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Reynolds LP, Dahlen CR, Ward AK, Crouse MS, Borowicz PP, Davila-Ruiz BJ, Kanjanaruch C, Bochantin KA, McLean KJ, McCarthy KL, Menezes ACB, Diniz WJS, Cushman RA, Caton JS. Role of the placenta in developmental programming: Observations from models using large animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 257:107322. [PMID: 37696224 PMCID: PMC10591737 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Developmental programming, which proposes that "insults" or "stressors" during intrauterine or postnatal development can have not only immediate but also long-term consequences for healthy and productivity, has emerged as a major biological principle, and based on studies in many animal species also seems to be a universal phenomenon. In eutherians, the placenta appears to be programmed during its development, which has consequences for fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy, and likewise has long-term consequences for postnatal development, leading to programming of organ function of the offspring even into adulthood. This review summarizes our current understanding of the placenta's role in developmental programming, the mechanisms involved, and the challenges remaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.
| | - C R Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - A K Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - M S Crouse
- Nutrition, Growth, and Physiology Research Unit, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - P P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - B J Davila-Ruiz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - C Kanjanaruch
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - K A Bochantin
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - K J McLean
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996-4500, USA
| | - K L McCarthy
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - A C B Menezes
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
| | - W J S Diniz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | - R A Cushman
- Nutrition, Growth, and Physiology Research Unit, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - J S Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
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Párraga-Ros E, Álvarez-Martín Ú, Seva J, Coy P, Romar R. The impact of in vitro embryo production on placental and umbilical cord vascularization is minimized by the addition of reproductive fluids. Theriogenology 2023; 208:149-157. [PMID: 37329589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.029] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Animals born from in-vitro-produced (IVP) embryos show changes in the placenta and umbilical cord vascularization. This study compares the placental and umbilical vascular morphometry in pigs (n = 19) born through artificial insemination (AI group) or after transfer of IVP embryos cultured with (RF-IVP group) or without (C-IVP group) reproductive fluids. The relationship between vascular parameters and animal growth during the first year of life was also analyzed. Samples were collected at birth, fixed, paraffin-embedded, cut in sections, stained, and photographed for vascular and morphometric analysis with ImageJ® and Slide Viewer®. The average daily weight gain was individually scored from birth to the first year of life. No differences were found in placental vascular morphometry among groups, except for the vascular area of small vessels (arterioles, venules, and small vessels) that was higher in the C-IVP group. Regarding the umbilical cord, the values for perimeter (AI: 26.40 ± 3.93 mm; IVP: 30.51 ± 4.74 mm), diameter (AI: 8.35 ± 1.01 mm; IVP: 10.26 ± 1.85 mm), area (AI: 43.18 ± 12.87; IVP: 56.61 ± 14.89 mm2), and Wharton's jelly area (AI: 36.86 ± 12.04 mm2; IVP 48.88 ± 12.80 mm2) were higher in IVP-derived than AI-derived animals, whereas arterial and venous morphometric data were similar between groups. A correlation study showed that placental and umbilical cord vascular phenotypes affect the further growth of pigs. In conclusion, assisted reproductive technologies impact small caliber vessels in the placenta and morphometric parameters in the umbilical cord. The addition of reproductive fluids in IVP-embryo contributes to reduce the differences with in vivo-derived animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Párraga-Ros
- Department of Anatomy and Comparative Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Úrsula Álvarez-Martín
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Seva
- Department of Anatomy and Comparative Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
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Reynolds LP, Diniz WJS, Crouse MS, Caton JS, Dahlen CR, Borowicz PP, Ward AK. Maternal nutrition and developmental programming of offspring. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:19-26. [PMID: 36592977 DOI: 10.1071/rd22234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental programming is the concept that 'stressors' during development (i.e. pregnancy, the perinatal period and infancy) can cause long-term changes in gene expression, leading to altered organ structure and function. Such long-term changes are associated with an increased risk of a host of chronic pathologies, or non-communicable diseases including abnormal growth and body composition, behavioural or cognitive dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities, and cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, immune, musculoskeletal and reproductive dysfunction. Maternal nutrition during the periconceptual period, pregnancy and postnatally can have profound influences on the developmental program. Animal models, including domestic livestock species, have been important for defining the mechanisms and consequences of developmental programming. One of the important observations is that maternal nutritional status and other maternal stressors (e.g. environmental temperature, high altitude, maternal age and breed, multiple fetuses, etc.) early in pregnancy and even periconceptually can affect not only embryonic/fetal development but also placental development. Indeed, altered placental function may underlie the effects of many maternal stressors on fetal growth and development. We suggest that future directions should focus on the consequences of developmental programming during the offspring's life course and for subsequent generations. Other important future directions include evaluating interventions, such as strategic dietary supplementation, and also determining how we can take advantage of the positive, adaptive aspects of developmental programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | | | - Matthew S Crouse
- Nutrition, Growth, and Physiology Research Unit, USDA/Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Alison K Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
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Gómez E, Murillo A, Carrocera S, Pérez-Jánez JJ, Benedito JL, Martín-González D, Gimeno I. Fitness of calves born from in vitro-produced fresh and cryopreserved embryos. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1006995. [PMID: 36504844 PMCID: PMC9730881 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1006995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, vitrified/warmed (V/W) and frozen/thawed (F/T), in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, differ in their physiology and survival from fresh embryos. In this study, we analyzed the effects of embryo cryopreservation techniques on the offspring. IVP embryos cultured with albumin and with or without 0.1% serum until Day 6, and thereafter in single culture without protein, were transferred to recipients on Day 7 as F/T, V/W, or fresh, resulting in N = 24, 14, and 13 calves, respectively. Calves were clinically examined at birth, and blood was analyzed before and after colostrum intake (Day 0), and subsequently on Day 15 and Day 30. On Day 0, calves from V/W and F/T embryos showed increased creatinine and capillary refill time (CRT) and reduced heartbeats. Calves from F/T embryos showed lower PCO2, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume than calves from V/W embryos while V/W embryos led to calves with increased Na+ levels. Colostrum effects did not differ between calves from fresh and cryopreserved embryos, indicating similar adaptive ability among calves. However, PCO2 did not decrease in calves from V/W embryos after colostrum intake. Serum in culture led to calves with affected (P < 0.05) temperature, CRT, HCO 3 - , base excess (BE), TCO2, creatinine, urea, and anion gap. On Day 15, the effects of embryo cryopreservation disappeared among calves. In contrast, Day 30 values were influenced by diarrhea appearance, mainly in calves from V/W embryos (i.e., lower values of TCO2, HCO 3 - , and BE; and increased glucose, anion gap, and lactate), although with no more clinical compromise than calves from fresh and F/T embryos. Diarrhea affected PCO2 and Na+ in all groups. Embryo cryopreservation, and/or culture, yield metabolically different calves, including effects on protein and acid-base metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain,*Correspondence: Enrique Gómez
