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O'Brien KA, Gu W, Houck JA, Holzner LMW, Yung HW, Armstrong JL, Sowton AP, Baxter R, Darwin PM, Toledo-Jaldin L, Lazo-Vega L, Moreno-Aramayo AE, Miranda-Garrido V, Shortt JA, Matarazzo CJ, Yasini H, Burton GJ, Moore LG, Simonson TS, Murray AJ, Julian CG. Genomic Selection Signals in Andean Highlanders Reveal Adaptive Placental Metabolic Phenotypes That Are Disrupted in Preeclampsia. Hypertension 2024; 81:319-329. [PMID: 38018457 PMCID: PMC10841680 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21748] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chronic hypoxia of high-altitude residence poses challenges for tissue oxygen supply and metabolism. Exposure to high altitude during pregnancy increases the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and fetal growth restriction and alters placental metabolism. High-altitude ancestry protects against altitude-associated fetal growth restriction, indicating hypoxia tolerance that is genetic in nature. Yet, not all babies are protected and placental pathologies associated with fetal growth restriction occur in some Andean highlanders. METHODS We examined placental metabolic function in 79 Andeans (18-45 years; 39 preeclamptic and 40 normotensive) living in La Paz, Bolivia (3600-4100 m) delivered by unlabored Cesarean section. Using a selection-nominated approach, we examined links between putatively adaptive genetic variation and phenotypes related to oxygen delivery or placental metabolism. RESULTS Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was associated with fetal oxygen delivery in normotensive but not preeclamptic placenta and was also suppressed in term preeclamptic pregnancy. Maternal haplotypes in or within 200 kb of selection-nominated genes were associated with lower placental mitochondrial respiratory capacity (PTPRD [protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-δ]), lower maternal plasma erythropoietin (CPT2 [carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2], proopiomelanocortin, and DNMT3 [DNA methyltransferase 3]), and lower VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in umbilical venous plasma (TBX5 [T-box transcription factor 5]). A fetal haplotype within 200 kb of CPT2 was associated with increased placental mitochondrial complex II capacity, placental nitrotyrosine, and GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) protein expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal novel associations between putatively adaptive gene regions and phenotypes linked to oxygen delivery and placental metabolic function in highland Andeans, suggesting that such effects may be of genetic origin. Our findings also demonstrate maladaptive metabolic mechanisms in the context of preeclampsia, including dysregulation of placental oxygen consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A O'Brien
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (K.A.O., W.G., T.S.S.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics (K.A.O., J.A.H., J.A.S., C.J.M., H.Y., C.G.J.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Wanjun Gu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (K.A.O., W.G., T.S.S.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Sciences (W.G.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Julie A Houck
- Department of Biomedical Informatics (K.A.O., J.A.H., J.A.S., C.J.M., H.Y., C.G.J.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences (J.A.H., L.G.M.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Lorenz M W Holzner
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Hong Wa Yung
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Jenna L Armstrong
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Alice P Sowton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Ruby Baxter
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Paula M Darwin
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Lilian Toledo-Jaldin
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Materno-Infantil, La Paz, Bolivia (L.T.-J., L.L.-V., A.E.M.-M., V.M.-G.)
| | - Litzi Lazo-Vega
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Materno-Infantil, La Paz, Bolivia (L.T.-J., L.L.-V., A.E.M.-M., V.M.-G.)
| | - Any Elena Moreno-Aramayo
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Materno-Infantil, La Paz, Bolivia (L.T.-J., L.L.-V., A.E.M.-M., V.M.-G.)
| | - Valquiria Miranda-Garrido
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Materno-Infantil, La Paz, Bolivia (L.T.-J., L.L.-V., A.E.M.-M., V.M.-G.)
| | - Jonathan A Shortt
- Department of Biomedical Informatics (K.A.O., J.A.H., J.A.S., C.J.M., H.Y., C.G.J.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Christopher J Matarazzo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics (K.A.O., J.A.H., J.A.S., C.J.M., H.Y., C.G.J.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Hussna Yasini
- Department of Biomedical Informatics (K.A.O., J.A.H., J.A.S., C.J.M., H.Y., C.G.J.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Lorna G Moore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences (J.A.H., L.G.M.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Tatum S Simonson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (K.A.O., W.G., T.S.S.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Andrew J Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (K.A.O., L.M.W.H., H.W.Y., J.L.A., A.P.S., R.B., P.M.D., G.J.B., A.J.M.)
| | - Colleen G Julian
- Department of Biomedical Informatics (K.A.O., J.A.H., J.A.S., C.J.M., H.Y., C.G.J.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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Tarry-Adkins JL, Robinson IG, Pantaleão LC, Armstrong JL, Thackray BD, Holzner LMW, Knapton AE, Virtue S, Jenkins B, Koulman A, Murray AJ, Ozanne SE, Aiken CE. The metabolic response of human trophoblasts derived from term placentas to metformin. Diabetologia 2023; 66:2320-2331. [PMID: 37670017 PMCID: PMC10627909 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05996-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Metformin is increasingly used therapeutically during pregnancy worldwide, particularly in the treatment of gestational diabetes, which affects a substantial proportion of pregnant women globally. However, the impact on placental metabolism remains unclear. In view of the association between metformin use in pregnancy and decreased birthweight, it is essential to understand how metformin modulates the bioenergetic and anabolic functions of the placenta. METHODS A cohort of 55 placentas delivered by elective Caesarean section at term was collected from consenting participants. Trophoblasts were isolated from the placental samples and treated in vitro with clinically relevant doses of metformin (0.01 mmol/l or 0.1 mmol/l) or vehicle. Respiratory function was assayed using high-resolution respirometry to measure oxygen concentration and calculated [Formula: see text]. Glycolytic rate and glycolytic stress assays were performed using Agilent Seahorse XF assays. Fatty acid uptake and oxidation measurements were conducted using radioisotope-labelled assays. Lipidomic analysis was conducted using LC-MS. Gene expression and protein analysis were performed using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Complex I-supported oxidative phosphorylation was lower in metformin-treated trophoblasts (0.01 mmol/l metformin, 61.7% of control, p<0.05; 0.1 mmol/l metformin, 43.1% of control, p<0.001). The proton efflux rate arising from glycolysis under physiological conditions was increased following metformin treatment, up to 23±5% above control conditions following treatment with 0.1 mmol/l metformin (p<0.01). There was a significant increase in triglyceride concentrations in trophoblasts treated with 0.1 mmol/l metformin (p<0.05), particularly those of esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid oxidation was reduced by ~50% in trophoblasts treated with 0.1 mmol/l metformin compared with controls (p<0.001), with no difference in uptake between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION In primary trophoblasts derived from term placentas metformin treatment caused a reduction in oxidative phosphorylation through partial inactivation of complex I and potentially by other mechanisms. Metformin-treated trophoblasts accumulate lipids, particularly long- and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our findings raise clinically important questions about the balance of risk of metformin use during pregnancy, particularly in situations where the benefits are not clear-cut and alternative therapies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L Tarry-Adkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - India G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jenna L Armstrong
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin D Thackray
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lorenz M W Holzner
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alice E Knapton
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sam Virtue
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Albert Koulman
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Murray
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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