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Zhao R, Wang X, Liu H, Wang S, Zhou L, Cui N, Guo S, Xiong G, Yang X, Xiong T, Hao L. Effect of Dietary Protein Intake from Different Sources on Maternal and Umbilical Cord Plasma Amino Acid Levels. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2200891. [PMID: 38327156 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200891] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE To assess the associations of dietary protein intake from different sources during pregnancy with maternal and umbilical cord plasma amino acid levels. METHODS AND RESULTS The study includes 216 pregnant women and 39 newborns from the Tongji Birth Cohort in Wuhan, China. The study examines the levels of 21 amino acids in maternal and cord plasma samples using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. A significant positive relationship is observed between dietary protein intake from refined grains and maternal plasma cysteine levels. Dietary protein intake from dairy products is positively associated with maternal plasma levels of sulfur amino acid (mainly cystine), but negatively associated with maternal plasma levels of glutamic acid. In addition, the study observes that pre-pregnancy body mass index and parity may be potential determinants of maternal plasma amino acid levels, whereas a history of passive smoking during pregnancy is an important factor influencing cord plasma amino acid levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that dietary protein intakes from specific sources during pregnancy may affect maternal plasma levels of amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xinzheng Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Hongjuan Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Leilei Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Ningning Cui
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shu Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Guoping Xiong
- The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, 430014, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Ting Xiong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Liping Hao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, the Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
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Diniz MS, Grilo LF, Tocantins C, Falcão-Pires I, Pereira SP. Made in the Womb: Maternal Programming of Offspring Cardiovascular Function by an Obesogenic Womb. Metabolites 2023; 13:845. [PMID: 37512552 PMCID: PMC10386510 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity incidence has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially in women of reproductive age. It is estimated that 50% of pregnancies occur in overweight or obese women. It has been described that maternal obesity (MO) predisposes the offspring to an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases in an early stage of life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the main cause of death worldwide among men and women, and it is manifested in a sex-divergent way. Maternal nutrition and MO during gestation could prompt CVD development in the offspring through adaptations of the offspring's cardiovascular system in the womb, including cardiac epigenetic and persistent metabolic programming of signaling pathways and modulation of mitochondrial metabolic function. Currently, despite diet supplementation, effective therapeutical solutions to prevent the deleterious cardiac offspring function programming by an obesogenic womb are lacking. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which an obesogenic intrauterine environment could program the offspring's cardiovascular metabolism in a sex-divergent way, with a special focus on cardiac mitochondrial function, and debate possible strategies to implement during MO pregnancy that could ameliorate, revert, or even prevent deleterious effects of MO on the offspring's cardiovascular system. The impact of maternal physical exercise during an obesogenic pregnancy, nutritional interventions, and supplementation on offspring's cardiac metabolism are discussed, highlighting changes that may be favorable to MO offspring's cardiovascular health, which might result in the attenuation or even prevention of the development of CVD in MO offspring. The objectives of this manuscript are to comprehensively examine the various aspects of MO during pregnancy and explore the underlying mechanisms that contribute to an increased CVD risk in the offspring. We review the current literature on MO and its impact on the offspring's cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, we discuss the potential long-term consequences for the offspring. Understanding the multifaceted effects of MO on the offspring's health is crucial for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S Diniz
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís F Grilo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Tocantins
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Falcão-Pires
- UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana P Pereira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Rastogi S, Rastogi D. The Epidemiology and Mechanisms of Lifetime Cardiopulmonary Morbidities Associated With Pre-Pregnancy Obesity and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:844905. [PMID: 35391836 PMCID: PMC8980933 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.844905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity has reached pandemic proportions in the last few decades. The global increase in obesity has contributed to an increase in the number of pregnant women with pre-pregnancy obesity or with excessive gestational weight gain. Obesity during pregnancy is associated with higher incidence of maternal co-morbidities such as gestational diabetes and hypertension. Both obesity during pregnancy and its associated complications are not only associated with immediate adverse outcomes for the mother and their newborns during the perinatal period but, more importantly, are linked with long-term morbidities in the offsprings. Neonates born to women with obesity are at higher risk for cardiac complications including cardiac malformations, and non-structural cardiac issues such as changes in the microvasculature, e.g., elevated systolic blood pressure, and overt