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Lin Z, Wu S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wen Z, Yuan Y. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving enhanced invasion capability of extravillous trophoblast cells: a comprehensive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:591-608. [PMID: 38315418 PMCID: PMC10957806 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03036-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that promote heightened EVT invasion. We comprehensively summarize the pivotal roles of hormones, angiogenesis, hypoxia, stress, the extracellular matrix microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immunity, inflammation, programmed cell death, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota in facilitating EVT invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced EVT invasion may provide valuable insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases characterized by excessive invasion, such as the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), thereby offering novel perspectives for managing pregnancy complications related to deficient EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Huang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuofeng Wen
- The Sixth Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Lee JG, Yon JM, Kim G, Lee SG, Kim CY, Cheong SA, Kim HY, Yu J, Kim K, Sung YH, Yoo HJ, Woo DC, Rho JK, Ha CH, Pack CG, Oh SH, Lim JS, Han YM, Hong EJ, Seong JK, Lee HW, Lee SW, Lee KU, Kim CJ, Nam SY, Cho YS, Baek IJ. PIBF1 regulates trophoblast syncytialization and promotes cardiovascular development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1487. [PMID: 38374152 PMCID: PMC10876648 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45647-8] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper placental development in early pregnancy ensures a positive outcome later on. The developmental relationship between the placenta and embryonic organs, such as the heart, is crucial for a normal pregnancy. However, the mechanism through which the placenta influences the development of embryonic organs remains unclear. Trophoblasts fuse to form multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (SynT), which primarily make up the placental materno-fetal interface. We discovered that endogenous progesterone immunomodulatory binding factor 1 (PIBF1) is vital for trophoblast differentiation and fusion into SynT in humans and mice. PIBF1 facilitates communication between SynT and adjacent vascular cells, promoting vascular network development in the primary placenta. This process affected the early development of the embryonic cardiovascular system in mice. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that PIBF1 promotes the development of cardiovascular characteristics in heart organoids. Our findings show how SynTs organize the barrier and imply their possible roles in supporting embryogenesis, including cardiovascular development. SynT-derived factors and SynT within the placenta may play critical roles in ensuring proper organogenesis of other organs in the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Biological Resources Research Group, Bioenvironmental Science & Toxicology Division, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju, 52834, Korea
| | - Jung-Min Yon
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Globinna Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Seung-A Cheong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | | | - Jiyoung Yu
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Digital Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Dong-Cheol Woo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Ha
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chan-Gi Pack
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Seak Hee Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Yu Mi Han
- Research Institute of Medical Science, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06351, Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Han-Woong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Lee
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Ki-Up Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Korea
| | - You Sook Cho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center (KMPC), Seoul, 08826, Korea.
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Korea.
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Li Q, Sharkey A, Sheridan M, Magistrati E, Arutyunyan A, Huhn O, Sancho-Serra C, Anderson H, McGovern N, Esposito L, Fernando R, Gardner L, Vento-Tormo R, Turco MY, Moffett A. Human uterine natural killer cells regulate differentiation of extravillous trophoblast early in pregnancy. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:181-195.e9. [PMID: 38237587 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.013] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In humans, balanced invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine mucosa, the decidua, is critical for successful pregnancy. Evidence suggests that this process is regulated by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, but how they influence reproductive outcomes is unclear. Here, we used our trophoblast organoids and primary tissue samples to determine how uNK cells affect placentation. By locating potential interaction axes between trophoblast and uNK cells using single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro modeling of these interactions in organoids, we identify a uNK cell-derived cytokine signal that promotes trophoblast differentiation at the late stage of the invasive pathway. Moreover, it affects transcriptional programs involved in regulating blood flow, nutrients, and inflammatory and adaptive immune responses, as well as gene signatures associated with disorders of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia. Our findings suggest mechanisms on how optimal immunological interactions between uNK cells and trophoblast enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Megan Sheridan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Elisa Magistrati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Oisin Huhn
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Carmen Sancho-Serra
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Holly Anderson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Laura Esposito
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ridma Fernando
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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Hu C, Deng J, Liu M, Ni T, Chen ZJ, Yan J, Li Y. Endometrial BMP2 Deficiency Impairs ITGB3-Mediated Trophoblast Invasion in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae002. [PMID: 38195194 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae002] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated implantation failure (RIF) leads to a waste of high-quality embryos and remains a challenge in assisted reproductive technology. During early human placentation, the invasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua is an essential step for the establishment of maternal-fetal interactions and subsequent successful pregnancy. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been reported to regulate endometrial receptivity and promote trophoblast invasion. However, whether there is dysregulation of endometrial BMP2 expression in patients with RIF remains unknown. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BMP2 on human trophoblast invasion and early placentation remain to be further elucidated. METHODS Midluteal phase endometrial samples were biopsied from patients with RIF and from routine control in vitro fertilization followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses. Human trophoblast organoids, primary human trophoblast cells, and an immortalized trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) were used as study models. RESULTS We found that BMP2 was aberrantly low in midluteal phase endometrial tissues from patients with RIF. Recombinant human BMP2 treatment upregulated integrin β3 (ITGB3) in a SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling-dependent manner in both HTR8/SVneo cells and primary trophoblast cells. siRNA-mediated integrin β3 downregulation reduced both basal and BMP2-upregulated trophoblast invasion and vascular mimicry in HTR8/SVneo cells. Importantly, shRNA-mediated ITGB3 knockdown significantly decreased the formation ability of human trophoblast organoids. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate endometrial BMP2 deficiency in patients with RIF. ITGB3 mediates both basal and BMP2-promoted human trophoblast invasion and is essential for early placentation. These findings broaden our knowledge regarding the regulation of early placentation and provide candidate diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RIF clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Hu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jianye Deng
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tianxiang Ni
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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Podinić T, MacAndrew A, Raha S. Trophoblast Syncytialization: A Metabolic Crossroads. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:101-125. [PMID: 37996675 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