| | - Antonio Murillo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | | | - Jose Luis Benedito
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary School, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
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Lekatz LA, Shukla P, Vasquez Hidalgo MA, O'Rourke S, Haring J, Dorsam GP, Grazul-Bilska AT, Vonnahme KA. Uterine kallikrein and arterial bradykinin activities and uterine arterial proliferation in response to acute estradiol-17β exposure in ovariectomized ewes. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 81:106748. [PMID: 35842984 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol-17β (E2) increases kallikrein in rodent and human reproductive tissues. Kallikrein specific activity is increased in the porcine uterus when conceptus E2 is secreted at maternal recognition of pregnancy. When kallikrein acts on kininogen to liberate bradykinin, angiogenic and vasoactive factors are released. The uterus of ovariectomized ewes administered E2 undergoes rapid vascular changes via different patterns of angiogenic and vasoactive factors. Our hypothesis was that E2 would increase the specific activity and protein secretion of tissue kallikrein in endometrial explants culture media (ECM) and ewes exposed to E2 would have uterine arteries that would be more sensitive to the vasodilatory effects of bradykinin. Ovariectomized ewes received 100 mg of E2 implants for 0, 12, 24, or 48 h. After treatment, uterine weights were determined, and caruncles were processed for ECM. Uterine weights and uterine weight per ewe body weight were significantly greater in the 12 and 24 h ewes compared with the 0 h ewes, with the 48 h ewes being similar to the 24 h ewes. There were no statistically significant differences in caruncular tissue kallikrein protein secretion among the treatment groups. There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for duration of E2 exposure to influence tissue kallikrein specific activity where kallikrein activity was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the 12 and 48 h ewes compared with the 0 h ewes, with 24 h ewes being intermediate (unprotected F test). Uterine arteries from ewes with E2 for 24 and 48 h had more sensitivity to bradykinin, via the bradykinin receptor 2, than uterine arteries from ewes with 0 or 12 h E2 exposure. We fail to reject our hypothesis as E2 did elicit a positive response in tissue kallikrein specific activity and bradykinin response. Further investigations are needed to determine how kallikrein and bradykinin may be involved in vascular remodeling of the ovine uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Lekatz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - P Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - M A Vasquez Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - S O'Rourke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - J Haring
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - G P Dorsam
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - K A Vonnahme
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
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6
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Rabaglino MB, Secher JBM, Hyttel P, Kadarmideen HN. In vitro and in vivo-produced male dairy calves show molecular differences in the hepatic and muscular energy regulation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1113-1124. [PMID: 35766406 PMCID: PMC9562124 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, the in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is becoming more relevant than embryos produced in vivo, i.e. after multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET). However, the effects of IVP on the developmental programming of specific organs in the postnatal calves are yet unknown. Previously, we reported an epigenomic and transcriptomic profile of the hypothalamus–pituitary–testicular axis compatible with its earlier activation in IVP calves compared to MOET animals. Here, we studied the hepatic and muscular epigenome and transcriptome of those same male dairy calves (n = 4 per group). Tissue samples from liver and semitendinosus muscle were obtained at 3 months of age, and the extracted gDNA and RNA were sequenced through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-sequencing, respectively. Next, bioinformatic analyses determined differentially methylated cytosines or differentially expressed genes [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] for each Omic dataset; and nonparametrically combined genes (NPCG) for both integrated omics (P < 0.05). KEGG pathways enrichment analysis showed that NPCG upregulated in the liver and the muscle of the IVP calves were involved in oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In contrast, ribosome and translation were upregulated in the liver but downregulated in the muscle of the IVP calves compared to the MOET calves (FDR < 0.05). A model considering the effect of the methylation levels and the group on the expression of all the genes involved in these pathways confirmed these findings. In conclusion, the multiomics data integration approach indicated an altered hepatic and muscular energy regulation in phenotypically normal IVP calves compared to MOET calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jan Bojsen-Møller Secher
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C
| | - Haja N Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Nutritional Regulation of Embryonic Survival, Growth, and Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1354:63-76. [PMID: 34807437 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional status affects conceptus development and, therefore, embryonic survival, growth, and development. These effects are apparent very early in pregnancy, which is when most embryonic losses occur. Maternal nutritional status has been shown to affect conceptus growth and gene expression throughout the periconceptual period of pregnancy (the period immediately before and after conception). Thus, the periconceptual period may be an important "window" during which the structure and function of the fetus and the placenta are "programmed" by stressors such as maternal malnutrition, which can have long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the offspring, a concept often referred to as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) or simply developmental programming. In this review, we focus on recent studies, using primarily animal models, to examine the effects of various maternal "stressors," but especially maternal malnutrition and Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART, including in vitro fertilization, cloning, and embryo transfer), during the periconceptual period of pregnancy on conceptus survival, growth, and development. We also examine the underlying mechanisms that have been uncovered in these recent studies, such as effects on the development of both the placenta and fetal organs. We conclude with our view of future research directions in this critical area of investigation.
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8
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Dahlen CR, Borowicz PP, Ward AK, Caton JS, Czernik M, Palazzese L, Loi P, Reynolds LP. Programming of Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11668. [PMID: 34769097 PMCID: PMC8583791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and parental nutritional status have profound effects on embryonic/fetal and placental development, which are probably mediated via "programming" of gene expression, as reflected by changes in their epigenetic landscape. Such epigenetic changes may underlie programming of growth, development, and function of fetal organs later in pregnancy and the offspring postnatally, and potentially lead to long-term changes in organ structure and function in the offspring as adults. This latter concept has been termed developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), or simply developmental programming, which has emerged as a major health issue in animals and humans because it is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases in the offspring, including metabolic, behavioral, and reproductive dysfunction. In this review, we will briefly introduce the concept of developmental programming and its relationship to epigenetics. We will then discuss evidence that ART and periconceptual maternal and paternal nutrition may lead to epigenetic alterations very early in pregnancy, and how each pregnancy experiences developmental programming based on signals received by and from the dam. Lastly, we will discuss current research on strategies designed to overcome or minimize the negative consequences or, conversely, to maximize the positive aspects of developmental programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl R. Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Pawel P. Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Alison K. Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Joel S. Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
| | - Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Luca Palazzese
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Lawrence P. Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (C.R.D.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (J.S.C.)
