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Alencar AKN, Swan KF, Pridjian G, Lindsey SH, Bayer CL. Connecting G protein-coupled estrogen receptor biomolecular mechanisms with the pathophysiology of preeclampsia: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:60. [PMID: 37393260 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01112-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the course of pregnancy, small maternal spiral arteries that are in contact with fetal tissue undergo structural remodeling, lose smooth muscle cells, and become less responsive to vasoconstrictors. Additionally, placental extravillous trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua to establish an interaction between the fetal placental villi with the maternal blood supply. When successful, this process enables the transport of oxygen, nutrients, and signaling molecules but an insufficiency leads to placental ischemia. In response, the placenta releases vasoactive factors that enter the maternal circulation and promote maternal cardiorenal dysfunction, a hallmark of preeclampsia (PE), the leading cause of maternal and fetal death. An underexplored mechanism in the development of PE is the impact of membrane-initiated estrogen signaling via the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Recent evidence indicates that GPER activation is associated with normal trophoblast invasion, placental angiogenesis/hypoxia, and regulation of uteroplacental vasodilation, and these mechanisms could explain part of the estrogen-induced control of uterine remodeling and placental development in pregnancy. CONCLUSION Although the relevance of GPER in PE remains speculative, this review provides a summary of our current understanding on how GPER stimulation regulates some of the features of normal pregnancy and a potential link between its signaling network and uteroplacental dysfunction in PE. Synthesis of this information will facilitate the development of innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth F Swan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Gabriella Pridjian
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Carolyn L Bayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 500 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
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Chan KJ, Swan KF, Narayanappa A, Mersereau C, Intapad S. Imbalance of Sphingolipids Synthesis/Degradation Pathway in Preeclamptic Mouse Placenta and Kidney of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Mouse Fetus. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.593.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Chan
- PharmacologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
- Tropical MedicineTulane University School of Public Health and Tropical MedicineNew OrleansLA
| | - Kenneth F Swan
- Obstetric and GynecologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
| | | | | | - Suttira Intapad
- PharmacologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
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Swan KF, Pridjian G, Swayze T, Gagen BR, Intapad S. Role of Sphingosine ‐1‐Phosphate on Expression of MAPK and Akt Signaling Pathways in Hypoxic Human Extravillous Trophoblasts. FASEB J 2018. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.729.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F. Swan
- Department Obstetrics and GynecologyTulane School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
| | - Gabriella Pridjian
- Department Obstetrics and GynecologyTulane School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
| | - Thomas Swayze
- Department of PharmacologyTulane School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
| | - Brennan R. Gagen
- Department of PharmacologyTulane School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
| | - Suttira Intapad
- Department of PharmacologyTulane School of MedicineNew OrleansLA
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4
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Pridjian G, Sirois PA, McRae S, Hinckley AF, Rasmussen SA, Kissinger P, Buekens P, Hayes EB, O’Leary D, Kuhn S, Swan KF, Xiong X, Wesson DM. Prospective study of pregnancy and newborn outcomes in mothers with West nile illness during pregnancy. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol 2016; 106:716-23. [PMID: 27223334 PMCID: PMC5008687 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previous case report of West Nile virus (WNV) illness during pregnancy suggested that WNV could be a cause of congenital defects. We performed a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of pregnant women with WNV illness to increase our knowledge of the effects of WNV illness during pregnancy. METHODS Participants were enrolled in 2005 to 2008 from pregnant women with serologically confirmed WNV illness reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Comparison was made to WNV-uninfected women, matched on maternal age and enrollment month. Pregnancy and newborn data were collected; cord blood WNV serology was obtained. Pediatric exams and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) were performed. RESULTS Twenty-eight WNV-infected mothers and 25 WNV-uninfected mothers participated. Maternal demographics were similar except for a higher rate of planned pregnancies, education, and household income in the WNV-uninfected mothers. There were no differences in pregnancy and delivery characteristics except that infected mothers had a higher incidence of febrile illnesses and used more medications. Birth weight, length, head circumference, and rate of congenital malformations were similar in babies born to WNV-infected and -uninfected mothers. Follow-up physical exams were generally normal. The Bayley-III assessments, available for 17 children born to mothers with WNV illness, showed performance at or above age level across domains. CONCLUSION The risk for adverse pregnancy and newborn outcomes in women experiencing WNV illness in pregnancy appears to be low, but future studies with larger numbers are needed to rule out a small risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:716-723, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Edward B. Hayes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Dan O’Leary
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Stephanie Kuhn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | | | - Xu Xiong
- Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Swan KF, Ferris M, Pridjian G, Morris CA, Sullivan DE. [317-POS]. Pregnancy Hypertens 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2014.10.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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6
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Swan KF, Ferris M, Pridjian G, Sullivan DE, Morris CA. [316-POS]. Pregnancy Hypertens 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2014.10.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Angelova M, Ferris M, Swan KF, McFerrin HE, Pridjian G, Morris CA, Sullivan DE. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus G-protein coupled receptor activates the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Virol J 2014; 11:218. [PMID: 25514828 PMCID: PMC4304609 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-014-0218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background KSHV is a tumorigenic γ-herpesvirus that has been identified as the etiologic agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), a multifocal highly vascularized neoplasm that is the most common malignancy associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus encodes a constitutively active chemokine receptor homologue, vGPCR that possesses potent angiogenic and tumorigenic properties, and is critical for KSHV pathobiology. To date, a number of signaling pathways have been identified as key in mediating vGPCR oncogenic potential. Findings In this study, we identify a novel pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is dysregulated by vGPCR expression in endothelial cells. Expression of vGPCR in endothelial cells enhances the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, that correlates with an increase in β-catenin transcriptional activity. Activation of β-catenin signaling by vGPCR is dependent on the PI3K/Akt pathway, as treatment of vGPCR-expressing cells with a pharmacological inhibitor of PI3K, leads to a decreased activation of a β-catenin-driven reporter, a significant decrease in expression of β-catenin target genes, and reduced endothelial tube formation. Conclusions Given the critical role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, the findings from this study suggest a novel mechanism in KSHV-induced malignancies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-014-0218-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Angelova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - MaryBeth Ferris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Kenneth F Swan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Harris E McFerrin