During placentation, villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) stem cells proliferate and fuse, giving rise to the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which represents the terminally differentiated villous layer as well as the maternal-fetal interface. The syncytiotrophoblast is at the forefront of nutrient, gas, and waste exchange while also harboring essential endocrine functions to support pregnancy and fetal development. Considering that mitochondrial dynamics and respiration have been implicated in stem cell fate decisions of several cell types and that the placenta is a mitochondria-rich organ, we will highlight the role of mitochondria in facilitating trophoblast differentiation and maintaining trophoblast function. We discuss both the process of syncytialization and the distinct metabolic characteristics associated with CTB and STB sub-lineages prior to and during syncytialization. As mitochondrial respiration is tightly coupled to redox homeostasis, we emphasize the adaptations of mitochondrial respiration to the hypoxic placental environment. Furthermore, we highlight the critical role of mitochondria in conferring the steroidogenic potential of the STB following differentiation. Ultimately, mitochondrial function and morphological changes centrally regulate respiration and influence trophoblast fate decisions through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose levels modulate the transcriptional activation or suppression of pluripotency or commitment genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Podinić
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andie MacAndrew
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Antony AS, Devika AS, Sudheer S. Directed Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Cytotrophoblast and Syncytiotrophoblast. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2767:175-188. [PMID: 36773273 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2022_469] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) form an ideal system to study the formation of placental cells, from an undifferentiated human embryonic stem cell state. The conventional human in vitro model systems to study the human placenta cannot be employed for understanding placental dysfunctions or the development of specialized placental cell types. Hence, human PSCs make an ideal model system to study human placental development and disorders. Here, we describe an efficient and validated protocol to reproducibly study the formation of human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and syncytiotrophoblast (STBs) from undifferentiated hPSCs. CTBs are the trophoblast stem cells that can differentiate into specialized placental cell types such as STBs. The multinucleated STB plays vital role in the exchange of nutrients and gases across the placenta and secretes several hormones during pregnancy, such as human chorionic gonadotropin β (hCGβ). Here we describe two methods of seeding the hPSCs: chemical (clumps method) and enzymatic methods (single cells) to differentiate them to CTB and STB, activating BMP (B) signaling and inhibiting ACTIVIN/NODAL and FGF signaling pathways (2i), thus naming our protocol as "B2i" (Sudheer et al., Stem Cells Dev 21:2987-3000, 2012). This protocol forms the perfect model system for understanding in vitro placentation, modeling diseases arising from abnormal placentation that cause complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and drug discovery for placental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Shaji Antony
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
| | - A S Devika
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
| | - Smita Sudheer
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Kerala, India
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Pérez-García I, Pérez-García V. CRISPR Activation in Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2781:93-103. [PMID: 38502446 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3746-3_9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a vital organ that regulates nutrient supply to the developing embryo during gestation. In mice, the placenta is composed of trophoblast lineage and mesodermal derivatives, which merge through the chorioallantoic fusion process in a critical event for the progression of placenta development. The trophoblast lineage is derived from self-renewing, multipotent cells known as mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs). These cells are a valuable tool that allows scientists to comprehend the signals regulating major placental cell types' self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing applied in mTSCs have provided novel insights into the molecular networks involved in placentation. Here, we present a comprehensive CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) protocol based on the CRISPR/gRNA-directed synergistic activation mediator (SAM) method to overexpress specific target genes in mTSCs.
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8
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Yokouchi-Konishi T, Liu Y, Feng L. Progesterone receptor membrane component 2 is critical for human placental extravillous trophoblast invasion. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:759-771. [PMID: 37665239 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad109] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper extravillous trophoblast invasion is essential for normal placentation and pregnancy. However, the molecular mechanisms by which cytotrophoblasts differentiate into extravillous trophoblast are unclear. We discovered that in the first-trimester placenta, progesterone receptor membrane component 2 was highly expressed in syncytiotrophoblast but significantly lower in extravillous trophoblast and cytotrophoblasts, indicating a divergent role for progesterone receptor membrane component 2 in trophoblast functions. We aim to examine the role of progesterone receptor membrane component 2 in extravillous trophoblasts invasion mediated by both intracellular and extracellular signals. Progesterone receptor membrane component 2 knockdown and overexpression cells were established in HTR8/SVneo cells, a first-trimester extravillous trophoblast-derived cell model, by transfection with small-interfering RNA or progesterone receptor membrane component 2 plasmids, respectively. Progesterone receptor membrane component 2 knockdown led to cellular morphological changes , enhanced trophoblast proliferation,invasion, and promoted tube formation. These effects were mediated by the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and an increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A. The culture supernatant collected from progesterone receptor membrane component 2 knockdown cells did not significantly affect extravillous trophoblast invasion compared to the controls, indicating that extracellular signaling did not robustly regulate extravillous trophoblast invasion in this study. In conclusion, attenuation of progesterone receptor membrane component 2 plays a role in placentation by promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in extravillous trophoblasts via activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha signaling. We thus identified a new function of progesterone receptor membrane component 2 and provide insights on understanding the mechanisms of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Yokouchi-Konishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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9
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Whittington CM, Buddle AL, Griffith OW, Carter AM. Embryonic specializations for vertebrate placentation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210261. [PMID: 36252220 PMCID: PMC9574634 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate placenta, a close association of fetal and parental tissue for physiological exchange, has evolved independently in sharks, teleost fishes, coelacanths, amphibians, squamate reptiles and mammals. This transient organ forms during pregnancy and is an important contributor to embryonic development in both viviparous and oviparous, brooding species. Placentae may be involved in transport of respiratory gases, wastes, immune molecules, hormones and nutrients. Depending on the taxon, the embryonic portion of the placenta is comprised of either extraembryonic membranes (yolk sac or chorioallantois) or temporary embryonic tissues derived via hypertrophy of pericardium, gill epithelium, gut, tails or fins. These membranes and tissues have been recruited convergently into placentae in several lineages. Here, we highlight the diversity and common features of embryonic tissues involved in vertebrate placentation and suggest future studies that will provide new knowledge about the evolution of pregnancy. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M. Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence A08, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Alice L. Buddle
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence A08, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Oliver W. Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anthony M. Carter
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsloews Vej 21, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Shukla V, Soares MJ. Modeling Trophoblast Cell-Guided Uterine Spiral Artery Transformation in the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062947. [PMID: 35328368 PMCID: PMC8950824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat possesses hemochorial placentation with deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion and trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling, which resembles human placentation. Uterine spiral arteries are extensively remodeled to deliver sufficient supply of maternal blood and nutrients to the developing fetus. Inadequacies in these key processes negatively impact fetal growth and development. Recent innovations in genome editing combined with effective phenotyping strategies have provided new insights into placental development. Application of these research approaches has highlighted both conserved and species-specific features of hemochorial placentation. The review provides foundational information on rat hemochorial placental development and function during physiological and pathological states, especially as related to the invasive trophoblast cell-guided transformation of uterine spiral arteries. Our goal is to showcase the utility of the rat as a model for in vivo mechanistic investigations targeting regulatory events within the uterine-placental interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (M.J.S.)