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9
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Huang JY, Cai S, Huang Z, Tint MT, Yuan WL, Aris IM, Godfrey KM, Karnani N, Lee YS, Chan JKY, Chong YS, Eriksson JG, Chan SY. Analyses of child cardiometabolic phenotype following assisted reproductive technologies using a pragmatic trial emulation approach. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5613. [PMID: 34556649 PMCID: PMC8460697 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25899-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are increasingly used, however little is known about the long-term health of ART-conceived offspring. Weak selection of comparison groups and poorly characterized mechanisms impede current understanding. In a prospective cohort (Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes; GUSTO; Clinical Trials ID: NCT01174875) including 83 ART-conceived and 1095 spontaneously-conceived singletons, we estimate effects of ART on anthropometry, blood pressure, serum metabolic biomarkers, and cord tissue DNA methylation by emulating a pragmatic trial supported by machine learning-based estimators. We find ART-conceived children to be shorter (-0.5 SD [95% CI: -0.7, -0.2]), lighter (-0.6 SD [-0.9, -0.3]) and have lower skinfold thicknesses (e.g. -14% [-24%, -3%] suprailiac), and blood pressure (-3 mmHg [-6, -0.5] systolic) at 6-6.5 years, with no strong differences in metabolic biomarkers. Differences are not explained by parental anthropometry or comorbidities, polygenic risk score, breastfeeding, or illnesses. Our simulations demonstrate ART is strongly associated with lower NECAB3 DNA methylation, with negative control analyses suggesting these estimates are unbiased. However, methylation changes do not appear to mediate observed differences in child phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Yinhao Huang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Shirong Cai
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhongwei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mya Thway Tint
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Lun Yuan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Université de Paris, CRESS, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Izzuddin M Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Neerja Karnani
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yung Seng Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johan Gunnar Eriksson
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practise and Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Rabaglino MB, Bojsen-Møller Secher J, Sirard MA, Hyttel P, Kadarmideen HN. Epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal early activation of the HPG axis in in vitro-produced male dairy calves. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21882. [PMID: 34460963 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101067r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In cattle, several calves born after IVP ("in vitro" embryo production) present similar birthweight to those generated after MOET (multiple ovulation and embryo transfer). However, the underlying molecular patterns in organs involved in the developmental process are unknown and could indicate physiological programming. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare epigenomic and transcriptomic modifications in the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal and adrenal organs between 3 months old ovum pick-up-IVP and MOET male calves (n = 4 per group) and (2) to use blood epigenomic data to proxy methylation of the inner organs. Extracted gDNA and RNA were sequenced through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing, respectively. Next, bioinformatic analyses determined differentially methylated cytosines (DMC) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR < 0.05) in IVP versus MOET samples and the KEGG pathways that were overrepresented by genes associated with DMC or DEG (FDR < 0.1). Pathways related to hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal (HPG) axis activation (GnRH secretion in the hypothalamus, GnRH signaling in the pituitary, and steroidogenesis in the testicle) were enriched in IVP calves. Modeling the effect of the methylation levels and the group on the expression of all the genes involved in these pathways confirmed their upregulation in HPG organs in IVP calves. The application of the DIABLO method allowed the identification of 15 epigenetic and five transcriptomic biomarkers, which were able to predict the embryo origin using the epigenomic data from the blood. In conclusion, the use of an integrated epigenomic-transcriptomic approach suggested an early activation of the HPG axis in male IVP calves compared to MOET counterparts, and the identification of potential biomarkers allowed the use of blood samples to proxy methylation levels of the relevant internal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Marc-André Sirard
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Inter-générationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Haja N Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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11
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Bunma T, Kanjanaruch C, Kogram N, Uriyapongson S, Khanthusaeng V, Navanukraw C. Effects of FSH treatment and withdrawal during proestrus on uterine proliferation and steroid hormone receptor expression in beef heifers. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13621. [PMID: 34448516 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13621] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To determine the effects of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) treatment and subsequent withdrawal on uterine proliferation and estrogen receptor (ESR), Brahman crossbred heifers (n = 12) were twice daily injected with FSH (4, 3, and 2 mg/injection) on Days 17-19 of the estrous cycle (FSH 3 days) and (4 and 3 mg/injection) on Days 17-18 (FSH 2 days) and withdrawal with saline on Day 19 and (4 mg/injection) on Day 17 (FSH 1 day) and withdrawal with saline on Days 18-19. Uterine tissue was subjectively collected on Day 20 and microscopically classified to four regions: endometrial stroma (ES), surface endometrial gland (EG), deep endometrial gland (DG), and myometrium (Myo). The cell proliferation marker, Ki-67, was quantified as labeling index (LI) in uterine regions, and tissues were immunostained to detect ESR2 followed by image analysis. The LI of ES, EG, and DG was greater (P = 0.0018, P = 0.0005, and P = 0.0103; respectively) in heifers received FSH for 3 days. The expression of ESR2 protein on ES and EG was greatest (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0036, respectively) in FSH 3 days-treated group. Thus, FSH administration during proestrus stimulates uterine cell proliferation, and ESR2 expressions are affected by FSH during proestrus and differentially distributed in the uterine regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanya Bunma
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chutikun Kanjanaruch
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Nattawut Kogram
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Suthipong Uriyapongson
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Vilaivan Khanthusaeng
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chainarong Navanukraw
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, Thailand
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12
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Mousavi SE, Patil JG. Stages of embryonic development in the live-bearing fish, Gambusia holbrooki. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:287-320. [PMID: 34139034 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Divergent morphology and placentation of Poeciliids make them suitable model for investigating how evolutionary selection has altered and conserved the developmental mechanisms. However, there is limited description of their embryonic staging, despite representing a key evolutionary node that shares developmental strategy with placental vertebrates. Here, we describe the embryonic developmental stages of Gambusia holbrooki from zygote to parturition using freshly harvested embryos. RESULTS We defined 40 embryonic stages using a numbered (stages 0-39; zygote to parturition, respectively) and named (grouped into seven periods, ie, zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, pharyngula, and parturition) staging system. Two sets of quantitative (ie, egg diameter, embryonic total length, otic vesicle closure index, heart rates, the number of caudal fin rays and elements) and qualitative (ie, three-dimensional analysis of images and key morphological criteria) data were acquired and used in combination to describe each stage. All 40 stages are separated by well-defined morphological traits, revealing developmental novelties that are influenced by narrow perivitelline space, placentation, internal gestation, and sex differentiation. CONCLUSIONS The principal diagnostic features described are quick, reliable, and easy to apply. This system will benefit researchers investigating molecular ontogeny, particularly sexual differentiation mechanisms in G. holbrooki.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, Australia.,Inland Fisheries Service, New Norfolk, Tasmania, Australia
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13