- Biology Department, Xavier University, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Gabriella Pridjian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Cindy A Morris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Deborah E Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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8
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Sirois PA, Pridjian G, McRae S, Hinckley AF, Rasmussen SA, Kissinger P, Buekens P, Hayes EB, O'Leary DR, Swan KF, Xiong X, Wesson DM. Developmental outcomes in young children born to mothers with West Nile illness during pregnancy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 100:792-6. [PMID: 25196266 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile virus (WNV) infection is associated with acute morbidity and mortality in adults and children. Information on the effects of maternal WNV illness during pregnancy on early childhood development is limited. This study was designed to examine the relationship between maternal WNV illness during pregnancy and birth and developmental outcomes at age 3 years. METHODS Mother-child participants were identified using a national surveillance registry for women with WNV illness during pregnancy. Maternal and infant health data and relevant family characteristics were obtained through medical record reviews and maternal questionnaires. All infants received ophthalmologic examinations. Child development was evaluated at age 3 years using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III). RESULTS As a group, the children's (N = 11) birth weight, head circumference, and infant ophthalmologic examination results were within age expectations; one child was born preterm (gestational age 36 weeks). Mean (SD) age at the time of Bayley-III testing was 36.7 (3.8) months. The group's mean performance on the Bayley-III was at or above age level in all domains, but one child showed a mild delay in the Adaptive domain. The variability observed in this sample (1/53 [1.9%] Domain scores < -2.0 SDs) was consistent with expectations based upon the distribution of Bayley-III Domain scores in the general population. CONCLUSION Maternal WNV infection does not appear to be associated with global developmental delays in young children. These results are preliminary, however, and require confirmation in future research.
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Strong MJ, Xu G, Coco J, Baribault C, Vinay DS, Lacey MR, Strong AL, Lehman TA, Seddon MB, Lin Z, Concha M, Baddoo M, Ferris M, Swan KF, Sullivan DE, Burow ME, Taylor CM, Flemington EK. Differences in gastric carcinoma microenvironment stratify according to EBV infection intensity: implications for possible immune adjuvant therapy. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003341. [PMID: 23671415 PMCID: PMC3649992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with roughly 10% of gastric carcinomas worldwide (EBVaGC). Although previous investigations provide a strong link between EBV and gastric carcinomas, these studies were performed using selected EBV gene probes. Using a cohort of gastric carcinoma RNA-seq data sets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we performed a quantitative and global assessment of EBV gene expression in gastric carcinomas and assessed EBV associated cellular pathway alterations. EBV transcripts were detected in 17% of samples but these samples varied significantly in EBV coverage depth. In four samples with the highest EBV coverage (hiEBVaGC – high EBV associated gastric carcinoma), transcripts from the BamHI A region comprised the majority of EBV reads. Expression of LMP2, and to a lesser extent, LMP1 were also observed as was evidence of abortive lytic replication. Analysis of cellular gene expression indicated significant immune cell infiltration and a predominant IFNG response in samples expressing high levels of EBV transcripts relative to samples expressing low or no EBV transcripts. Despite the apparent immune cell infiltration, high levels of the cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cell inhibitor, IDO1, was observed in the hiEBVaGCs samples suggesting an active tolerance inducing pathway in this subgroup. These results were confirmed in a separate cohort of 21 Vietnamese gastric carcinoma samples using qRT-PCR and on tissue samples using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Lastly, a panel of tumor suppressors and candidate oncogenes were expressed at lower levels in hiEBVaGC versus EBV-low and EBV-negative gastric cancers suggesting the direct regulation of tumor pathways by EBV. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is detected in roughly 10% of gastric carcinoma (GC) cases worldwide. Despite a strong link between EBV and gastric carcinoma, the contribution of EBV to the tumor environment in EBV associated gastric carcinoma is unclear. We performed a global assessment of EBV and host cell gene expression in gastric carcinoma tumors from 71 patients to link EBV genes (and expression intensities) to cell and microenvironmental changes. In addition to the finding that EBV is associated with down-regulated tumor regulatory genes, this study revealed that samples with high levels of EBV gene expression (hiEBVaGCs) displayed elevated immune cell infiltration with high interferon-gamma (IFNG) expression compared to samples with low or no EBV gene expression. Despite this evidence of increased immune posturing, hiEBVaGC samples also showed elevated expression of the potent immune cell inhibitor, IDO1. This finding may partly explain the persistence of these virus associated tumors in the face of local immune cell concentration. Importantly, the small molecule IDO inhibitor, 1MT (1-methyl Tryptophan), has been shown to reverse the tolerance inducing effects of IDO1 in other tumors. We propose that stratification of gastric carcinomas into EBV-negative, EBV-low and EBV-high may provide indicator value for the use of IDO1 inhibitors as adjuvant therapies against hiEBVaGCs.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Databases, Nucleic Acid
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/epidemiology
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/genetics
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/immunology
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/metabolism
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/pathology
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/therapy
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral/immunology
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- RNA, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/immunology
- RNA, Viral/biosynthesis
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/immunology
- Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Stomach Neoplasms/genetics
- Stomach Neoplasms/immunology
- Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism
- Stomach Neoplasms/pathology
- Stomach Neoplasms/therapy
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Viral Proteins/biosynthesis
- Viral Proteins/genetics
- Viral Proteins/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Strong
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Guorong Xu
- Department of Computer Science, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Joseph Coco
- Department of Computer Science, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Carl Baribault
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Dass S. Vinay
- Department of Medicine, Section of Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Michelle R. Lacey
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Strong
- Tulane Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Teresa A. Lehman
- BioServe Biotechnologies, Ltd., Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael B. Seddon
- BioServe Biotechnologies, Ltd., Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Monica Concha
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Melody Baddoo
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - MaryBeth Ferris
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Kenneth F. Swan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Deborah E. Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Taylor
- Department of Computer Science, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Research Institute for Children, Children's Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CMT); (EKF)
| | - Erik K. Flemington
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CMT); (EKF)
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Abstract
Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) migration and invasion through the decidualized endometrium is essential to successful placentation. SGHPL-4 cells, an EVT cell line derived from first trimester placenta, is a widely used model of cytotrophoblast differentiation into an invasive phenotype. Here we describe a quantitative cell migration assay that can be modified to also measure cell invasion. SGHPL-4 cells were seeded into BD Fluoroblok cell culture inserts constructed with an 8 μm porous membrane and allowed to migrate towards epidermal growth factor, a known chemoattractant for EVTs. To assess EVT invasion, Fluoroblok inserts were first coated with Matrigel, a basement membrane matrix. SGHPL-4 cells were labeled with calcein AM and cells that had invaded and/or migrated across the membrane were quantified by a bottom-reading fluorescence plate reader. The advantage of the Fluoroblok inserts over other migration/invasion assays is that they allow nondestructive detection of migrated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Angelova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Heather L Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Kenneth F Swan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Cindy Morris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Deborah E Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
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Edwards DE, Bohm RP, Purcell J, Ratterree MS, Swan KF, Castracane VD, Henson MC. Two Isoforms of the Leptin Receptor Are Enhanced in Pregnancy-Specific Tissues and Soluble Leptin Receptor Is Enhanced in Maternal Serum with Advancing Gestation in the Baboon1. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:1746-52. [PMID: 15269102 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.031112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a polypeptide hormone produced by adipose and other endocrine tissues. Although it has been linked to receptor-mediated pathways that directly influence human conceptus development, mechanisms that regulate the leptin receptor in pregnancy-specific tissues remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed leptin-receptor ontogeny and regulation in the baboon (Papio sp.), a primate model for human pregnancy. Placentae, decidua, and amniochorion were collected from baboons in early (Days 54-63, n = 4), mid (Days 98-103, n = 4), and late (Days 159-165, n = 4) gestation. Regulation by estrogen was assessed by elimination of androgen precursors via removal of the fetus (fetectomy) at midgestation and collection of tissues in late gestation (n = 4; term, approximately 184 days). Maternal serum was sampled with advancing gestation, and the abundance of soluble leptin receptor (solLepR), a potential mediator of gestational hyperleptinemia, was determined. Two placental leptin-receptor isoforms (130 and 150 kDa) increased (P < 0.04 and P < 0.02, respectively) in abundance with advancing gestation. Similarly, the 130-kDa isoform increased approximately fourfold (P < 0.0025) in decidua and approximately 10-fold (P < 0.015) in amniochorion between early and late gestation. Following fetectomy, maternal serum estradiol levels declined approximately 85% (P < 0.03), and the 150-kDa placental leptin-receptor isoform was reduced by more than half (P < 0.002). Maternal serum solLepR concentrations were correlated with gestational age (r = 0.52, P < 0.01) and were unaffected by fetectomy. The presence of leptin-receptor isoforms in pregnancy-specific tissues further denoted leptin's potential to directly influence conceptus development, whereas the 130-kDa solLepR identified in maternal serum suggested a means to facilitate the hyperleptinemia typical of primate pregnancy. Although estrogen did not appear to be the principal regulator of solLepR, it and other factors linked to advancing gestation may be implicated in the regulation of leptin-receptor synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah E Edwards
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699, USA
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Henson MC, Swan KF, Edwards DE, Hoyle GW, Purcell J, Castracane VD. Leptin receptor expression in fetal lung increases in late gestation in the baboon: a model for human pregnancy. Reproduction 2004; 127:87-94. [PMID: 15056773 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Leptin produced by both adipose tissue and the placental trophoblast, has been proposed to regulate numerous aspects of human conceptus development. Although recent animal studies have suggested an additional role for the polypeptide in fetal lung maturation, no evidence has been reported in primates. Therefore, we employed the baboon (Papio sp.), a well-characterized primate model for human pregnancy, to determine the presence and ontogeny of leptin receptor in fetal lung with advancing gestation. Lungs were collected from fetal baboons, early in gestation (days 58-62, n = 4), at mid gestation (days 98-102, n = 4), and late in gestation (days 158-165, n = 4) (term 184 days). mRNA transcripts for leptin (LEP) and both long and short intracellular domain isoforms of the leptin receptor (LEP-R(L) and LEP-R(S)) were assessed by RT-PCR. leptin receptor protein was evaluated by immunoblotting and cell types expressing leptin receptor were identified in late pregnancy by immunohistochemistry. Fetal serum leptin concentrations, determined by RIA, remained relatively unchanged at 5.7 +/- 1.1 ng/ml (mean +/- s.e.m.) in mid pregnancy and 8.4 +/- 3.0 ng/ml in late pregnancy (P > 0.05). Although leptin were detectable in fetal lung, no changes in transcript abundance were apparent with advancing gestation. However, transcripts for both LEP-R(L) and LEP-R(S) receptor isoforms increased several-fold (P < 0.05) in fetal lung between mid and late gestation, while leptin receptor protein was detectable only in late pregnancy. leptin receptor was localized in distal pulmonary epithelial cells, including type II pneumocytes. In conclusion, leptin is present in the fetal baboon and its receptor is enhanced during late gestation in cells responsible for the synthesis of pulmonary surfactant. Collectively, these and past findings may suggest a modulatory role for the polypeptide in pulmonary development and/or may identify leptin receptor as a physiological marker of primate fetal lung maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Henson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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13