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Mundal SB, Rakner JJ, Silva GB, Gierman LM, Austdal M, Basnet P, Elschot M, Bakke SS, Ostrop J, Thomsen LCV, Moses EK, Acharya G, Bjørge L, Iversen AC. Divergent Regulation of Decidual Oxidative-Stress Response by NRF2 and KEAP1 in Preeclampsia with and without Fetal Growth Restriction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041966. [PMID: 35216082 PMCID: PMC8875334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Utero-placental development in pregnancy depends on direct maternal–fetal interaction in the uterine wall decidua. Abnormal uterine vascular remodeling preceding placental oxidative stress and placental dysfunction are associated with preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Oxidative stress is counteracted by antioxidants and oxidative repair mechanisms regulated by the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). We aimed to determine the decidual regulation of the oxidative-stress response by NRF2 and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) in normal pregnancies and preeclamptic pregnancies with and without FGR. Decidual tissue from 145 pregnancies at delivery was assessed for oxidative stress, non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, cellular NRF2- and KEAP1-protein expression, and NRF2-regulated transcriptional activation. Preeclampsia combined with FGR was associated with an increased oxidative-stress level and NRF2-regulated gene expression in the decidua, while decidual NRF2- and KEAP1-protein expression was unaffected. Although preeclampsia with normal fetal growth also showed increased decidual oxidative stress, NRF2-regulated gene expression was reduced, and KEAP1-protein expression was increased in areas of high trophoblast density. The trophoblast-dependent KEAP1-protein expression in preeclampsia with normal fetal growth indicates control of decidual oxidative stress by maternal–fetal interaction and underscores the importance of discriminating between preeclampsia with and without FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Boon Mundal
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
- Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (P.B.); (G.A.)
| | - Johanne Johnsen Rakner
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
| | - Gabriela Brettas Silva
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lobke Marijn Gierman
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marie Austdal
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Research, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Purusotam Basnet
- Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (P.B.); (G.A.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mattijs Elschot
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Siril Skaret Bakke
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
| | - Jenny Ostrop
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
| | - Liv Cecilie Vestrheim Thomsen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, 5058 Bergen, Norway; (L.C.V.T.); (L.B.)
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Eric Keith Moses
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia;
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (P.B.); (G.A.)
- Department of Clinical Science, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Line Bjørge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, 5058 Bergen, Norway; (L.C.V.T.); (L.B.)
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ann-Charlotte Iversen
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (S.B.M.); (J.J.R.); (G.B.S.); (L.M.G.); (M.A.); (S.S.B.); (J.O.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-93283877
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12
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Gyselaers W. Hemodynamic pathways of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S988-S1005. [PMID: 35177225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are the 2 main types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Noninvasive maternal cardiovascular function assessment, which helps obtain information from all the components of circulation, has shown that venous hemodynamic dysfunction is a feature of preeclampsia but not of gestational hypertension. Venous congestion is a known cause of organ dysfunction, but its potential role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is currently poorly investigated. Body water volume expansion occurs in both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and this is associated with the common feature of new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Blood pressure, by definition, is the product of intravascular volume load and vascular resistance (Ohm's law). Fundamentally, hypertension may present as a spectrum of cardiovascular states varying between 2 extremes: one with a predominance of raised cardiac output and the other with a predominance of increased total peripheral resistance. In clinical practice, however, this bipolar nature of hypertension is rarely considered, despite the important implications for screening, prevention, management, and monitoring of disease. This review summarizes the evidence of type-specific hemodynamic profiles in the latent and clinical stages of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Gestational volume expansion superimposed on an early gestational closed circulatory circuit in a pressure- or volume-overloaded condition predisposes a patient to the gradual deterioration of overall circulatory function, finally presenting as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia-the latter when venous dysfunction is involved. The eventual phenotype of hypertensive disorder is already predictable from early gestation onward, on the condition of including information from all the major components of circulation into the maternal cardiovascular assessment: the heart, central and peripheral arteries, conductive and capacitance veins, and body water content. The relevance of this approach, outlined in this review, openly invites for more in-depth research into the fundamental hemodynamics of gestational hypertensive disorders, not only from the perspective of the physiologist or the scientist, but also in assistance of clinicians toward understanding and managing effectively these severe complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium; and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department Physiology, Hasselt University, Belgium.
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13
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Melchiorre K, Giorgione V, Thilaganathan B. The placenta and preeclampsia: villain or victim? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S954-S962. [PMID: 33771361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a disease whose characterization has not changed in the 150 years since the cluster of signs associated with the disorder were first described. Although our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia has advanced considerably since then, there is still little consensus regarding the true etiology of preeclampsia. As a consequence, preeclampsia has earned the moniker "disease of theories," predominantly because the underlying biological mechanisms linking clinical epidemiologic findings to observed organ dysfunction in preeclampsia are far from clear. Despite the lack of cohesive evidence, expert consensus favors the hypothesis that preeclampsia is a primary placental disorder. However, there is now emerging evidence that suboptimal maternal cardiovascular performance resulting in uteroplacental hypoperfusion is more likely to be the cause of secondary placental dysfunction in preeclampsia. Preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease share the same risk factors, preexisting cardiovascular disease is the strongest risk factor (chronic hypertension, congenital heart disease) for developing preeclampsia, and there are now abundant data from maternal echocardiography and angiogenic marker studies that cardiovascular dysfunction precedes the development of preeclampsia by several weeks or months. Importantly, cardiovascular signs and symptoms (hypertension, cerebral edema, cardiac dysfunction) predominate in preeclampsia at clinical presentation and persist into the postnatal period with a 30% risk of chronic hypertension in the decade after birth. Placental malperfusion caused by suboptimal maternal cardiovascular performance may lead to preeclampsia, thereby explaining the preponderance of cardiovascular drugs (aspirin, calcium, statins, metformin, and antihypertensives) in preeclampsia prevention strategies. Despite the seriousness of the maternal and fetal consequences, we are still developing sensitive screening, reliable diagnostic, effective therapeutic, or improvement strategies for postpartum maternal cardiovascular legacy in preeclampsia. The latter will only become clear with an acceptance and understanding of the cardiovascular etiology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Melchiorre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Spirito Santo Tertiary Level Hospital of Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Veronica Giorgione
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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14