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Caton JS, Crouse MS, McLean KJ, Dahlen CR, Ward AK, Cushman RA, Grazul-Bilska AT, Neville BW, Borowicz PP, Reynolds LP. Maternal periconceptual nutrition, early pregnancy, and developmental outcomes in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa358. [PMID: 33165531 PMCID: PMC7718859 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this review is maternal nutrition during the periconceptual period and offspring developmental outcomes in beef cattle, with an emphasis on the first 50 d of gestation, which represents the embryonic period. Animal agriculture in general, and specifically the beef cattle industry, currently faces immense challenges. The world needs to significantly increase its output of animal food products by 2050 and beyond to meet the food security and agricultural sustainability needs of the rapidly growing human population. Consequently, efficient and sustainable approaches to livestock production are essential. Maternal nutritional status is a major factor that leads to developmental programming of offspring outcomes. Developmental programming refers to the influence of pre-and postnatal factors, such as inappropriate maternal nutrition, that affect growth and development and result in long-term consequences for health and productivity of the offspring. In this review, we discuss recent studies in which we and others have addressed the questions, "Is development programmed periconceptually?" and, if so, "Does it matter practically to the offspring in production settings?" The reviewed studies have demonstrated that the periconceptual period is important not only for pregnancy establishment but also may be a critical period during which fetal, placental, and potentially postnatal development and function are programmed. The evidence for fetal and placental programming during the periconceptual period is strong and implies that research efforts to mitigate the negative and foster the positive benefits of developmental programming need to include robust investigative efforts during the periconceptual period to better understand the implications for life-long health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Kyle J McLean
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Alison K Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | | | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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14
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McIntosh SZ, Maestas MM, Dobson JR, Quinn KE, Runyan CL, Ashley RL. CXCR4 signaling at the fetal-maternal interface may drive inflammation and syncytia formation during ovine pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:468-478. [PMID: 33141178 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy features complex signaling between fetal trophoblast cells and maternal endometrium directing major peri-implantation events including localized inflammation and remodeling to establish proper placental development. Proinflammatory mediators are important for conceptus attachment, but a more precise understanding of molecular pathways regulating this process is needed to understand how the endometrium becomes receptive to implantation. Both chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4 are expressed by fetal and maternal tissues. We identified this pair as a critical driver of placental angiogenesis, but their additional importance to inflammation and trophoblast cell survival, proliferation, and invasion imply a role in syncytia formation at the fetal-maternal microenvironment. We hypothesized that CXCL12 encourages both endometrial inflammation and conceptus attachment during implantation. We employed separate ovine studies to (1) characterize endometrial inflammation during early gestation in the ewe, and (2) establish functional implications of CXCL12 at the fetal-maternal interface through targeted intrauterine infusion of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Endometrial tissues were evaluated for inflammatory mediators, intracellular signaling events, endometrial modifications, and trophoblast syncytialization using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Endometrial tissue from ewes receiving CXCR4 inhibitor demonstrated dysregulated inflammation and reduced AKT and NFKB, paired with elevated autophagic activity compared to control. Immunohistochemical observation revealed an impairment in endometrial surface remodeling and diminished trophoblast syncytialization following localized CXCR4 inhibition. These data suggest CXCL12-CXCR4 regulates endometrial inflammation and remodeling for embryonic implantation, and provide insight regarding mechanisms that, when dysregulated, lead to pregnancy pathologies such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacia Z McIntosh
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Marlie M Maestas
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Jordyn R Dobson
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Kelsey E Quinn
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cheyenne L Runyan
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA.,Department of Animal Science & Veterinary Technology, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, USA
| | - Ryan L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
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15
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Kumar S, Lakshmi Devi H, Singh Jalmeria N, Punetha M, Pandey Y, Samad HA, Singh G, Sarkar M, Chouhan VS. Expression and functional role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in placenta during different stages of pregnancy in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113249. [PMID: 31445010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to document the expression and functional role of BMPs in the placental (caruncle; CAR, cotyledon; COT) during different stages of pregnancy in water buffalo. Samples collected from Early pregnancy 1 (EP1); Early pregnancy 2 (EP2), Mid pregnancy (MP), Late pregnancy (LP) while the third stage of oestrus cycle (NP) was taken as control. Also, the synergistic role of BMP4/BMP7 or combination on mRNA expression of vWF, PCNA, StAR, CYP11A1, 3βHSD, and BAX were studied in trophoblast cells cultured (TCC) during an early stage. The qPCR and immunoblotting studies revealed that BMP2, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2 mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated during early pregnancy in COTs while in CARs it was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) during all the stages of pregnancy.BMP4 mRNA level was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) during early pregnancy in COTs as well as in CARs. BMP6 expression was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) during early and late stages of pregnancy. BMP7 mRNA level was upregulated (p < 0.05) during the late stage of pregnancy in COTs. At 100 ng/ml, the BMP4 maximally stimulated the transcripts of StAR, CYP11A1, and 3βHSD while BMP7 maximally stimulated the transcripts of 3βHSD that paralleled with P4 accretion in the media (P < 0.05). BMP4 as well as BMP7 upregulated the transcripts of PCNA, vWF, and downregulated BAX in the TCC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BMPs are expressed in a regulated manner with stage-specific differences in the placenta and promotes the angiogenesis, proliferation, cell survivability, and steroidogenesis thereby regulating placental function in an autocrine/paracrine manner in water buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheelendra Kumar
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - H Lakshmi Devi
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - N Singh Jalmeria
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - M Punetha
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - Yogesh Pandey
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - H A Samad
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - G Singh
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - M Sarkar
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India
| | - V S Chouhan
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243122, India.
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16
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Devi HL, Kumar S, Konyak YY, Bharati J, Bhimte A, Pandey Y, Kumar K, Paul A, Kala A, Samad HA, Verma MR, Singh G, Bag S, Sarkar M, Chouhan VS. Expression and functional role of fibroblast growth factors (FGF) in placenta during different stages of pregnancy in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 2019; 143:98-112. [PMID: 31864010 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.034] [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] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study documented the expression and functional role of Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) family and their receptors (Fibroblast growth factor receptor, FGFRs) in placenta (Cotyledon; COT, Caruncle; CAR) during different stages of pregnancy in water buffalo. Samples were collected from Early pregnancy 1 (EP1); Early pregnancy 2 (EP2); Mid pregnancy (MP) and Late pregnancy (LP) while diestrus stage of oestrus cycle (NP) was taken as control. In addition, modulatory role of FGF2 on mRNA expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF), Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and BCL2 Associated X (BAX) were studied in cultured trophoblast cells (TCC), obtained from EP2. Real-time PCR (qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA and protein expressions, and the localization of examined factors whereas, P4 secretion was assessed by RIA. The mRNA and protein expression of FGFs and its receptors were maximum (P < 0.05) during EP (EP1 and EP2) in COT. However, FGFR1 and FGFR4 were upregulated (P < 0.05) during EP2 and MP in COT. Similarly, the mRNA and protein expression of FGFs and its receptors were upregulated (P < 0.05) during all stages of pregnancy in CAR. FGF family members were localized in the cytoplasm of trophoblast cells as well as in fetal blood vessels. At 100 ng/ml dosage, FGF2 stimulated the transcript of vWF maximally (P < 0.05). P4 secretion in trophoblast cells treated with FGF2 was maximum with the highest dose at 72 h. These findings corroborate that FGF acts locally in the trophoblast cells to modulate steroid hormone viz. progesterone synthesis, promote angiogenesis and favors cell survivability indicating that this factor may play an essential role in the regulation of placental formation and function in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lakshmi Devi
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - S Kumar
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Y Y Konyak
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Jaya Bharati
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - A Bhimte
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Y Pandey
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - K Kumar
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - A Paul
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Anju Kala
- Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - H A Samad
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - M R Verma
- Division of Livestock Economics, Statistics and Information Technology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - G Singh
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - S Bag
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - V S Chouhan
- Physiology & Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India.