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Shi W, Swan KF, Henson MC. Expression of placental low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and scavenger receptors AI/AII transcripts in the baboon. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003; 188:1211-2. [PMID: 12748481 DOI: 10.1067/mob.2003.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to assess potential secondary lipoprotein-dependent mechanisms, scavenger receptor AI and AII (SR-AI and SR-AII), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) in the baboon (Papio sp) placenta. STUDY DESIGN Baboon placental villous tissue and enriched fractions of syncytiotrophoblast cells were collected at early (approximately day 60, n = 3), mid (approximately day 100, n = 4), and late (approximately day 160, n = 4) pregnancy (term = approximately 184 days). The abundance of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for SR-AI, SR-AII, and LRP were determined relative to constitutively expressed, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH). RESULTS No quantitative differences (P >.05) in SR-AI, SR-AII, or LRP mRNAs were noted in respect to stage of gestation. However, SR-AII/GAPDH mRNA ratios in syncytiotrophoblast cells (0.38 +/- 0.09, n = 11) were significantly (P <.05) higher than in villous tissue (0.15 +/- 0.04, n = 11), whereas LRP/GAPDH mRNA ratios were higher in villous tissue (0.43 +/- 0.10, n = 11) than in syncytiotrophoblast cells (0.18 +/- 0.02, n = 11). CONCLUSION SR-AII mRNA in baboon placenta appears to be expressed, in greatest abundance, in the endocrinologically active syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699, USA
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Kawai M, Swan KF, Green AE, Edwards DE, Anderson MB, Henson MC. Placental endocrine disruption induced by cadmium: effects on P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes in cultured human trophoblasts. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:178-83. [PMID: 12080015 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod67.1.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously suggested that cadmium (Cd), an environmental toxicant and constituent of tobacco smoke, inhibits progesterone secretion in cultured human placental trophoblasts by inhibiting low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA expression. In the current study, we investigated whether Cd also disrupts progesterone synthesis via P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450(scc)) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), enzymes that play important roles in placental steroidogenesis. Human cytotrophoblasts were purified by density gradient centrifugation and incubated in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium + 10% fetal bovine serum with 0, 5, 10, or 20 microM CdCl(2) for 96 h. Cells progressed to syncytiotrophoblastic maturity regardless of treatment. No differences (P > 0.05) in cell protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed between untreated trophoblasts and those treated with CdCl(2). However, P450(scc) and 3beta-HSD mRNA transcript levels declined in a dose-dependent manner (P <0.05) in trophoblasts cocultured with 5, 10, or 20 microM CdCl(2). P450(scc) activity was similarly inhibited (P < 0.05) by CdCl(2) treatment, although 3beta-HSD activity was not significantly affected. Coculture with 8-bromo-cAMP enhanced progesterone secretion in untreated cultures but did not reverse the decline in progesterone secretion induced by CdCl(2) treatment. CdCl(2) failed to influence cAMP content in cultured cells. Collectively, results suggest that P450(scc) enzyme is another site at which Cd interferes with placental progesterone production. However, it is unlikely that an inhibition of cAMP is involved with the inhibition of progesterone biosynthesis by Cd in human trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoyuki Kawai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699, USA
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O'Neil JS, Green AE, Edwards DE, Swan KF, Gimpel T, Castracane VD, Henson MC. Regulation of leptin and leptin receptor in baboon pregnancy: effects of advancing gestation and fetectomy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86:2518-24. [PMID: 11397849 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.86.6.7588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Leptin, a product of both adipose tissue and the placental syncytiotrophoblast and a potential regulator of primate conceptus development, increases in the maternal circulation with advancing gestation. This increase may be potentiated by estrogens, which also increase as pregnancy progresses. In the present study adipose tissue was collected from nonpregnant (n = 5) baboons (Papio sp) and in baboons during early (days 58-62; n = 5), mid (days 98--102; n = 5), and late (days 158-162; n = 5) pregnancy (term, approximately 184 days). Additionally, placental estrogen production was inhibited in pregnant baboons by the removal of fetal androgen precursors via fetectomy at midgestation, with tissues collected from fetectomized (n = 5) baboons approximately 60 days later. Leptin, estrogens, and androgens were quantitated in maternal serum by RIA. Leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEP-R(L) and LEP-R(S) isoforms) messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) were quantitated by competitive RT-PCR, and leptin concentrations were determined by RIA in maternal adipose and placental villous tissues. Although LEP transcript abundance in adipose tissues was unchanged as a result of pregnancy or with advancing gestation, the leptin protein level was higher (P < 0.02) in pregnant baboons in early gestation than in nonpregnant baboons and increased with gestational age (P < 0.04). Maternal serum estrogens (estradiol and estrone) and androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) were lower (P < 0.0001) in fetectomized baboons than in intact controls. Serum leptin concentrations were unchanged by fetectomy, but the abundance of LEP mRNA transcripts was lower (P < 0.003) in sc adipose tissue and 3-fold higher (P < 0.05) in placenta. Similarly, the leptin protein level declined (P < 0.05) in sc adipose tissue and increased (P < 0.05) in placenta in fetectomized baboons. Although LEP-R(L) mRNA levels were unchanged after fetectomy, placental LEP-R(S) transcript abundance was lower (P < 0.04) than in pregnancy-intact baboons matched for gestational age. Results suggest that both adipose tissue and the placenta may contribute to maternal hyperleptinemia during normal primate pregnancy. Furthermore, the withdrawal of placental steroids results in the enhanced placental leptin production that is commensurate with a decline in production by sc adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S O'Neil
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA