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Yagel S, Cohen SM, Goldman-Wohl D. An integrated model of preeclampsia: a multifaceted syndrome of the maternal cardiovascular-placental-fetal array. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S963-S972. [PMID: 33712272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tolerance of the semiallogenic fetus necessitates conciliation of competing interests. Viviparity evolved with a placenta to mediate the needs of the fetus and maternal adaptation to the demands of pregnancy and to ensure optimal survival for both entities. The maternal-fetal interface is imagined as a 2-dimensional porous barrier between the mother and fetus, when in fact it is an intricate multidimensional array of tissues and resident and circulating factors at play, encompassing the developing fetus, the growing placenta, the changing decidua, and the dynamic maternal cardiovascular system. Pregnancy triggers dramatic changes to maternal hemodynamics to meet the growing demands of the developing fetus. Nearly a century of extensive research into the development and function of the placenta has revealed the role of placental dysfunction in the great obstetrical syndromes, among them preeclampsia. Recently, a debate has arisen questioning the primacy of the placenta in the etiology of preeclampsia, asserting that the maternal cardiovascular system is the instigator of the disorder. It was the clinical observation of the high rate of preeclampsia in hydatidiform mole that initiated the focus on the placenta in the etiology of the disease. Over many years of research, shallow trophoblast invasion with deficient remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries into vessels of higher capacitance and lower resistance has been recognized as hallmarks of the preeclamptic milieu. The lack of the normal decrease in uterine artery resistance is likewise predictive of preeclampsia. In abdominal pregnancies, however, an extrauterine pregnancy develops without remodeling of the spiral arteries, yet there is reduced resistance in the uterine arteries and distant vessels, such as the maternal ophthalmic arteries. Proponents of the maternal cardiovascular model of preeclampsia point to the observed maternal hemodynamic adaptations to pregnancy and maladaptation in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia and how the latter resembles the changes associated with cardiac disease states. Recognition of the importance of the angiogenic-antiangiogenic balance between placental-derived growth factor and its receptor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and disturbance in this balance by an excess of a circulating isoform, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, which competes for and disrupts the proangiogenic receptor binding of the vascular endothelial growth factor and placental-derived growth factor, opened new avenues of research into the pathways to normal adaptation of the maternal cardiovascular and other systems to pregnancy and maladaptation in preeclampsia. The significance of the "placenta vs heart" debate goes beyond the academic: understanding the mutuality of placental and maternal cardiac etiologies of preeclampsia has far-reaching clinical implications for designing prevention strategies, such as aspirin therapy, prediction and surveillance through maternal hemodynamic studies or serum placental-derived growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 testing, and possible treatments to attenuate the effects of insipient preeclampsia on women and their fetuses, such as RNAi therapy to counteract excess soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 produced by the placenta. In this review, we will present an integrated model of the maternal-placental-fetal array that delineates the commensality among the constituent parts, showing how a disruption in any component or nexus may lead to the multifaceted syndrome of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simcha Yagel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Sarah M Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Debra Goldman-Wohl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Cui K, Zhu Y, Shi Y, Chen T, Wang H, Guo Y, Deng P, Liu H, Shao X, Qin J. Establishment of Trophoblast-Like Tissue Model from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture System. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2100031. [PMID: 34813178 PMCID: PMC8787386 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The placenta has a lifelong impact on the health of both the mother and fetus. Despite its significance, human early placental development is poorly understood due to the limited models. The models that can reflect the key features of early human placental development, especially at early gestation, are still lacking. Here, the authors report the generation of trophoblast-like tissue model from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in three-dimensional (3D) cultures. hPSCs efficiently self-organize into blastocoel-like cavities under defined conditions, which produce different trophoblast subtypes, including cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). The 3D cultures can exhibit microvilli structure and secrete human placenta-specific hormone. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further identifies the presence of major cell types of trophoblast-like tissue as existing in vivo. The results reveal the feasibility to establish 3D trophoblast-like tissue model from hPSCs in vitro, which is not obtained by monolayer culture. This new model system can not only facilitate to dissect the underlying mechanisms of early human placental development, but also imply its potential for study in developmental biology and gestational disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Cui
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yujuan Zhu
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yang Shi
- Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical CenterDalian116037China
| | - Tingwei Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchInstitute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunming650031China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Pengwei Deng
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Xiaoguang Shao
- Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical CenterDalian116037China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
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16
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Jovanović Krivokuća M, Vilotić A, Nacka-Aleksić M, Pirković A, Ćujić D, Legner J, Dekanski D, Bojić-Trbojević Ž. Galectins in Early Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Associated Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:69. [PMID: 35008499 PMCID: PMC8744741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are a family of conserved soluble proteins defined by an affinity for β-galactoside structures present on various glycoconjugates. Over the past few decades, galectins have been recognized as important factors for successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated their involvement in trophoblast cell function and placental development. In addition, several lines of evidence suggest their important roles in feto-maternal immune tolerance regulation and angiogenesis. Changed or dysregulated galectin expression is also described in pregnancy-related disorders. Although the data regarding galectins' clinical relevance are still at an early stage, evidence suggests that some galectin family members are promising candidates for better understanding pregnancy-related pathologies, as well as predicting biomarkers. In this review, we aim to summarize current knowledge of galectins in early pregnancy as well as in pregnancy-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Žanka Bojić-Trbojević
- Institute for Application of Nuclear Energy Department for Biology of Reproduction, University of Belgrade, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.J.K.); (A.V.); (M.N.-A.); (A.P.); (D.Ć.); (J.L.); (D.D.)
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Roberts H, Woodman AG, Baines KJ, Jeyarajah MJ, Bourque SL, Renaud SJ. Maternal Iron Deficiency Alters Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development in Rat Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6396887. [PMID: 34647996 PMCID: PMC8559528 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Iron deficiency, which occurs when iron demands chronically exceed intake, is prevalent in pregnant women. Iron deficiency during pregnancy poses major risks for the baby, including fetal growth restriction and long-term health complications. The placenta serves as the interface between a pregnant mother and her baby, and it ensures adequate nutrient provisions for the fetus. Thus, maternal iron deficiency may impact fetal growth and development by altering placental function. We used a rat model of diet-induced iron deficiency to investigate changes in placental growth and development. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a low-iron or iron-replete diet starting 2 weeks before mating. Compared with controls, both maternal and fetal hemoglobin were reduced in dams fed low-iron diets. Iron deficiency decreased fetal liver and body weight, but not brain, heart, or kidney weight. Placental weight was increased in iron deficiency, due primarily to expansion of the placental junctional zone. The stimulatory effect of iron deficiency on junctional zone development was recapitulated in vitro, as exposure of rat trophoblast stem cells to the iron chelator deferoxamine increased differentiation toward junctional zone trophoblast subtypes. Gene expression analysis revealed 464 transcripts changed at least 1.5-fold (P < 0.05) in placentas from iron-deficient dams, including altered expression of genes associated with oxygen transport and lipoprotein metabolism. Expression of genes associated with iron homeostasis was unchanged despite differences in levels of their encoded proteins. Our findings reveal robust changes in placentation during maternal iron deficiency, which could contribute to the increased risk of fetal distress in these pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Roberts
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Andrew G Woodman
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
| | - Kelly J Baines
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Stephane L Bourque
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, N6C2V5, Canada
- Correspondence: Stephen J. Renaud, PhD, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5C1.