systemic hypertension. Pulmonary diseases associated with maternal obesity include respiratory distress syndrome, asthma during childhood and adolescence, and adulthood diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Sequelae of short-term complications compound long-term outcomes such as long-term obesity, hypertension later in life, and metabolic complications including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain these adverse outcomes and are related to the emerging knowledge of pathophysiology of obesity in adults. The best investigated ones include the role of obesity-mediated metabolic alterations and systemic inflammation. There is emerging evidence linking metabolic and immune derangements to altered biome, and alteration in epigenetics as one of the intermediary mechanisms underlying the adverse outcomes. These are initiated as part of fetal adaptation to obesity during pregnancy which are compounded by rapid weight gain during infancy and early childhood, a known complication of obesity during pregnancy. This newer evidence points toward the role of specific nutrients and changes in biome that may potentially modify the adverse outcomes observed in the offsprings of women with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Rastogi
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Deepa Rastogi
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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Broekhuizen M, Danser AHJ, Reiss IKM, Merkus D. The Function of the Kynurenine Pathway in the Placenta: A Novel Pharmacotherapeutic Target? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111545. [PMID: 34770059 PMCID: PMC8582682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
(L-)tryptophan is metabolized via the kynurenine pathway into several kynurenine metabolites with distinct functions. Dysfunction of the kynurenine pathway can lead to impairments in vascular regulation, immune regulation, and tolerance. The first and rate limiting enzyme of this pathway, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), is highly expressed in the placenta and reduced in placentas from complicated pregnancies. IDO is essential during pregnancy, as IDO inhibition in pregnant mice resulted in fetal loss. However, the exact function of placental IDO, as well as its exact placental localization, remain controversial. This review identified that two isoforms of IDO; IDO1 and IDO2, are differently expressed between placental cells, suggesting spatial segregation. Furthermore, this review summarizes how the placental kynurenine pathway is altered in pregnancy complications, including recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Importantly, we describe that these alterations do not affect maternally circulating metabolite concentrations, suggesting that the kynurenine pathway functions as a local signaling pathway. In the placenta, it is an important source of de novo placental NAD+ synthesis and regulates fetal tryptophan and kynurenine metabolite supply. Therefore, kynurenine pathway interventions might provide opportunities to treat pregnancy complications, and this review discusses how such treatment could affect placental function and pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Broekhuizen
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - A. H. Jan Danser
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Irwin K. M. Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, University Clinic Munich, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Bedell S, Hutson J, de Vrijer B, Eastabrook G. Effects of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Placenta: Current Knowledge and Targets for Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:176-192. [PMID: 32543363 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200616144512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development as well as metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in the offspring. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of obesity and GDM on placental development and function. Understanding these processes is key in developing therapeutic interventions with the goal of mitigating these effects and preventing future cardiovascular and metabolic pathology in subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Bedell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Janine Hutson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Genevieve Eastabrook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
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Johns EC, Denison FC, Reynolds RM. The impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on placental glucocorticoid and macronutrient transport and metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165374. [PMID: 30684643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal obesity is the most common metabolic disturbance in pregnancy affecting >1 in 5 women in some countries. Babies born to obese women are heavier with more adiposity at birth, and are vulnerable to obesity and metabolic disease across the lifespan suggesting offspring health is 'programmed' by fetal exposure to an obese intra-uterine environment. The placenta plays a major role in dictating the impact of maternal health on prenatal development. Maternal obesity impacts the function of integral placental receptors and transporters for glucocorticoids and nutrients, key drivers of fetal growth, though mechanisms remain poorly understood. This review aims to summarise current knowledge in this area, and considers the impact of obesity on the epigenetic machinery of the placenta at this vital juncture in offspring development. Further research is required to advance understanding of these areas in the hope that the trans-generational cycle of obesity can be alleviated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Johns
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Denison