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Green AE, O'Neil JS, Swan KF, Bohm RP, Ratterree MS, Henson MC. Leptin receptor transcripts are constitutively expressed in placenta and adipose tissue with advancing baboon pregnancy. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 2000; 223:362-6. [PMID: 10721005 DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1373.2000.22351.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The baboon (Papio sp.) is an accepted nonhuman primate model for the study of the endocrinology of human pregnancy. To further characterize this model with regard to leptin function, messenger RNA transcripts for both long (Ob-RL) and short (Ob-RS) leptin receptor isoforms were identified in maternal tissues at various stages of gestation. Thus, placental villous, subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues were collected upon cesarean delivery at early (Days 60-62), mid (Days 98-102) and late (Days 159-164) pregnancy (term approximately 184 days). Additionally, amniochorion, decidua, and corpus luteum were collected in late gestation. Expression of Ob-RL and Ob-RS transcripts was determined in relation to constitutively expressed glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and transcripts were localized within specific placental cell types by in situ hybridization. Ob-RL and Ob-RS transcripts were present in amniochorion, decidua, and corpus luteum at term and appeared constitutively expressed throughout gestation in placenta and adipose tissues. Ob-RS was expressed in greater (P < 0.02) abundance than Ob-RL in all tissues. Within the placenta, receptor isoforms were localized predominantly to the syncytiotrophoblast. The expression of leptin receptor transcripts in maternal adipose tissues, as well as in the syncytiotrophoblast, amniochorion, decidua, and corpus luteum, suggests the potential for autocrine/paracrine roles for the polypeptide in the endocrinology of primate pregnancy. These are the first such observations in a nonhuman primate and support the use of the baboon as a model for the study of leptin in human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Green
- Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Physiology, Anatomy, and The Interdisciplinary Program of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA
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Shi W, Swan KF, Lear SR, O'Neil JS, Erickson SK, Henson MC. Regulation of pathways determining cholesterol availability in the baboon placenta with advancing gestation. Biol Reprod 1999; 61:1499-505. [PMID: 10569995 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod61.6.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is accepted as the primary source of cholesterol for progesterone biosynthesis in the primate placental syncytiotrophoblast. We hypothesized that the syncytiotrophoblast may, however, derive significant amounts of cholesterol from sources in addition to the LDL pathway, especially during early pregnancy or when faced with a paucity of lipoprotein-cholesterol. To test this, alternate cholesterol-providing pathways were assessed in placentae at early (Days 60-61), mid (Days 98-102), and late (Days 160-167) gestation in the baboon (Papio sp., term approximately 184 days). Expression of LDL receptor mRNA transcripts in an enriched fraction of syncytiotrophoblast cells was approximately 13-fold greater (P < 0.05) in mid and late gestation than in early pregnancy, although no differences were observed in whole villous tissue. The abundance of transcripts for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme responsible for de novo cholesterol synthesis, remained unchanged in syncytiotrophoblast cells; however, HMG-CoA reductase activity declined approximately 2-fold from early to late pregnancy (P < 0.01), with a commensurate decline in immunoreactive HMG-CoA reductase protein. Activities for acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT), a rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol esterification, were greater (P < 0.05) at early and mid pregnancy in placental homogenates than in those from late pregnancy, while ACAT-1 mRNA concentrations and cholesterol ester hydrolase activity remained unchanged. These results, taken together, suggest that although de novo synthesis has the potential to provide a measure of the cholesterol used for placental progesterone production during early baboon pregnancy, its contribution declines with advancing gestational age as LDL receptor-derived cholesterol becomes the major source of substrate. Changes in LDL receptor mRNA abundance suggest differences in mechanisms regulating cholesterol homeostasis in steroidogenically active syncytiotrophoblasts vs. proliferative nonendocrine cell types in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Shi
- Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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Jolibois LS, Burow ME, Swan KF, George WJ, Anderson MB, Henson MC. Effects of cadmium cell viability, trophoblastic development, and expression of low density lipoprotein receptor transcripts in cultured human placental cells. Reprod Toxicol 1999; 13:473-80. [PMID: 10613395 DOI: 10.1016/s0890-6238(99)00041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we have demonstrated that cadmium inhibits progesterone release in cultured human trophoblast cells. In the present study, we investigated potential mechanism(s) by which cadmium may elicit this effect. Cytotrophoblasts were obtained via enzymatic dispersion, purified by density gradient centrifugation, and cultured with increasing concentrations of cadmium. Cadmium-induced suppression of progesterone release seemed to be independent of cell death, as no significant decline in viability was observed with cadmium treatment. Further, immunocytochemical localization of cellular boundaries and nuclei indicated approximately 94% syncytial maturity was attained by both untreated and cadmium-treated cells, demonstrating that cadmium did not inhibit syncytial development. However, the abundance of LDL receptor (LDL-R) mRNA transcripts, as determined by competitive RT-PCR, was reduced (P < 0.05) by cadmium exposure in an apparent dose-dependent manner. Thus, the LDL-R, by which cholesterol substrate is supplied to the syncytiotrophoblast, is one site at which cadmium may interfere with placental progesterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Jolibois
- Department of Anatomy, Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA
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Abstract
Genistein is a phytoestrogen found in soy beans. Phytoestrogens have been reported to cause reproductive problems in sheep and rats. This research was conducted to determine the effects of genistein fed to rhesus monkeys during pregnancy, with specific interest on fetal growth and steroidogenesis in the maternal-fetoplacental unit. Two groups of five monkeys each were selected in early stages of pregnancy. One group was administered genistein in a fruit treat each weekday until Cesarean section 10 days prior to term. The second, control group, received fruit treats without genistein. Maternal blood samples were collected on Tuesday and Friday of each week. At delivery, samples were collected from the maternal peripheral circulation, uterine veins, uterine-ovarian veins, and the fetal heart. Comparisons between control and genistein-treated monkeys revealed no differences in the maternal weight gained during pregnancy, or in fetal weights or placental weights at delivery. Serum was assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) for estradiol, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and estrone. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were noted in progesterone or DHEA-S levels at delivery or during the pregnancy; however, estradiol levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the four areas studied at delivery and in the maternal blood with advancing gestation. Additionally, estrone levels tended to increase more rapidly (P = 0. 057) in the maternal blood of monkeys receiving genistein than in untreated controls, suggesting that genistein may stimulate the deconjugation of estrone in the gut, thus allowing its reabsorption into the peripheral circulation and conversion to estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Harrison
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Tulane Regional Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana 70433, USA.