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18
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Wiegel RE, Karsten MJH, Reijnders IF, van Rossem L, Willemsen SP, Mulders AGMGJ, Koning AHJ, Steegers EAP, Danser AHJ, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Corpus luteum number and the maternal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as determinants of utero-placental (vascular) development: the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:164. [PMID: 34732224 PMCID: PMC8567673 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00843-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancies with > 1 corpus luteum (CL) display a hyperdynamic circulation and an increased risk of small-for-gestational age deliveries. Among the factors released by the CL is prorenin, the inactive precursor of renin. Since the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is involved in early hemodynamic pregnancy adaptation, we linked both CL number and first-trimester concentrations of prorenin (as an indicator of RAAS activity) and the aldosterone/renin ratio (as an indicator of angiotensin-independent aldosterone effectiveness) to non-invasive markers of utero-placental (vascular) development, measured longitudinally from the first trimester onwards. METHODS A total of 201 women, who conceived naturally or after in-vitro fertilization treatment (with 0 (n = 8), 1 (n = 143), or > 1 (n = 51) CL), were selected from the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort. Maternal RAAS components were determined at 11 weeks gestation. Placental volume and utero-placental vascular volume were measured from transvaginal 3D ultrasound scans at 7, 9 and 11 weeks gestation, pulsatility and resistance indices of the uterine arteries were assessed by pulsed wave Doppler ultrasounds at 7, 9, 11, 13, 22 and 32 weeks gestation. At birth placental weight was obtained using standardized procedures. RESULTS Pregnancies without a CL show lower uterine artery indices throughout gestation than 1 CL and > 1 CL pregnancies, while parameters of placental development are comparable among the CL groups. After adjustment for patient- and treatment-related factors, first-trimester prorenin concentrations are positively associated with uterine artery pulsatility and resistance indices (β 0.06, 95% CI 0.01;0.12, p = 0.04 and β 0.10, 95% CI 0.01;0.20, p = 0.04, respectively), while high prorenin concentrations are negatively associated with first-trimester utero-placental vascular volume (β -0.23, 95% CI -0.44;-0.02, p = 0.04) and placental weight (β -93.8, 95%CI -160.3;-27.4, p = 0.006). In contrast, the aldosterone/renin ratio is positively associated with first-trimester placental volume (β 0.12, 95% CI 0.01;0.24, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The absence of a CL, resulting in low prorenin concentrations, associates with low uterine artery pulsatility and resistance, while high prorenin concentrations associate with a low utero-placental vascular volume and weight. These data support a scenario in which excess prorenin, by upregulating angiotensin II, increases uterine resistance, thereby preventing normal placental (vascular) development, and increasing the risk of small-for-gestational age deliveries. Simultaneously, high aldosterone concentrations, by ensuring volume expansion, exert the opposite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalieke E Wiegel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maud J H Karsten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Igna F Reijnders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lenie van Rossem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie G M G J Mulders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton H J Koning
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Bioinformatics Unit, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Régine P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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Díaz-Hernández I, Alecsandru D, García-Velasco JA, Domínguez F. Uterine natural killer cells: from foe to friend in reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:720-746. [PMID: 33528013 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia are common reproductive disorders, but their causes are often unknown. Recent evidence has provided new insight into immune system influences in reproductive disorders. A subset of lymphocytes of the innate immune system known as uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are now recognized as fundamental to achieving embryo implantation and successful pregnancy, but were initially attributed a bad reputation. Indeed, immune therapies have been developed to treat the 'exaggerated' immune response from uNK cells. These treatments have been based on studies of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. However, uNK cells and pbNK cells have different phenotypic and functional characteristics. The functions of uNK cells are closely related to their interactions with the extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and spiral arteries, which underlie an essential role in regulating vascular function, controlling trophoblast invasion and promoting placental development. EVTs express MHC molecules of class I HLA-C/E/G/F, while uNK cells express, among other receptors, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that bind to HLA-C or CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptors, and then bind HLA-E. Associations of certain KIR/HLA-C combinations with recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and foetal growth restriction and the interactions between uNK cells, trophoblasts and vascular cells have led to the hypothesis that uNK cells may play a role in embryo implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective was to review the evolution of our understanding of uNK cells, their functions, and their increasingly relevant role in reproduction. SEARCH METHODS Relevant literature through June 2020 was retrieved using Google Scholar and PubMed. Search terms comprised uNK cells, human pregnancy, reproductive failure, maternal KIR and HLA-C, HLA-E/G/F in EVT cells, angiogenic cytokines, CD56+ NK cells, spiral artery, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, KIR haplotype and paternal HLA-C2. OUTCOMES This review provides key insights into the evolving conceptualization of uNK cells, from their not-so-promising beginnings to now, when they are considered allies in reproduction. We synthesized current knowledge about uNK cells, their involvement in reproduction and their main functions in placental vascular remodeling and trophoblast invasion. One of the issues that this review presents is the enormous complexity involved in studying the immune system in reproduction. The complexity in the immunology of the maternal-foetal interface lies in the great variety of participating molecules, the processes and interactions that occur at different levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, etc.) and the great diversity of genetic combinations that are translated into different types of responses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Insights into uNK cells could offer an important breakthrough for ART outcomes, since each patient could be assessed based on the combination of HLA and its receptors in their uNK cells, evaluating the critical interactions at the materno-foetal interface. However, owing to the technical challenges in studying uNK cells in vivo, there is still much knowledge to gain, particularly regarding their exact origin and functions. New studies using novel molecular and genetic approaches can facilitate the identification of mechanisms by which uNK cells interact with other cells at the materno-foetal interface, perhaps translating this knowledge into clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Velasco
- Department of Immunology and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad-Madrid, Rey Juan Carlos University (IVI), Madrid 28023, Spain
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20
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Ganguly A, Tamblyn JA, Shattock A, Joseph A, Larner DP, Jenkinson C, Gupta J, Gross SR, Hewison M. Trophoblast uptake of DBP regulates intracellular actin and promotes matrix invasion. J Endocrinol 2021; 249:43-55. [PMID: 33608491 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Early pregnancy is characterised by elevated circulating levels of vitamin D binding protein (DBP). The impact of this on maternal and fetal health is unclear but DBP is present in the placenta, and DBP gene variants have been linked to malplacentation disorders such as preeclampsia. The functional role of DBP in the placenta was investigated using trophoblastic JEG3, BeWo and HTR8 cells. All three cell lines showed intracellular DBP with increased expression and nuclear localisation of DBP in cells treated with the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). When cultured in the serum of mice lacking DBP (DBP-/-), JEG3 cells showed no intracellular DBP indicating uptake of exogenous DBP. Inhibition of the membrane receptor for DBP, megalin, also suppressed intracellular DBP. Elimination of intracellular DBP with DBP-/- serum or megalin inhibitor suppressed matrix invasion by trophoblast cells and was associated with increased nuclear accumulation of G-actin. Conversely, treatment with 1,25D enhanced matrix invasion. This was independent of the nuclear vitamin D receptor but was associated with enhanced ERK phosphorylation, and inhibition of ERK kinase suppressed trophoblast matrix invasion. When cultured with serum from pregnant women, trophoblast matrix invasion correlated with DBP concentration, and DBP was lower in first-trimester serum from women who later developed preeclampsia. These data show that the trophoblast matrix invasion involves uptake of serum DBP and associated intracellular actin-binding and homeostasis. DBP is a potential marker of placentation disorders such as preeclampsia and may also provide a therapeutic option for improved placenta and pregnancy health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankana Ganguly
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jennifer A Tamblyn
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Hospital Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- CEDAM, Birmingham Health Partners, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alexandra Shattock
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Annsha Joseph
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dean P Larner
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Carl Jenkinson
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janesh Gupta
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Hospital Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephane R Gross
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin Hewison
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- CEDAM, Birmingham Health Partners, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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21
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Abstract
Placenta in certain species including the human has evolved as a highly invasive tumor-like organ invading the uterus aned its vasculature to derive oxygen and nutrients for the fetus and exchange waste products. While several excellent reviews have been written comparing hemochorial placentation with tumors, no comprehensive review is available dealing with mechanistic insights into what makes them different, and what tumor biologists can learn from placental biologists, and vice versa. In this review, we analyze the structure-function relationship of the human placenta, emphasizing the functional need of the spatio-temporally orchestrated trophoblast invasiveness for fetal development and growth, and pathological consequences of aberrant invasiveness for fetal and maternal health. We then analyze similarities and differences between the placenta and invasive tumors in terms of hallmarks of cancer, some key molecules regulating their invasive functions, and how placental cancers (choriocarcinomas) or other cancers become refractory or even addicted to these invasion-restraining molecules. We cite in vitro models of human trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cell lines utilized to study mechanisms in normal placental development as well as those responsible for tumor progression. We discuss the pathobiology of hyper-invasive placentas and show thattrophoblastic neoplasias are a unique and heterogeneous class of tumors. We delve into the questions as to why metastasis from other organs rarely occurs at the placental site and whether pregnancy makes the mother more or less vulnerable to cancer-related morbidity/mortality. We attempt to compare trophoblast stem cells and cancer stem cells. Finally, we leave the readers with some thoughts as foods of future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peeyush K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Westernat Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada; Associate Scientist, Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6C2V5.
