HA. However, there was no effect of altitude on MVM system A or L activity, determined by Na+-dependent [14C]methylaminoisobutyric acid uptake and [3H]leucine uptake, respectively. MVM abundance of glucose transporters (GLUTs) 1 and 4 and basal membrane GLUT4 were also similar in LA and HA placentas. Low birth weights in the neonates of women residing at high altitude are not a consequence of reduced placental amino acid transport capacity. These observations are in general agreement with studies of IUGR babies at low altitude, in which MVM system A activity is downregulated only in growth-restricted babies with significant compromise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Babies born at high altitude are smaller than at sea level. Birth weight is dependent on growth in utero and, in turn, placental nutrient transport. We determined amino acid transport capacity in placentas collected from women resident at low and high altitude. Altitude did not affect system A amino acid transport across the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane, suggesting that impaired placental amino acid transport does not contribute to reduced birth weight in this high-altitude population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen R Vaughan
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Fredrick Thompson
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ramón A Lorca
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Colleen G Julian
- Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lorna G Moore
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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James-Allan LB, Arbet J, Teal SB, Powell TL, Jansson T. Insulin stimulates GLUT4 trafficking to the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane in the human placenta. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4225-4238. [PMID: 31112275 PMCID: PMC6688457 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Placental transport capacity influences fetal glucose supply. The syncytiotrophoblast is the transporting epithelium in the human placenta, expressing glucose transporters (GLUT) and insulin receptors (IR) in its maternal-facing microvillous (MVM) and fetal-facing basal plasma membrane (BM). OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the expression of the insulin-sensitive GLUT4 glucose transporter and IR in the syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes across gestation in normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and (2) assess the effect of insulin on GLUT4 plasma membrane trafficking in human placental explants. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Placental tissue was collected across gestation from women with normal body mass index (BMI) and obese mothers with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and macrosomic infants. MVM and BM were isolated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Protein expression of GLUT4, GLUT1 and IR were determined by western blot. RESULTS GLUT4 was exclusively expressed in the BM and IR was predominantly expressed in the MVM, with increasing expression across gestation. BM GLUT1 expression was increased and BM GLUT4 expression was decreased in obese women delivering macrosomic babies. In placental villous explants incubation with insulin stimulated Akt (S473) phosphorylation (+76%, p=0.0003, n=13) independent of maternal BMI and increased BM GLUT4 protein expression (+77%, p=0.0013, n=7) in placentas from lean but not obese women. CONCLUSION We propose that maternal insulin stimulates placental glucose transport by promoting GLUT4 trafficking to the BM, which may enhance glucose transfer to the fetus in response to postprandial hyperinsulinemia in women with normal BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B James-Allan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Laura B. James-Allan, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80045. E-mail:
| | - Jaron Arbet
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stephanie B Teal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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