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20
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Henson MC, Castracane VD, O'Neil JS, Gimpel T, Swan KF, Green AE, Shi W. Serum leptin concentrations and expression of leptin transcripts in placental trophoblast with advancing baboon pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999; 84:2543-9. [PMID: 10404834 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.84.7.5832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a polypeptide hormone originally thought to be produced exclusively by adipocytes. Recently, however, both leptin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and leptin protein were identified in human placental trophoblast cells, suggesting a potential role in primate pregnancy. In the present study, venous blood samples were collected at 5-day intervals during gestation from baboons (Papio sp), an established model for the study of human pregnancy, as well as from nonpregnant baboons, and leptin concentrations were determined by RIA. Additionally, placental villous tissue was collected upon cesarean delivery at early (days 60-62; n = 5), mid (days 98-102; n = 5), and late (days 159-167; n = 5) gestation (term = approximately 184 days), and leptin mRNA was quantitated by competitive RT-PCR. Finally, in situ hybridization was employed to localize transcripts to specific placental cell types. Results determined that maternal leptin levels (mean +/- SEM), which were dramatically greater (P<0.01) than those in nonpregnant cycling baboons (1.4+/-0.1 ng/mL), increased (P<0.005) with gestational age from 63.6+/-10.4 ng/mL on day 60 of gestation to 157.8+/-16.1 near term. Levels declined to those found in cycling baboons by 15 days postdelivery. In contrast to maternal leptin concentrations, placental leptin mRNA decreased (P<0.02) with advancing pregnancy, as transcript abundance declined approximately 8-fold from early to late gestation. Maternal peripheral leptin concentrations were positively correlated (r = 0.66; P<0.001) whereas placental leptin mRNA levels were negatively correlated (r = -0.64; P<0.01) with gestational age. Expression of leptin mRNA transcripts, as evidenced by RT-PCR in villous tissue, was localized principally within syncytiotrophoblast by in situ hybridization. In summary, changes in maternal peripheral leptin concentrations and placental leptin mRNA abundance that occur commensurate with advancing gestational age may imply evolving roles for the polypeptide with advancing primate pregnancy. In this capacity, localization of leptin transcripts within the baboon syncytiotrophoblast suggests the potential for autocrine or paracrine interactions within this endocrinologically active tissue. Finally, both the similarities in leptin ontogeny in baboon and human pregnancy and the singular enhancement of maternal leptin levels inherent throughout baboon gestation emphasize the potential of this nonhuman primate model for the study of leptin action in the maternal-fetoplacental unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Henson
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for placental leptin and leptin receptor in early gestation and at term, to quantitate transcriptional changes relative to stage of gestation, to localize transcripts within specific placental cell types, and to determine if transcripts also are expressed in cultured cells. METHODS Expression of leptin and leptin receptor was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and leptin quantitated against a leptin mRNA competitor (MIMIC), in human placental villous tissue collected at term cesarean deliveries and earlier during gestation (7-14 weeks) upon elective terminations. In situ hybridization was used to identify cell types exhibiting transcripts for genes of interest. Additionally, tissue was dispersed enzymatically, cytotrophoblast cells progressed to syncytiotrophoblastic maturity in culture, and transcripts were assessed. RESULTS Placental leptin and leptin receptor transcripts were identified in early (n = 6) and late (n = 5) gestation. Although no changes (P > .05) were apparent for receptor, leptin mRNA declined (P < .005) from (mean+/-standard error) 1.815+/-.491 attomoles/microg total RNA early in gestation to .013+/-.003 attomoles/microg total RNA at term. Leptin and leptin receptor transcripts were localized in trophoblast by in situ hybridization and were expressed in culture. CONCLUSION Results suggest an ontogenetic decline in leptin mRNA with advancing gestation. Localization of leptin and leptin receptor transcripts in syncytiotrophoblasts, cells also responsible for the production of hormones vital to pregnancy maintenance, suggest a potential for autocrine or paracrine interactions within this tissue. Finally, transcript expression in cultured cells suggests the suitability of in vitro paradigms for future studies of leptin in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Henson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA.