| | - Pinki Nandi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Westernat Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Ali Hadi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Westernat Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Chidambra Halari
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Westernat Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada.
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22
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Matsubara K, Matsubara Y, Uchikura Y, Sugiyama T. Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia: The Role of Exosomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052572. [PMID: 33806480 PMCID: PMC7961527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of preeclampsia begins when a fertilized egg infiltrates the decidua, resulting in implantation failure (e.g., due to extravillous trophoblast infiltration disturbance and abnormal spiral artery remodeling). Thereafter, large amounts of serum factors (e.g., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin) are released into the blood from the hypoplastic placenta, and preeclampsia characterized by multiorgan disorder caused by vascular disorders develops. Successful implantation and placentation require immune tolerance to the fertilized egg as a semi-allograft and the stimulation of extravillous trophoblast infiltration. Recently, exosomes with diameters of 50-100 nm have been recognized to be involved in cell-cell communication. Exosomes affect cell functions in autocrine and paracrine manners via their encapsulating microRNA/DNA and membrane-bound proteins. The microRNA profiles of blood exosomes have been demonstrated to be useful for the evaluation of preeclampsia pathophysiology and prediction of the disease. In addition, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have been found to have cancer-suppressing effects. These exosomes may repair the pathophysiology of preeclampsia through the suppression of extravillous trophoblast apoptosis and promotion of these cells' invasive ability. Exosomes secreted by various cells have received much recent attention and may be involved in the maintenance of pregnancy and pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Matsubara
- Department of Regional Pediatrics and Perinatology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Yuko Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (Y.M.); (Y.U.); (T.S.)
| | - Yuka Uchikura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (Y.M.); (Y.U.); (T.S.)
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan; (Y.M.); (Y.U.); (T.S.)
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23
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Flouri D, Darby JRT, Holman SL, Perumal SR, David AL, Morrison JL, Melbourne A. Magnetic resonance imaging of placentome development in the pregnant Ewe. Placenta 2021; 105:61-69. [PMID: 33549925 PMCID: PMC7611430 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel imaging measurements of placental development are difficult to validate due to the invasive nature of gold-standard procedures. Animal studies have been important in validation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in invasive preclinical studies, as they allow for controlled experiments and analysis of multiple time-points during pregnancy. This study characterises the longitudinal diffusion and perfusion properties of sheep placentomes using MRI, measurements that are required for future validation studies. METHODS Pregnant ewes were anaesthetised for a MRI session on a 3T scanner. Placental MRI was used to classify placentomes morphologically into three types based on their shape and size at two gestational ages. To validate classification accuracy, placentome type derived from MRI data were compared with placentome categorisation results after delivery. Diffusion-Weighted MRI and T2-relaxometry were used to measure a broad range of biophysical properties of the placentomes. RESULTS MRI morphological classification results showed consistent gestational age changes in placentome shape, as supported by post-delivery gold standard data. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient was significantly higher at 110 days gestation than at late gestation (~140 days; term, 150 days). Mean T2 was higher at mid gestation (152.2 ± 58.1 ms) compared to late gestation (127.8 ms ± 52.0). Significantly higher perfusion fraction was measured in late gestation placentomes that also had a significantly higher fractional anisotropy when compared to the earlier gestational age. DISCUSSION We report baseline measurements of techniques common in placental MRI for the sheep placenta. These measurements are essential to support future validation measurements of placental MRI techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Flouri
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stacey L Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sunthara R Perumal
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Preclinical, Imaging & Research Laboratories, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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24
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Van Gronigen Case G, Storey KM, Parmeley LE, Schulz LC. Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during the periconceptional period on placental development in the mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244971. [PMID: 33444393 PMCID: PMC7808591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal undernutrition has detrimental effects on fetal development and adult health. Total caloric restriction during early pregnancy followed by adequate nutrition for the remainder of gestation, is particularly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks during adulthood. The placenta is responsible for transport of nutrients from the maternal to fetal circulation, and the efficiency with which it does so can be adjusted to the maternal nutrient supply. There is evidence that placental adaptations to nutrient restriction in early pregnancy may be retained even when adequate nutrition is restored later in pregnancy, leading to a potential mismatch between placental efficiency and maternal nutrient supplies. However, in the mouse, 50% caloric restriction from days 1.5-11.5 of gestation, while temporarily altering placental structure and gene expression, had no significant effect on day 18.5. The periconceptional period, during which oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation development occur may be especially critical in creating lasting impact on the placenta. Here, mice were subjected to 50% caloric restriction from 3 weeks prior to pregnancy through d11.5, and then placental structure, the expression of key nutrient transporters, and global DNA methylation levels were examined at gestation d18.5. Prior exposure to caloric restriction increased maternal blood space area, but decreased expression of the key System A amino acid transporter Slc38a4 at d18.5. Neither placental and fetal weights, nor placental DNA methylation levels were affected. Thus, total caloric restriction beginning in the periconceptional period does have a lasting impact on placental development in the mouse, but without changing placental efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerialisa Van Gronigen Case
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Storey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Parmeley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
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25
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Abstract
Placentation in humans is precocious and highly invasive compared to other mammals. Implantation is interstitial, with the conceptus becoming completely embedded within the endometrium towards the end of the second week post-fertilization. Villi initially form over the entire surface of the chorionic sac, stimulated by histotrophic secretions from the endometrial glands. The secondary yolk sac never makes contact with the chorion, and a choriovitelline placenta is never established. However, recent morphological and transcriptomic analyses suggest that the yolk sac plays an important role in the uptake of nutrients from the coelomic fluid. Measurements performed in vivo demonstrate that early development takes place in a physiological, low-oxygen environment that protects against teratogenic free radicals and maintains stem cells in a multipotent state. The maternal arterial circulation to the placenta is only fully established around 10-12 weeks of gestation. By then, villi have regressed over the superficial, abembryonic pole, leaving the definitive discoid placenta, which is of the villous, hemochorial type. Remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries is essential to ensure a high-volume but low-velocity inflow into the mature placenta. Extravillous trophoblast cells migrate from anchoring villi and surround the arteries. Their interactions with maternal immune cells release cytokines and proteases that are key to remodeling, and a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Eric Jauniaux
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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26