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17
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Menelaou K, Prater M, Tunster S, Blake G, Geary Joo C, Cross JC, Hamilton R, Watson E. Blastocyst transfer in mice alters the placental transcriptome and growth. Reproduction 2019; 159:115-132. [PMID: 31751309 PMCID: PMC6993209 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) are becoming increasingly common. Therefore, how these procedures influence gene regulation and feto-placental development are important to explore. Here, we assess the effects of blastocyst transfer on mouse placental growth and transcriptome. C57Bl/6 blastocysts were transferred into uteri of B6D2F1 pseudopregnant females and dissected at embryonic day 10.5 for analysis. Compared to non-transferred controls, placentas from transferred conceptuses weighed less even though the embryos were larger on average. This suggested a compensatory increase in placental efficiency. RNA-sequencing of whole male placentas revealed 543 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after blastocyst transfer: 188 and 355 genes were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively. DEGs were independently validated in male and female placentas. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that DEGs represented expression in all major placental cell types and included genes that are critical for placenta development and/or function. Furthermore, the direction of transcriptional change in response to blastocyst transfer implied an adaptive response to improve placental function to maintain fetal growth. Our analysis revealed that CpG methylation at regulatory regions of two DEGs was unchanged in female transferred placentas and that DEGs had fewer gene-associated CpG islands (within ~20 kb region) compared to the larger genome. These data suggested that altered methylation at proximal promoter regions might not lead to transcriptional disruption in transferred placentas. Genomic clustering of some DEGs warrants further investigation of long-range, cis-acting epigenetic mechanisms including histone modifications together with DNA methylation. We conclude that embryo transfer, a protocol required for ART, significantly impacts the placental transcriptome and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Menelaou
- K Menelaou, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Malwina Prater
- M Prater, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Simon Tunster
- S Tunster, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Georgina Blake
- G Blake, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Colleen Geary Joo
- C Geary Joo, Clara Christie Centre for Mouse Genomics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - James C Cross
- J Cross, Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Russell Hamilton
- R Hamilton, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Erica Watson
- E Watson, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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18
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Reynolds LP, Borowicz PP, Caton JS, Crouse MS, Dahlen CR, Ward AK. Developmental Programming of Fetal Growth and Development. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2019; 35:229-247. [PMID: 31103178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stressors that affect fetal development result in "developmental programming," which is associated with increased risk of various chronic pathologic conditions in the offspring, including metabolic syndrome; growth abnormalities; and reproductive, immune, behavioral, or cognitive dysfunction that can persist throughout their lifetime and even across subsequent generations. Developmental programming thus can lead to poor health, reduced longevity, and reduced productivity. Current research aims to develop management and therapeutic strategies to optimize fetal growth and development and thereby overcome the negative consequences of developmental programming, leading to improved health, longevity, and productivity of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Core Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Matthew S Crouse
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
| | - Alison K Ward
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA
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19
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Tal R, Dong D, Shaikh S, Mamillapalli R, Taylor HS. Bone-marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells contribute to vasculogenesis of pregnant mouse uterus†. Biol Reprod 2019; 100:1228-1237. [PMID: 30601943 PMCID: PMC6497522 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for cyclic endometrial growth, implantation, and pregnancy maintenance. Vasculogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels by bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), has been shown to contribute to endometrial vasculature. However, it is unknown whether vasculogenesis occurs in neovascularization of the decidua during pregnancy. To investigate the contribution of BM-derived EPCs to vascularization of the pregnant uterus, we induced non-gonadotoxic submyeloablation by 5-fluorouracil administration to wild-type FVB/N female mice recipients followed by BM transplantation from transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under regulation of Tie2 endothelial-specific promoter. Following 1 month, Tie2-GFP BM-transplanted mice were bred and sacrificed at various gestational days (ED6.5, ED10.5, ED13.5, ED18.5, and postpartum). Bone-marrow-transplanted non-pregnant and saline-injected pregnant mice served as controls (n = 5-6/group). Implantation sites were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. While no GFP-positive EPCs were found in non-pregnant or early pregnant uteri of BM-transplanted mice, GFP-positive EPCs were first detected in pregnant uterus on ED10.5 (0.12%) and increased as the pregnancy progressed (1.14% on ED13.5), peaking on ED18.5 (1.42%) followed by decrease in the postpartum (0.9%). The percentage of endothelial cells that were BM-derived out of the total endothelial cell population in the implantation sites (GFP+CD31+/CD31+) were 9.3%, 15.8%, and 6.1% on ED13.5, ED18.5, and postpartum, respectively. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that EPCs incorporated into decidual vasculature, and immunofluorescence showed that GFP-positive EPCs colocalized with CD31 in vascular endothelium of uterine implantation sites, confirming their endothelial lineage. Our findings indicate that BM-derived EPCs contribute to vasculogenesis of the pregnant mouse decidua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dirong Dong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shafiq Shaikh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Bairagi S, Kraisoon A, Dorsam ST, Reyaz A, Navanukraw C, Borowicz PP, Reynolds LP. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: nuclear estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNA expression in the utero-placental compartments. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 66:27-34. [PMID: 30391829 PMCID: PMC6281792 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are major regulators of uterine and placental growth and functions, as well as many other biological processes. To examine the mRNA expression of nuclear estrogen (ESR1 and 2) and progesterone (PGRAB and B) receptors in different compartments of the uterus and placenta, tissues were collected in experiment 1 on days 16, 20, and 28 after natural mating (NAT) and on day 10 after estrus (nonpregnant controls [NP]); and in experiment 2 on day 22 of NAT, and pregnancies established after transfer of embryos generated through mating of FSH-treated ewes (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (parthenotes). In experiment 1, ESR1 expression in endometrial stroma (ES), endometrial glands (EGs), and myometrial blood vessels (MBVs), ESR2 in endometrial blood vessels (EBV), PGRAB in ES, and PGRB in ES, EG, and MBV was greater in pregnant than NP ewes depending on the day of pregnancy. The day of pregnancy affected the expression of ESR1 in MBV, ESR2 in EBV and MBV, and PGRAB in ES. In experiment 2, ESR1, PGRAB, and PGRB in EG, but not in other compartments, was greater in NAT-ET than NAT, and PGRB was greater for NAT-ET than IVF. These data demonstrate that ESR and PGR expression differ in pregnant versus NP ewes in selected compartments and was affected by pregnancy stage or embryo origin in selected utero-placental compartments. Thus, sex steroid hormone mRNA expression is differentially regulated in a spatiotemporal manner in the uterus and placenta and is affected by the application of assisted reproductive technology in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
| | - Soumi Bairagi
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Aree Kraisoon
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center for Sustainable Economy (ABRCSE), Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Sheri T Dorsam
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Arshi Reyaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Chainarong Navanukraw
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center for Sustainable Economy (ABRCSE), Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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21