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Manta-Vogli PD, Schulpis KH, Dotsikas Y, Loukas YL. The significant role of amino acids during pregnancy: nutritional support. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 33:334-340. [PMID: 29909700 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1489795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is characterized by a complexity of metabolic processes that may impact fetal development and infant health outcome. Normal fetal growth and development depend on a continuous supply of nutrients via the placenta. The placenta transports, utilizes, produces, and interconverts amino acids (AAs).Findings: Concentrations of both nonessential and essential AAs in maternal plasma decrease in early pregnancy and persist at low concentrations throughout. The decline is greatest for the glucogenic AAs and AAs of the urea cycle. Additionally, there is a large placental utilization of the branched-chain AAs, some of which are transaminated to alpha ketoacids and contribute to placental ammonia production. Both nonessential and essential AAs regulate key metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, development, lactation, and reproduction of organisms. Some of the nonessential AAs (e.g. glutamine, glutamate, and arginine) play also important roles in regulating gene expression, cell signaling, antioxidant responses, immunity, and neurological function.Conclusions: Nutritional support during pregnancy is of great interest focusing not only to common pregnancies but also to those with low socioeconomic status, vegan-vegetarian groups, and pregnant women with metabolic disorders, the most known maternal phenylketonuria. The latter is of great interest because phenylalanine must be within the recommended range throughout pregnancy in addition to other nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, etc. Loss of the adherence to this specific diet results in congenital malformations of the fetus. In addition to the routine laboratory test, quantitation of plasma AAs may be necessary throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope D Manta-Vogli
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Agia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Yannis Dotsikas
- Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yannis L Loukas
- Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Subiabre M, Silva L, Villalobos-Labra R, Toledo F, Paublo M, López MA, Salsoso R, Pardo F, Leiva A, Sobrevia L. Maternal insulin therapy does not restore foetoplacental endothelial dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2987-2998. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Gallo L, Barrett H, Dekker Nitert M. Review: Placental transport and metabolism of energy substrates in maternal obesity and diabetes. Placenta 2017; 54:59-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ellery SJ, Della Gatta PA, Bruce CR, Kowalski GM, Davies-Tuck M, Mockler JC, Murthi P, Walker DW, Snow RJ, Dickinson H. Creatine biosynthesis and transport by the term human placenta. Placenta 2017; 52:86-93. [PMID: 28454702 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Creatine is an amino acid derivative that is involved in preserving ATP homeostasis. Previous studies suggest an important role for the creatine kinase circuit for placental ATP turnover. Creatine is obtained from both the diet and endogenous synthesis, usually along the renal-hepatic axis. However, some tissues with a high-energy demand have an inherent capacity to synthesise creatine. In this study, we determined if the term human placenta has the enzymatic machinary to synthesise creatine. METHODS Eleven placentae were collected following elective term caesarean section. Samples from the 4 quadrants of each placenta were either fixed in formalin or frozen. qPCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of the creatine synthesising enzymes arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT), and the creatine transporter (SLC6A8). Protein expression of AGAT and GAMT was quantified by Western blot, and observations of cell localisation of AGAT, GAMT and SLC6A8 made with immunohistochemistry. Synthesis of guanidinoacetate (GAA; creatine precursor) and creatine in placental homogenates was determined via GC-MS and HPLC, respectively. RESULTS AGAT, GAMT and SLC6A8 mRNA and protein were detected in the human placenta. AGAT staining was identified in stromal and endothelial cells of the fetal capillaries. GAMT and SLC6A8 staining was localised to the syncytiotrophoblast of the fetal villi. Ex vivo, tissue homogenates produce both GAA (4.6 nmol mg protein-1h-1) and creatine (52.8 nmol mg protein-1h-1). DISCUSSION The term human placenta has the capacity to synthesise creatine. These data present a new understanding of placental energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey J Ellery
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Della Gatta
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clinton R Bruce
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Greg M Kowalski
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Miranda Davies-Tuck
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne C Mockler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University & Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Padma Murthi
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rod J Snow
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hayley Dickinson
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Wu X, Xie C, Zhang Y, Fan Z, Yin Y, Blachier F. Glutamate-glutamine cycle and exchange in the placenta-fetus unit during late pregnancy. Amino Acids 2014; 47:45-53. [PMID: 25399054 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present review focuses on the physiological functions of glutamate-glutamine exchange involving placental amino acid transport and umbilical amino acid uptake in mammals (particularly in sows), with special emphasis on the associated regulating mechanisms. Glutamate plus glutamine are among the most abundant and the most utilized amino acids in fetus during late gestation. During pregnancy, amino acids, notably as precursors of macromolecules including proteins and nucleotides are involved in fetal development and growth. Amino acid concentrations in fetus are generally higher than in the mother. Among amino acids, the transport and metabolism of glutamate and glutamine during fetal development exhibit characteristics that clearly emphasize the importance of the interaction between the placenta and the fetal liver. Glutamate is quite remarkable among amino acids, which originate from the placenta, and is cleared from fetal plasma. In addition, the flux of glutamate through the placenta from the fetal plasma is highly correlated with the umbilical glutamate delivery rate. Glutamine plays a central role in fetal carbon and nitrogen metabolism and exhibits one of the highest fetal/maternal plasma ratio among all amino acids in human and other mammals. Glutamate is taken up by placenta from the fetal circulation and then converted to glutamine before being released back into the fetal circulation. Works are required on the glutamate-glutamine metabolism during late pregnancy in physiological and pathophysiological situations since such works may help to improve fetal growth and development both in humans and other mammals. Indeed, glutamine supplementation appears to ameliorate fetal growth retardation in sows and reduces preweaning mortality of piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Hunan Engineering and Research Center of Animal and Poultry Science, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 410125, Changsha, China,