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Henson MC, Greene SJ, Reggio BC, Shi W, Swan KF. Effects of reduced maternal lipoprotein-cholesterol availability on placental progesterone biosynthesis in the baboon. Endocrinology 1997; 138:1385-91. [PMID: 9075692 DOI: 10.1210/endo.138.4.5039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Maternal low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the principal source of cholesterol substrate for progesterone biosynthesis in the primate placental syncytiotrophoblast. The relationship of LDL-cholesterol availability and other potential cholesterol-yielding pathways to placental progesterone production have not, however, been demonstrated in vivo in a nonhuman primate. Therefore, maternal peripheral lipoprotein-cholesterol and progesterone concentrations were determined in blood samples obtained by venipuncture, from day 72 until day 100, from pregnant baboons (Papio sp) that were either untreated (n = 4) or treated (n = 3) with the inhibitor of hepatic lipoprotein production, 4-aminopyrazolo [3-4-d]pyrimidine (4-APP, 10 mg/kg BW) on days 98-99 of pregnancy (term = 184 days). Although LDL-cholesterol and progesterone levels remained unchanged in untreated animals, LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 9-fold lower (P < 0.005) in baboons receiving 4-APP than in untreated baboons 2 days following initial administration. Commensurate progesterone levels were 3.5-fold lower (P < 0.03) in 4-APP-treated baboons than in untreated baboons. RT-PCR was used to approximate relative changes in transcription of messengers RNAs (mRNAs) for selected cholesterol-sensitive pathways in placental tissue collected on day 100. Thus, expression of mRNAs for LDL receptor and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase appeared enhanced, whereas acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) mRNA was diminished in syncytiotrophoblast-enriched cell fractions as a result of 4-APP administration. No relative differences in mRNAs were apparent in whole placental villous tissue, however, as a result of 4-APP treatment. In summary, this experiment demonstrates a significant decline in progesterone production elicited by maternal LDL-cholesterol withdrawal, and attests to the efficacy of 4-APP administration during baboon pregnancy. These results also suggest a commensurate regulation of cholesterol-sensitive pathways in primate syncytiotrophoblast. However, no relative differences were apparent in mRNA levels for LDL receptor, HMG-CoA and ACAT in whole placental villous tissue as a result of LDL-cholesterol withdrawal, which may suggest potential disparities in the mechanisms regulating cholesterol homeostasis in steroidogenically active syncytiotrophoblasts vs. those in proliferative nonendocrine placental constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Henson
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA
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Fortunato SJ, Menon R, Swan KF, Lombardi SJ. Interleukin-10 inhibition of interleukin-6 in human amniochorionic membrane: transcriptional regulation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 175:1057-65. [PMID: 8885776 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(96)80053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to study the regulatory effects of recombinant interleukin-10 on interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein production by human fetal membranes. STUDY DESIGN Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women undergoing elective cesarean section. Membranes were maintained in an organ explant system and stimulated with media containing lipopolysaccharide (50 ng/ml) and various amounts of recombinant interleukin-10 (10, 50, 100 ng/ml). Experiments were conducted in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Transcription and translation of interleukin-6 were monitored with quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Interleukin-10 stimulation of amniochorionic membranes in culture produced a dose-dependent decrease in the production of interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to document a decrease in interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acid, which paralleled the decrease in peptide levels as detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interleukin-10 effect was present only when tissue was concurrently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Interleukin-10 inhibition could not be produced in the absence of lipopolysaccharide stimulation. CONCLUSION Addition of interleukin-10 to culture media leads to transcriptional regulation of interleukin-6, which results in decreased production of both messenger ribonucleic acid and protein by human amniochorionic membranes. The decrease in interleukin-6 is a dose-dependent effect of interleukin-10. This finding may have important implications with respect to a possible role for interleukin-10 or an interleukin-10 stimulatory factor in the management of preterm labor associated with the presence of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Maternal-Fetal Group, Women's Hospital, Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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Fortunato SJ, Menon RP, Swan KF, Menon R. Inflammatory cytokine (interleukins 1, 6 and 8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) release from cultured human fetal membranes in response to endotoxic lipopolysaccharide mirrors amniotic fluid concentrations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 174:1855-61; discussion 1861-2. [PMID: 8678151 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(96)70221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to quantitate and compare the amount of cytokines released from human fetal membranes in response to treatment with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and to compare this with amniotic fluid levels. STUDY DESIGN Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women undergoing elective repeat cesarean section and showing no signs of infection- or pregnancy-related complications. Membranes were maintained in an organ explant system and stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours. Media samples were collected and stored at -20 degrees C until cytokine levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide stimulated production of interleukins 1, 6 and 8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by the fetal membranes in comparison with the control cultures. A greater release of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 compared with interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was noticed. The relationships between cytokine concentrations observed in culture mirror those seen in amniotic fluid. CONCLUSION Amniochorionic membranes can respond to an infectious process with increased secretion of interleukins 1, 6 and 8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Cytokines produced from both amnion and chorion (interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) are released in greater quantities than those cytokines produced from chorion or amnion alone (interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). These studies support a major role for amnion in infection-induced preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Maternal-Fetal Group, Women's Hospital at Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
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Abstract