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Gram A, Redmer DA, Kowalewski MP, Dorsam ST, Valkov V, Warang P, Reyaz A, Bass CS, Kaminski SL, Grazul-Bilska AT. Angiopoietin expression in ovine corpora lutea during the luteal phase: Effects of nutrition, arginine and follicle stimulating hormone. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 269:131-140. [PMID: 30195024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate angiopoietin (ANGPT) 1 and 2, and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor 2 (TIE2) expression in the corpora lutea (CL) of FSH-treated, or non-treated sheep administered arginine (Arg) or vehicle (saline, Sal), and fed a control (C), excess (O) or restricted (U) diet. Ewes from each dietary group were treated with Arg or Sal (experiment 1), and with FSH (experiment 2). Luteal tissues were collected at the early-, mid- and/or late-luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Protein and mRNA expression was determined using immunohistochemistry followed by image analysis, and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. The results demonstrated that ANGPT1 and TIE2 proteins were localized to luteal capillaries and endothelial cells of larger blood vessels, and ANGPT2 was localized to tunica media of larger blood vessels. TIE2 protein was also present in luteal cells. In experiment 1, ANGPT1 protein expression was greater in O than C during early- and mid-luteal phases, and was greatest during late-luteal phase, less at the mid- and least at the early-luteal phase; 2) TIE2 protein expression was greatest at the mid-, less at the early- and least at the late-luteal phase; 3) ANGPT1 and 2 mRNA expression was greater at the mid- and late- than the early-luteal phase, and TIE2 mRNA expression was greatest at the late-, less at the mid- and least at the early-luteal phase. The ANGPT1/2 ratio was less at the early- than mid- or late-luteal phases. In experiment 2, ANGPT1 protein expression was greater in O during the mid-luteal phase than in other groups, and was greater at the mid- than early-luteal phase. TIE2 protein expression was highest at the mid-, less at the early- and least during the late-luteal phase. ANGPT1 and 2, and TIE2 mRNA expression was higher at the mid- than the early-luteal phase. During mid-luteal phase, ANGPT1 mRNA expression was greater in C than O and U, ANGPT2 was greatest in C, less in O and least in U, and TIE2 mRNA expression was greater in C than O and U. The ANGPT1/2 ratio was higher in U than in any other group. Comparison of FSH vs. Sal treatment effects (experiment 2 vs. experiment 1) demonstrated that FSH affected ANGPT1 and/or -2, and TIE2 protein and mRNA expression depending on luteal phase and/or diet. Thus, expression of ANGPTs and TIE2 in the CL changes during the luteal lifespan, indicating their involvement in luteal vascular formation, stabilization and degradation. Moreover, this study has demonstrated that plane of nutrition and/or FSH treatment affect the ANGPT system, and may alter luteal vascularity and luteal function in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aykut Gram
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dale A Redmer
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sheri T Dorsam
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Veselina Valkov
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Prajakta Warang
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Arshi Reyaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Casie S Bass
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Samantha L Kaminski
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
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22
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Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P. Long term effects of ART: What do animals tell us? Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:348-368. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Korzeniewski SJ, Allred EN, Joseph RM, Heeren T, Kuban KC, O’Shea TM, Leviton A. Neurodevelopment at Age 10 Years of Children Born <28 Weeks With Fetal Growth Restriction. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-0697. [PMID: 29030525 PMCID: PMC5654396 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-0697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the relationships between fetal growth restriction (FGR) (both severe and less severe) and assessments of cognitive, academic, and adaptive behavior brain function at age 10 years. METHODS At age 10 years, the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns Cohort Study assessed the cognitive function, academic achievement, social-communicative function, psychiatric symptoms, and overall quality of life of 889 children born before 28 weeks' gestation. A pediatric epileptologist also interviewed parents as part of a seizure evaluation. The 52 children whose birth weight z scores were <-2 were classified as having severe FGR, and the 113 whose birth weight z scores were between -2 and -1 were considered to have less severe FGR. RESULTS The more severe the growth restriction in utero, the lower the level of function on multiple cognitive and academic achievement assessments performed at age 10 years. Growth-restricted children were also more likely than their extremely preterm peers to have social awareness impairments, autistic mannerisms, autism spectrum diagnoses, difficulty with semantics and speech coherence, and diminished social and psychosocial functioning. They also more frequently had phobias, obsessions, and compulsions (according to teacher, but not parent, report). CONCLUSIONS Among children born extremely preterm, those with severe FGR appear to be at increased risk of multiple cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions at age 10 years, raising the possibility that whatever adversely affected their intrauterine growth also adversely affected multiple domains of cognitive and neurobehavioral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Korzeniewski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan;,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth N. Allred
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Tim Heeren
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health
| | - Karl C.K. Kuban
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Departments of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - T. Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Alan Leviton
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Greenberg JA, Grazul-Bilska AT, Webb BT, Sun X, Vonnahme KA. A Preliminary Evaluation of Ovine Bladder Mucosal Damage Associated With 2 Different Indwelling Urinary Catheters. Urology 2017; 110:248-252. [PMID: 28847687 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether a new catheter design with a low-profile, open-ended rounded rather than pointed Foley catheter tip can reduce mucosal damage to the bladder of ewes. METHODS AND MATERIALS Six ewes were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 indwelling urinary catheters-a 16 Fr Foley catheter or a 16 Fr open-tip CystoSure catheter. After 96 hours, all the animals were sacrificed and their bladder and urethra harvested for analysis. RESULTS Image analysis of the bladder surfaces demonstrated a significant decrease in the percentage of bladder area covered by ulceration and inflammation in sheep with CystoSure catheters compared with Foley catheters (P < .002) as well as a trend toward less edema (P = .17). Macro-morphologic evaluations were confirmed with immunohistochemical markers of cell proliferation and inflammation. CONCLUSION In this pilot study, we were able to demonstrate that a new catheter design with an open-ended rounded rather than pointed tip and a reduced balloon base-to-tip profile may reduce mucosal damage to the bladder of ewes. Based on the findings from this trial, we believe this new catheter design with its low-profile, rounded tip may reduce bladder mucosal injury, which is a risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Greenberg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | | | - Brett T Webb
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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26
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that hypospadias is associated with placenta-mediated pregnancy complication (PMPC). The role of placental lesions is still unclear. We aimed to examine the association between hyposadias and placental pathology, and the effect of PMPC. METHODS Using data from the US Collaborative Perinatal Project in 1959-1966, we identified 15,780 male subjects (167 hypospadias) for analysis. Detailed placental examinations were conducted following a standard protocol. Subjects were divided into two groups according to whether they had PMPC, including small-for-gestational-age, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia or placental abruption. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association. RESULTS The prevalence of hypospadias was two times higher in subjects with PMPC than those without. Compared to pregnancies with PMPC but no hypospadias, those with both PMPC and hypospadias had significant higher prevalence of placental lesions, such as low placental weight, vascular lesions, villous lesions, and membranous insertion of cord (adjusted odds ratio (OR) ranging from 2.6 to 5.2) after adjusting for potential confounders. In subjects without PMPC, no significant difference of placental pathology was found between those with or without hypospadias. CONCLUSION About one third of hypospadias cases were complicated with PMPC and had a higher risk of placental lesions, suggesting heterogeneity of hypospadias etiology and mechanisms.