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Mislanova C, Martsenyuk O, Huppertz B, Obolenskaya M. Placental markers of folate-related metabolism in preeclampsia. Reproduction 2011; 142:467-76. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The etiology and degree of clinical symptoms of preeclampsia depend on genotypic and phenotypic maternal and trophoblast factors, and elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) are one of the pathogenetic factors of preeclampsia. To assess the impact of the folate-related metabolism, we characterized the indices of this metabolism in 40 samples from uncomplicated term placentas and 28 samples from preeclamptic pregnancies by quantifying the total content of folate, methionine (Met), Hcy and related cysteine, and glutathione (GSH) in compliance with the 677 C/T genotype of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). The prevalence ofMTHFRgenotypes was not significantly different between the two groups. The polymorphism ofMTHFRwas not unambiguously connected with the content of total placental Met, Hcy and related cysteine, and GSH either in uncomplicated or in complicated pregnancies. By contrast, the combination of the heterozygousMTHFRgenotype with folate deficiency in the samples from preeclamptic pregnancies was characterized by a statistically significant decrease in the Met content, a trend toward increased Hcy levels and a tight association between metabolically directly and indirectly related compounds, e.g. positive relation between Hcy versus cysteine and folate versus GSH and negative relation between folate versus Hcy and both Hcy and cysteine versus GSH. We demonstrated the expression of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) in human placenta at term by RT-PCR and western blot analysis, for the first time, and confirmed its catalytic activity and the accumulation of cysteine and CBS in placental explants cultivated in the presence of elevated Hcy concentrations. We suggest that disturbance in placental folate-related metabolism may be one of the pathogenetic factors in preeclampsia.
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Van den Akker CH, Van Goudoever JB. Recent advances in our understanding of protein and amino acid metabolism in the human fetus. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2010; 13:75-80. [PMID: 19904202 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0b013e328333aa4f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Premature infants often suffer from suboptimal outcome, at least partially due to suboptimal nutrition. Gaining insight into human fetal amino acid metabolism might ultimately lead to an improved nutritional strategy for prematurely born infants. Our aim was, therefore, to discuss recent findings with regard to human fetal amino acid metabolism. RECENT FINDINGS Human fetal protein and amino acid metabolism can be studied in vivo using stable isotope techniques. To date, however, only a few studies employing these techniques have been performed. For one, it was shown in vivo that essential amino acids are transported at different rates across the human placenta. In addition, tyrosine appears not to be a conditionally essential amino acid in the fetus at term, as phenylalanine is hydroxylated into tyrosine at considerable rates. Furthermore, albumin is synthesized at very high rates at two-thirds of gestation; higher than prematurely born infants do at a neonatal intensive care unit. This could indicate that postnatal nutrition of very immature infants can be improved. SUMMARY Although technically challenging, more studies regarding human fetal amino acid metabolism should be performed. Premature infants could then benefit from this knowledge from new nutritional strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Hp Van den Akker
- Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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de Barros Duarte L, Moisés ECD, Carvalho Cavalli R, Lanchote VL, Duarte G, da Cunha SP. Distribution of fentanyl in the placental intervillous space and in the different maternal and fetal compartments in term pregnant women. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2009; 65:803-8. [PMID: 19330322 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-009-0645-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fentanyl is used in obstetrical practice to promote analgesia and anesthesia during labor and in cesarean delivery, with rapid and short-term effects. OBJECTIVE To determine fentanyl concentrations in maternal plasma, in the placental intervillous space, and in the umbilical artery and vein in term pregnant women. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten healthy pregnant women underwent epidural anesthesia with fentanyl plus bupivacaine and lidocaine, and fentanyl concentrations were determined in the various maternal and fetal compartments, including the placental intervillous space, which has not been previously studied in the literature. RESULTS The ratios of fentanyl concentrations in the various maternal and fetal compartments revealed an 86% rate of placental fentanyl transfer. The highest fentanyl concentrations were detected in the placental intervillous space, being 2.19 times higher than in maternal plasma, 2.8 times higher than in the umbilical vein and 3.6 times higher than in the umbilical artery, with no significant differences between the umbilical vein and artery, demonstrating that there was no drug uptake by fetal tissues nor metabolism of the drug by the fetus despite the high rates of placental transfer. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that the placental intervillous space acted as a site of fentanyl deposit, a fact that may be explained by two hypotheses: (1) the blood collected from the placental intervillous space is arterial and, according to some investigators, the arterial plasma concentrations of the drugs administered to patients undergoing epidural anesthesia are higher than the venous concentrations, and (2) a possible role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana de Barros Duarte