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Peoc'h K, Puy V, Fournier T. Haem oxygenases play a pivotal role in placental physiology and pathology. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:634-649. [PMID: 32347305 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haem oxygenases (HO) catabolise haem, which is the prosthetic group of numerous haemoproteins. Thus, multiple primary cellular pathways and functions rely on haem availability. HO exists in two isoforms, both expressed in the placenta, namely HO-1 and HO-2, the first being inducible. Haem oxygenases, particularly HO-1, have garnered specific interest in the field of physiological and pathological placental function. These enzymes mediate haem degradation by cleaving the alpha methene bridge to produce biliverdin, which is subsequently converted to bilirubin, carbon monoxide and iron. HO-1 has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. SEARCH METHODS An initial literature analysis was performed using PubMed on 3 October 2018 using key terms such as 'haem oxygenase and pregnancy', 'haem oxygenase and placenta', 'HO-1 and pregnancy', 'HO-1 and placenta', 'HO and placenta', 'HO and pregnancy', 'genetic variant and HO', 'CO and pregnancy', 'CO and placenta', 'Bilirubin and pregnancy', 'Iron and pregnancy' and 'PPAR and Haem', selecting consensus conferences, recommendations, meta-analyses, practical recommendations and reviews. A second literature analysis was performed, including notable miscarriages, foetal loss and diabetes mellitus, on 20 December 2019. The three authors studied the publications independently to decipher whether they should be included in the manuscript. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aimed to summarise current pieces of knowledge of haem oxygenase location, function and regulation in the placenta, either in healthy pregnancies or those associated with miscarriages and foetal loss, pre-eclampsia, foetal growth restriction and diabetes mellitus. OUTCOMES HO-1 exerts some protective effects on the placentation, probably by a combination of factors, including its interrelation with the PGC-1α/PPAR pathway and the sFlt1/PlGF balance, and through its primary metabolites, notably carbon monoxide and bilirubin. Its protective role has been highlighted in numerous pregnancy conditions, including pre-eclampsia, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes mellitus and miscarriages. WIDER IMPLICATIONS HO-1 is a crucial enzyme in physiological and pathological placentation. This protective enzyme is currently considered a potential therapeutic target in various pregnancy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katell Peoc'h
- Université de Paris, Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM U1149, UFR de Médecine Bichat, 75018 Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, APHP Nord, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Puy
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
- Laboratoire de Développement des Gonades, UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université de Paris, INSERM, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, F-75006, Paris, France
- Fondation PremUp, F-75014, Paris, France
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27
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Abbas Y, Carnicer-Lombarte A, Gardner L, Thomas J, Brosens JJ, Moffett A, Sharkey AM, Franze K, Burton GJ, Oyen ML. Tissue stiffness at the human maternal-fetal interface. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1999-2008. [PMID: 31579915 PMCID: PMC6809602 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the stiffness (elastic modulus) of human nonpregnant secretory phase endometrium, first trimester decidua, and placenta? SUMMARY ANSWER The stiffness of decidua basalis, the site of placental invasion, was an order of magnitude higher at 103 Pa compared to 102 Pa for decidua parietalis, nonpregnant endometrium and placenta. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mechanical forces have profound effects on cell behavior, regulating both cell differentiation and migration. Despite their importance, very little is known about their effects on blastocyst implantation and trophoblast migration during placental development because of the lack of mechanical characterization at the human maternal–fetal interface. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An observational study was conducted to measure the stiffness of ex vivo samples of human nonpregnant secretory endometrium (N = 5) and first trimester decidua basalis (N = 6), decidua parietalis (N = 5), and placenta (N = 5). The stiffness of the artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), Matrigel®, commonly used to study migration of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) in three dimensions and to culture endometrial and placental organoids, was also determined (N = 5). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Atomic force microscopy was used to perform ex vivo direct measurements to determine the stiffness of fresh tissue samples. Decidua was stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HLA-G+ EVT to confirm whether samples were decidua basalis or decidua parietalis. Endometrium was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to confirm the presence of luminal epithelium. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were analyzed to determine expression of ECM transcripts by decidual and placental cells. Fibrillin 1, a protein identified by these data, was stained by IHC in decidua basalis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed that decidua basalis was significantly stiffer than decidua parietalis, at 1250 and 171 Pa, respectively (P < 0.05). The stiffness of decidua parietalis was similar to nonpregnant endometrium and placental tissue (250 and 232 Pa, respectively). These findings suggest that it is the presence of invading EVT that is driving the increase in stiffness in decidua basalis. The stiffness of Matrigel® was found to be 331 Pa, significantly lower than decidua basalis (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Tissue stiffness was derived by ex vivo measurements on blocks of fresh tissue in the absence of blood flow. The nonpregnant endometrium samples were obtained from women undergoing treatment for infertility. These may not reflect the stiffness of endometrium from normal fertile women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results provide direct measurements of tissue stiffness during the window of implantation and first trimester of human pregnancy. They serve as a basis of future studies exploring the impact of mechanics on embryo implantation and development of the placenta. The findings provide important baseline data to inform matrix stiffness requirements when developing in vitro models of trophoblast stem cell development and migration that more closely resemble the decidua in vivo. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Centre for Trophoblast Research, the Wellcome Trust (090108/Z/09/Z, 085992/Z/08/Z), the Medical Research Council (MR/P001092/1), the European Research Council (772426), an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Award (1354760), a UK Medical Research Council and Sackler Foundation Doctoral Training Grant (RG70550) and a Wellcome Trust Doctoral Studentship (215226/Z/19/Z).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassen Abbas
- The Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Jake Thomas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Andrew M Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- The Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA
- Correspondence address: Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. Tel: +1 (252) 737-7753. E-mail:
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Abstract
Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction arise from disorders of placental development and have some shared mechanistic features. Initiation is often rooted in the maldevelopment of a maternal-placental blood supply capable of providing for the growth requirements of the fetus in later pregnancy, without exerting undue stress on maternal body systems. Here, we review normal development of a placental bed with a safe and adequate blood supply and a villous placenta-blood interface from which nutrients and oxygen can be extracted for the growing fetus. We consider disease mechanisms that are intrinsic to the maternal environment, the placenta or the interaction between the two. Systemic signalling from the endocrine placenta targets the maternal endothelium and multiple organs to adjust metabolism for an optimal pregnancy and later lactation. This signalling capacity is skewed when placental damage occurs and can deliver a dangerous pathogenic stimulus. We discuss the placental secretome including glycoproteins, microRNAs and extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers of disease. Angiomodulatory mediators, currently the only effective biomarkers, are discussed alongside non-invasive imaging approaches to the prediction of disease risk. Identifying the signs of impending pathology early enough to intervene and ameliorate disease in later pregnancy remains a complex and challenging objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate Timms