PROBLEM Preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes are major complications of pregnancy. We have reported the possible role of amniochorionic membrane in the production of inflammatory cytokines and the early onset of labor. This study was conducted to detect the expression of IL-8 mRNA and peptide production in cultured fetal membranes. METHOD Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women undergoing elective cesarean section at term. Membranes were cultured in an organ explant system and the expression of IL-8 was studied over a 10-day period by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. IL-8 peptide localization was accomplished using immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Constitutive expression of IL-8 mRNA in cultured fetal membranes was demonstrated in both amniotic and chorionic leave cells. mRNA and peptide for IL-8 was homogeneously distributed throughout the amniotic and chorionic cells. CONCLUSION Human amniochorionic membrane is a source of IL-8 mRNA and peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Women's Hospital, Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Menon R, Swan KF, Lyden TW, Rote NS, Fortunato SJ. Expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6) in amniochorionic membranes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1995; 172:493-500. [PMID: 7856675 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(95)90562-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to investigate the expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6) by fetal membranes in response to infection in vivo and to endotoxin in organ culture. STUDY DESIGN Amniochorionic membranes were collected from infected and uninfected women and analyzed for cytokine messenger ribonucleic acid and protein. Normal membranes were cultured and exposed to endotoxin. Messenger ribonucleic acid expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Cellular localization of messenger ribonucleic acid and protein was determined by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical evaluation, respectively. RESULTS Messenger ribonucleic acid for interleukin-1 beta appeared to be increased in infected or endotoxin-stimulated amniochorionic membranes, whereas interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acid was only observed in infected membranes or after endotoxin stimulation. Interleukin-1 beta messenger ribonucleic acid was localized exclusively to chorionic cells, whereas protein was observed in both chorion and amnion. Interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein were produced in both amniotic and chorionic cells. CONCLUSION Amniochorionic membranes are a site of inflammatory cytokine production. These findings may have significance in preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Abstract
PROBLEM The purpose of the study was to develop a novel method of amniochorionic membrane culture aimed at maintaining tissue integrity. METHOD Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women prior to labor, undergoing elective cesarean section, with no history of infection or pregnancy related complication. Fetal membranes were maintained in culture for up to ten days. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a "house keeping" gene and inflammatory cytokine mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at various periods of culture. mRNA localization was performed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS GAPDH gene expression was seen throughout the culture period. Inflammatory cytokine mRNA (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6) were also detected during culture. Cellular and tissue morphology appeared normal. CONCLUSIONS The culture technique we propose is a simple organ explant system which maintains the morphology and autocrine/paracrine relationships within this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
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28
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Abstract
PROBLEM Preterm labor and PROM are major complications of pregnancy. We have reported the possible role of amniochorionic membrane as it relates to the production of cytokines and the early onset of labor. Amniochorion is capable of responding to an infectious process with the production of IL-6 and IL-1 beta. Here we examine the expression of TNF-alpha and TNFR in amniochorion. METHOD Amniochorionic membranes were collected and maintained in an organ explant system. Samples were frozen and/or fixed for RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS RT-PCR demonstrated mRNA for TNF-alpha and in situ hybridization localized mRNA in chorion and amnion. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated TNF-alpha peptide in amnion but not in chorion. Immunocytochemical localization of TNFR indicates presence of that peptide in both amnion and chorion. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the fetal membranes are sources of TNF-alpha and TNFR, supporting our previous work indicating that fetal membranes are active participants in the response to intraamniotic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
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Fortunato SJ, Bawdon RE, Swan KF, Bryant EC, Sobhi S. Transfer of Timentin (ticarcillin and clavulanic acid) across the in vitro perfused human placenta: comparison with other agents. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992; 167:1595-9. [PMID: 1471672 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(92)91747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In vitro perfusion of human placentas was used to quantify the net placental transfer of ticarcillin and clavulanic acid. STUDY DESIGN Placentas were obtained from uncomplicated pregnancies at term. The maternal and fetal circulations were reestablished at flow rates of 17.5 ml/min and 5 ml/min, respectively. Open circulations were used to evaluate steady-state pharmacodynamics and transplacental gradient formation. Drug levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS The clearance index of ticarcillin was 0.037 +/- 0.004. The fetal/maternal ratio was 0.91. Therapeutic concentrations of clavulanate (2 to 6 micrograms/ml) in the maternal media resulted in undetectable transfer to the fetal compartment. By using higher levels of clavulanate, a clearance index of 0.061 +/- 0.001 (mean +/- SEM) and 1:1 fetal/maternal gradient was obtained. CONCLUSIONS These data correspond to relatively low transfer of ticarcillin with a cord/maternal ratio of < 1. Clavulanate transfer is slightly greater. Agents with similar activity and superior transfer would optimize intrauterine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112
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Fortunato SJ, Bawdon RE, Maberry MC, Swan KF. Transfer of ceftizoxime surpasses that of cefoperazone by the isolated human placenta perfused in vitro. Obstet Gynecol 1990; 75:830-3. [PMID: 2325966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of cefoperazone and ceftizoxime across the human placenta was compared using the in vitro, bidirectionally perfused human placental lobule. The mean (+/- SEM) clearance indices for ceftizoxime and cefoperazone were 0.124 +/- 0.02 and 0.037 +/- 0.01, respectively (P = .0013). Cefoperazone concentration plateaued at a fetal concentration of 4-5 micrograms/mL in a recirculating perfusion system. No evidence of a decreasing slope of ceftizoxime transfer to the fetal compartment was noted after 60 minutes of perfusion. In a closed-closed perfusion system with equal concentrations of ceftizoxime in each compartment, a 1.1:1 fetal gradient was noted. These data indicate that ceftizoxime crosses the placenta significantly better than does cefoperazone and support our in vivo study documenting preferential concentration of ceftizoxime in the fetal compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
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Abstract
As part of our management protocol for preterm premature rupture of membranes, ceftizoxime and tocolysis were used to prolong the latent period and prevent or treat concomitant infection. Ceftizoxime was selected for this protocol based on its physiochemical properties, which favor placental transfer of the drug. Patients achieving steady-state pharmacodynamics (more than three doses of the drug) were considered eligible for study. Ceftizoxime levels were determined by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. All levels measured after the first hour of treatment were indicative of the relative concentration of ceftizoxime in the fetal and amniotic fluid compartments when compared with the maternal compartment. Mean (+/- SEM) ceftizoxime levels were 11.96 + 2.35 micrograms/ml in maternal serum, 24.54 +/- 4.78 micrograms/ml in cord serum, and 43.45 +/- 4.97 micrograms/ml in amniotic fluid. Based on its broad antibacterial activity and its high concentration in fetal blood and amniotic fluid, ceftizoxime appears to be an ideal agent for treatment of the intrauterine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Fortunato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Tennessee State University, Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine, Johnson City 37601
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