- Deparment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Camelo JS, Martinez FE, Gonçalves AL, Monteiro JP, Jorge SM. Plasma amino acids in pregnancy, placental intervillous space and preterm newborn infants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 40:971-7. [PMID: 17653451 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2006005000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Plasma amino acid levels have never been studied in the placental intervillous space of preterm gestations. Our objective was to determine the possible relationship between plasma amino acids of maternal venous blood (M), of the placental intervillous space (PIVS) and of the umbilical vein (UV) of preterm newborn infants. Plasma amino acid levels were analyzed by ion-exchange chromatography in M from 14 parturients and in the PIVS and UV of their preterm newborn infants. Mean gestational age was 34 +/- 2 weeks, weight = 1827 +/- 510 g, and all newborns were considered adequate for gestational age. The mean Apgar score was 8 and 9 at the first and fifth minutes. Plasma amino acid values were significantly lower in M than in PIVS (166%), except for aminobutyric acid. On average, plasma amino acid levels were significantly higher in UV than in M (107%) and were closer to PIVS than to M values, except for cystine and aminobutyric acid (P < 0.05). Comparison of the mean plasma amino acid concentrations in the UV of preterm to those of term newborn infants previously studied by our group showed no significant difference, except for proline (P < 0.05), preterm > term. These data suggest that the mechanisms of active amino acid transport are centralized in the syncytiotrophoblast, with their passage to the fetus being an active bidirectional process with asymmetric efflux. PIVS could be a reserve amino acid space for the protection of the fetal compartment from inadequate maternal amino acid variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Camelo
- Departamento de Puericultura e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloRibeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
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Grillo MA, Lanza A, Colombatto S. Transport of amino acids through the placenta and their role. Amino Acids 2008; 34:517-23. [PMID: 18172742 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-007-0006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 11/13/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids are transported across the human placenta mediated by transporter proteins that differ in structure, mechanism and substrate specificity. Some of them are Na+-dependent systems, whereas others are Na+-independent. Among these there are transporters composed of a heavy chain, a glycoprotein, and a light chain. Moreover, they can be differently distributed in the two membranes forming the syncytiotrophoblast. The transport mechanisms involved and their regulation are only partially known. In the placenta itself, part of the amino acids is metabolized to form other compounds important for the fetus. This occurs for instance for arginine, which gives rise to polyamines and to NO. Interconversion occurs among few other amino acids Transport is altered in pregnancy complications, such as restricted fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Grillo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Sezione di Biochimica, Università di Torino, Via Michelangelo 27, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Sankaranarayanan S, Suárez M, Taren D, Genaro-Wolf D, Duncan B, Shrestha K, Shrestha N, Rosales FJ. The concentration of free holo-retinol binding protein is higher in vitamin A-sufficient than in deficient Nepalese women in late pregnancy. J Nutr 2005; 135:2817-22. [PMID: 16317126 DOI: 10.1093/jn/135.12.2817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Free holo-retinol binding protein (RBP) [i.e., unbound to transthyretin (TTR)] plays a role in transporting vitamin A across the placenta during pregnancy. In a cross-sectional study of clinically healthy urban women, we assessed the association among clinical and biochemical factors on estimated concentrations of free holo-RBP during the last trimester of pregnancy. Serum samples obtained from a subsample of women (n = 259), who had participated in the Night Vision Threshold Test study in Nepal, were analyzed for determinations of retinol by HPLC, and RBP, TTR, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein by radial immunodiffusion. Free holo-RBP concentrations were calculated using dissociation constants for free holo- and apo-RBP. Among these women, 30% were vitamin A deficient based on either the RBP:TTR index < or = 0.36 or serum retinol < 1.05 micromol/L. Using stepwise regression analyses, the RBP:TTR index explained 75% of the variance in free holo-RBP concentrations, whereas retinol explained only 14%. Women were classified as vitamin A sufficient (n = 185) or deficient (n = 74) using the RBP:TTR index and were stratified into 3 gestational groups (I: 24-28 wk, II: 29-33 wk, III: >33 wk). Concentrations of free holo-RBP were higher in vitamin A-sufficient women than in vitamin A-deficient women (mean +/- SEM, 48.1 +/- 1.2 vs. 27.6 +/- 0.8 nmol/L; P < 0.001), and in a 3 x 2 factorial analysis, the interaction between gestational group and vitamin A status was significant. These results demonstrate that the RBP:TTR index is a useful proxy for free holo-RBP concentration and that vitamin A status affects its distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Sankaranarayanan
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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