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27
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Johnson ML, Redmer DA, Reynolds LP, Grazul-Bilska AT. Gap junctional connexin messenger RNA expression in the ovine uterus and placenta: effects of estradiol-17β-treatment, early pregnancy stages, and embryo origin. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017; 58:104-112. [PMID: 27835804 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions play a major role in direct, contact-dependent cell-cell communication, and they have been implicated in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the coordination of cellular functions during growth and differentiation of organs and tissues. Gap junctional channels, composed of connexin (Cx) proteins, have been detected and shown to be influenced by hormones (eg, estrogen and progesterone) in uterine and placental tissues in several species. We hypothesized that (1) the messenger RNA (mRNA) for Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 is expressed in the uterus of ovariectomized sheep treated with estradiol-17β (E2) and in ovine placenta during early pregnancy, (2) E2-treatment of ovariectomized ewes would cause time-specific changes in Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA expression (experiment 1), and (3) expression of these 4 Cx would vary across the days of early pregnancy (experiment 2) and will be affected by embryo origin (ie, after application of assisted reproductive technologies [ARTs]; experiment 3). Thus, we collected uterine tissues at 0 to 24 h after E2 treatments (experiment 1), and placental tissues during days 14 to 30 of early pregnancy after natural (NAT) breeding (experiment 2) and on day 22 of early pregnancy established after transfer of embryos generated through natural breeding (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (IVA, parthenotes; experiment 3). In experiment 1, the expression of Cx26, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA increased (P < 0.05) and Cx32 mRNA decreased (P < 0.06) in both caruncular and intercaruncular tissues after E2 treatment. In experiment 2, during early pregnancy, there were significant changes (P < 0.01) across days in the expression of Cx26, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA in the maternal placenta, accompanied by changes (P < 0.001) in Cx37 and Cx43 mRNA in the fetal placenta. In experiment 3, in maternal placenta, Cx32 mRNA expression was decreased (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA groups compared to the NAT group; but in fetal placenta, Cx32 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) in NAT-ET, IVF and IVF groups, and Cx26 mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) in IVA compared to NAT group. These data suggest that Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, and Cx43 play specific roles in E2-regulated uterine function and in placental development during early gestation both after natural mating and with application of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - D A Redmer
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - L P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
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28
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Pattern of adhesive molecules expression in placenta of non-complicated ART pregnancies. Placenta 2016; 48:126-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Loi P, Toschi P, Zacchini F, Ptak G, Scapolo PA, Capra E, Stella A, Marsan PA, Williams JL. Synergies between assisted reproduction technologies and functional genomics. Genet Sel Evol 2016; 48:53. [PMID: 27481215 PMCID: PMC4968447 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-016-0231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review, is a synopsis of advanced reproductive technologies in farm animals, including the discussion of their limiting factors as revealed by the study of offspring derived from embryos produced in vitro and through cloning. These studies show that the problems of epigenetic mis-programming, which were reported in the initial stages of assisted reproduction, still persist. The importance of whole-genome analyses, including the methylome and transcriptome, in improving embryo biotechnologies in farm animals, are discussed. Genome editing approaches for the improvement of economically-relevant traits in farm animals are also described. Efficient farm animal embryo biotechnologies, including cloning and the most recent technologies such as genome editing, will effectively complement the latest strategies to accelerate genetic improvement of farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Paola Toschi
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Zacchini
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Grazyna Ptak
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552, Magdalenka, Poland.,National Research Institute of Animal Production 1, Krakowska Street, 32-083, Balice n/Kraków, Poland
| | - Pier A Scapolo
- Laboratory of Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stella
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Paolo Ajmone Marsan
- Istituto di Zootecnica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy.,Proteomic and Nutrigenomic Research Center - PRONUTRIGEN, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - John L Williams
- Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
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Bairagi S, Quinn K, Crane A, Ashley R, Borowicz P, Caton J, Redden R, Grazul-Bilska A, Reynolds L. Maternal environment and placental vascularization in small ruminants. Theriogenology 2016; 86:288-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) Subunit p110δ Is Essential for Trophoblast Cell Differentiation and Placental Development in Mouse. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28201. [PMID: 27306493 PMCID: PMC4910077 DOI: 10.1038/srep28201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal PI3K p110δ has been implicated in smaller litter sizes in mice, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. The placenta is an indispensable chimeric organ that supports mammalian embryonic development. Using a mouse model of genetic inactivation of PI3K p110δ (p110δD910A/D910A), we show that fetuses carried by p110δD910A/D910A females were growth retarded and showed increased mortality in utero mainly during placentation. The placentas in p110δD910A/D910A females were anomalously anemic, exhibited thinner spongiotrophoblast layer and looser labyrinth zone, which indicate defective placental vasculogenesis. In addition, p110δ was detected in primary trophoblast giant cells (P-TGC) at early placentation. Maternal PI3K p110δ inactivation affected normal TGCs generation and expansion, impeded the branching of chorioallantoic placenta but enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-12). Poor vasculature support for the developing fetoplacental unit resulted in fetal death or gross growth retardation. These data, taken together, provide the first in vivo evidence that p110δ may play an important role in placental vascularization through manipulating trophoblast giant cell.
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Quinn KE, Reynolds LP, Grazul-Bilska AT, Borowicz PP, Ashley RL. Placental development during early pregnancy: Effects of embryo origin on expression of chemokine ligand twelve (CXCL12). Placenta 2016; 43:77-80. [PMID: 27324103 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to localize chemokine ligand twelve (CXCL12) in sheep placental tissues during early gestation and after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Uteri were collected from naturally (NAT) mated ewes and ewes receiving embryo transfer (ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or in vitro activation (IVA). CXCL12 was immunolocalized to endometrial stroma, glands, and trophoblast. Greater CXCL12 immunoreactivity was present in trophoblast on day 22 and 24 and in NAT ewes compared to IVF and IVA. Increased CXCL12 expression suggests CXCL12 promotes implantation and placentation. Decreased CXCL12 in IVF and IVA embryos, may compromise pregnancy establishment when utilizing ART methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Quinn
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, 2980 South Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - L P Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA
| | - P P Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy and Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA; Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Core Laboratory, Dept. 7630, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA
| | - R L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, 2980 South Espina Street, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA.
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Chávez-García A, Vázquez-Martínez ER, Murcia C, Rodríguez A, Cerbón M, Mejía O. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of intrauterine fetal growth restriction in interspecies sheep pregnancy. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:4692-701. [PMID: 26523562 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecies pregnancies between closely related species are usually performed in livestock to obtain improved and enriched offspring. Indeed, different hybrids have been obtained for research purposes since many years ago, and the maternal-fetal interactions have been studied as a possible strategy for species preservation. The aim of this study was to characterize by physiological and molecular approaches the interspecies pregnancy between bighorn sheep () and domestic sheep (). Hybrids were obtained by artificial insemination; the blood pressure and protein urine levels were measured during the last two-thirds of gestation. After parturition, offspring and placentas were weighed and measured and cotyledons were counted and weighed and their surface area determined. Plasma samples were obtained between wk 8 and 21 of gestation to assess progesterone (P4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels and cell-free RNA was isolated during the same period to assess hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (α) gene expression. Hybrid and normal pregnancies were analyzed using physiological and molecular parameters during the last two-thirds of gestation (wk 8-21). The results show that during the measurement period, ewes with a hybrid pregnancy presented normal blood pressure and no alteration in urinary protein content. However, compared with sheep with a normal pregnancy, those with a hybrid pregnancy had a decrease in fetal and placental growth as well as in the cotyledonary surface area. Furthermore, in the hybrid group, there was placental insufficiency, characterized by a decrease in P4 production, as well as indications of endothelial dysfunction, characterized an increase in plasma levels of VEGF and PlGF as well as in plasma gene expression of α. Overall, the results indicate that hybrids of and presented intrauterine growth restriction, essentially due to altered endothelial function and chronic placental insufficiency. Further studies are necessary to overcome this primary placental dysfunction and thus obtain improved offspring for future molecular and genomic evaluations.
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Reynolds LP, Haring JS, Johnson ML, Ashley RL, Redmer DA, Borowicz PP, Grazul-Bilska AT. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: estrogen and progesterone receptor messenger RNA expression in pregnancies derived from in vivo-produced and in vitro-produced embryos. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015; 53:60-9. [PMID: 26119037 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids are important regulators of angiogenesis and growth in reproductive tissues, including the placenta. In experiment (exp.) 1, to examine the expression of a suite of sex steroid receptors throughout early pregnancy, maternal (caruncular [CAR]) and fetal (fetal membranes [FM]) placental tissues were collected on days 14 to 30 after mating and on day 10 after estrus (nonpregnant controls). In exp. 2, to examine the hypothesis that assisted reproductive technology would affect the expression of the same suite of sex steroid receptors, pregnancies were achieved through natural mating (NAT) or transfer of embryos from natural mating (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (IVA), and CAR and FM were collected on day 22. In exp. 1, for CAR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of estrogen receptors (ESR) 1 and 2, nuclear (n) progesterone receptors (PGR) and membrane (m) PGRα, β, and γ were affected (P < 0.02) by pregnancy stage, as were ESR1, nPGR, and mPGRα, β, and γ for FM (P < 0.03). In exp. 2, for CAR, mRNA expression of ESR1 and nPGR was decreased (P < 0.001) in NAT-ET, IVF, and IVA groups compared with NAT. For FM, mRNA expression of ESR1 tended to be greater (P = 0.10) in the IVA group compared with NAT and NAT-ET, and GPER1 was greater (P < 0.05) in NAT-ET and IVF compared with NAT. These data establish the normal pattern of sex steroid receptor mRNA expression in maternal and fetal placenta during early pregnancy in sheep, and in addition, suggest that altered expression of placental sex steroid receptors may be an early event leading to poor placental vascularization and growth after assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
| | - J S Haring
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - M L Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - R L Ashley
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - D A Redmer
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - P P Borowicz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - A T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Vannuccini S, Clifton VL, Fraser IS, Taylor HS, Critchley H, Giudice LC, Petraglia F. Infertility and reproductive disorders: impact of hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms on pregnancy outcome. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:104-15. [PMID: 26395640 PMCID: PMC7289323 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive disorders and infertility are associated with the risk of obstetric complications and have a negative impact on pregnancy outcome. Affected patients often require assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to conceive, and advanced maternal age is a further confounding factor. The challenge is to dissect causation, correlation and confounders in determining how infertility and reproductive disorders individually or together predispose women to poor pregnancy outcomes. METHODS The published literature, to June 2015, was searched using PubMed, summarizing all evidences concerning the perinatal outcome of women with infertility and reproductive disorders and the potential mechanisms that may influence poor pregnancy outcome. RESULTS Reproductive disorders (endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and uterine fibroids) and unexplained infertility share inflammatory pathways, hormonal aberrations, decidual senescence and vascular abnormalities that may impair pregnancy success through common mechanisms. Either in combination or alone, these disorders results in an increased risk of preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, placental pathologies and hypertensive disorders. Systemic hormonal aberrations, and inflammatory and metabolic factors acting on endometrium, myometrium, cervix and placenta are all associated with an aberrant milieu during implantation and pregnancy, thus contributing to the genesis of obstetric complications. Some of these features have been also described in placentas from ART. CONCLUSIONS Reproductive disorders are common in women of childbearing age and rarely occur in isolation. Inflammatory, endocrine and metabolic mechanisms associated with these disorders are responsible for an increased incidence of obstetric complications. These patients should be recognized as 'high risk' for poor pregnancy outcomes and monitored with specialized follow-up. There is a real need for development of evidence-based recommendations about clinical management and specific obstetric care pathways for the introduction of prompt preventative care measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ian S Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Women's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hilary Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, 550 16th Street, Floor 7, Box 0132, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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The placenta: phenotypic and epigenetic modifications induced by Assisted Reproductive Technologies throughout pregnancy. Clin Epigenetics 2015; 7:87. [PMID: 26300992 PMCID: PMC4546204 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-015-0120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, there is growing interest in the potential epigenetic risk related to assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Much evidence in the literature supports the hypothesis that adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to ART are associated with abnormal trophoblastic invasion. The aim of this review is to investigate the relationship between epigenetic dysregulation caused by ART and subsequent placental response. The dialogue between the endometrium and the embryo is a crucial step to achieve successful trophoblastic invasion, thus ensuring a non-complicated pregnancy and healthy offspring. However, as described in this review, ART could impair both actors involved in this dialogue. First, ART may induce epigenetic defects in the conceptus by modifying the embryo environment. Second, as a result of hormone treatments, ART may impair endometrial receptivity. In some cases, it results in embryonic growth arrest but, when the development of the embryo continues, the placenta could bring adaptive responses throughout pregnancy. Amongst the different mechanisms, epigenetics, especially thanks to a finely tuned network of imprinted genes stimulated by foetal signals, may modify nutrient transfer, placental growth and vascularization. If these coping mechanisms are overwhelmed, improper maternal-foetal exchanges occur, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as abortion, preeclampsia or intra-uterine growth restriction. But in most cases, successful placental adaptation enables normal progress of the pregnancy. Nevertheless, the risks induced by these modifications during pregnancy are not fully understood. Metabolic diseases later in life could be exacerbated through the memory of epigenetic adaptation mechanisms established during pregnancy. Thus, more research is still needed to better understand abnormal interactions between the embryo and the milieu in artificial conditions. As trophectoderm cells are in direct contact with the environment, they deserve to be studied in more detail. The ultimate goal of these studies will be to render ART protocols safer. Optimization of the environment will be the key to improving the dialogue between the endometrium and embryo, so as to ensure that placentation after ART is similar to that following natural conception.
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Nieddu S, Mossa F, Strina A, Ariu F, Pau S, Ledda M, Sotgia S, Carru C, Ledda S. Differences in amniotic amino acid concentrations between pregnancies obtained with transfer of vitrified thawed in vitro–produced embryos and with natural mating in sheep. Theriogenology 2015; 83:687-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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