- Lydia Becker Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Alecsandru D, Barrio A, Garrido N, Aparicio P, Pellicer A, Moffett A, García-Velasco JA. Parental human leukocyte antigen-C allotypes are predictive of live birth rate and risk of poor placentation in assisted reproductive treatment. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:809-817. [PMID: 32741616 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the pregnancy, miscarriages, and live birth rates (LBRs) according to maternal killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes expressed by uterine natural killer cells and paternal or oocyte donor human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) genes expressed by trophoblast cells in patients with recurrent reproductive failure. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING Private infertility center. PATIENT(S) Participants included 204 women with recurrent miscarriage or recurrent implantation failure. INTERVENTION(S) The KIR and HLA-C genotypes of all women and HLA-C of their partners, gamete donors, miscarriage tissue, and babies were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) All clinical variables (pregnancy, miscarriage, and LBRs) were analyzed and categorized based on KIR, oocyte origin, and single embryo transfer (SET)/double embryo transfer (DET). RESULT(S) A higher miscarriage rate was observed after DETs in KIR AA mothers (47.8% egg donation and 37.5% in vitro fertilization [IVF]) compared with KIR AB (10.5% egg donation and 12.5% IVF) or KIR BB (6.7% egg donation and 0% IVF). A significantly decreased LBR was observed after DETs with oocyte donation in KIR AA patients (4.3%) compared with KIR AB (26.3%) or BB (46.7%). The LBR decreased significantly as the fetal HLA-C2 load increased in KIR AA women. CONCLUSION(S) Elective SET improves the reproductive outcomes compared with DET. An increased embryo HLA-C2 load has a negative impact on the LBR in KIR AA patients. The selection of HLA-C1 over HLA-C2 donors could have a positive impact on the LBR in KIR AA patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04052438.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Alecsandru
- Department of Immunology, IVI RMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain; IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ana Barrio
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVI RMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVI RMA Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Juan A García-Velasco
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, IVI RMA Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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Bhattacharya B, Home P, Ganguly A, Ray S, Ghosh A, Islam MR, French V, Marsh C, Gunewardena S, Okae H, Arima T, Paul S. Atypical protein kinase C iota (PKCλ/ι) ensures mammalian development by establishing the maternal-fetal exchange interface. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14280-14291. [PMID: 32513715 PMCID: PMC7322033 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920201117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero mammalian development relies on the establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange interface, which ensures transportation of nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus. This exchange interface is established via development of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast cells (SynTs) during placentation. In mice, SynTs develop via differentiation of the trophoblast stem cell-like progenitor cells (TSPCs) of the placenta primordium, and in humans, SynTs are developed via differentiation of villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitors. Despite the critical need in pregnancy progression, conserved signaling mechanisms that ensure SynT development are poorly understood. Herein, we show that atypical protein kinase C iota (PKCλ/ι) plays an essential role in establishing the SynT differentiation program in trophoblast progenitors. Loss of PKCλ/ι in the mouse TSPCs abrogates SynT development, leading to embryonic death at approximately embryonic day 9.0 (E9.0). We also show that PKCλ/ι-mediated priming of trophoblast progenitors for SynT differentiation is a conserved event during human placentation. PKCλ/ι is selectively expressed in the first-trimester CTBs of a developing human placenta. Furthermore, loss of PKCλ/ι in CTB-derived human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs) impairs their SynT differentiation potential both in vitro and after transplantation in immunocompromised mice. Our mechanistic analyses indicate that PKCλ/ι signaling maintains expression of GCM1, GATA2, and PPARγ, which are key transcription factors to instigate SynT differentiation programs in both mouse and human trophoblast progenitors. Our study uncovers a conserved molecular mechanism, in which PKCλ/ι signaling regulates establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange surface by promoting trophoblast progenitor-to-SynT transition during placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaswati Bhattacharya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Pratik Home
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Md Rashedul Islam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Valerie French
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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Parisi F, Savasi VM, di Bartolo I, Mandia L, Cetin I. Associations between First Trimester Maternal Nutritional Score, Early Markers of Placental Function, and Pregnancy Outcome. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061799. [PMID: 32560356 PMCID: PMC7353423 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the associations between maternal adherence to a healthy diet, first trimester placental markers, and pregnancy outcome. Singleton spontaneous pregnancies were enrolled at 11+0-13+6 gestational weeks in a prospective cohort study. A nutritional score (0-10) measuring the adherence to a healthy diet was calculated. A transabdominal ultrasound scan for placental marker assessment was performed (uterine artery (UtA) doppler, placental volume). Biochemical placental markers were recorded (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A), free β- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)). Birth outcomes were obtained from medical records. Associations between the maternal nutritional score, first trimester placental markers, and pregnancy outcome were investigated by using multi-adjusted general linear models. In total, 112 pregnancies were enrolled with a median nutritional score of 7 (range 3-10). Median gestational age at birth was 277 days (range 203-296). The nutritional score was positively associated with PAPP-A concentrations, whereas a negative association was detected with the UtA mean pulsatility index and placental volume. A positive association was detected between nutritional score and gestational age at birth. This study demonstrates that a first trimester nutritional score as a measure of adherence to a healthy diet is significantly associated with early biochemical and ultrasound markers of placental development, with further association with gestational age at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Parisi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Buzzi Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy; (I.d.B.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-6363-5369
| | - Valeria M. Savasi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.S.); (L.M.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilenia di Bartolo
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Buzzi Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy; (I.d.B.); (I.C.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Mandia
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Buzzi Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy; (I.d.B.); (I.C.)
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.S.); (L.M.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Wilsher S, Greenwood RES, Mahon GD, Allen WR. Placentation and hormonal maintenance of pregnancy in the impala (Aepyceros melampus). Placenta 2020; 95:91-105. [PMID: 32452408 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The impala is a widely distributed African ungulate. Detailed studies of the placenta and ovaries in impala undertaken in the 1970s did not address the endocrine functions of the placenta. METHODS The uteri of 25 pregnant impala estimated to be between 49 and 113 days of the 190 day gestation were examined grossly, histologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS A single corpus luteum was present in either maternal ovary but the conceptus was always situated in the right uterine horn. The fetal membranes extended to the tips of both uterine horns. The amnion was in intimate contact with, but not fused to, the allantochorion. Placentation was typically ruminant with fetal macrocotyledons attached to the rows of maternal caruncles. The fetal villi were highly branched, especially in the centre of each placentome where the attenuated maternal epithelium lining the placental crypts was absent in some places. Both the corpus luteum and the uninucleate trophoblast cells of the interplacentomal allantochorion stained strongly for 3-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and progestagen concentrations in allantoic and amniotic fluids increased significantly as gestation progressed, with a tendency to do likewise in maternal serum. Binucleate trophoblast cells stained positively for bovine placental lactogen, but neither the placenta nor the maternal corpus luteum showed evidence of oestrogen synthesis. DISCUSSION Despite exhibiting the same basic type of placentation, both the gross and histological structure of the impala placenta, along with its immunohistochemical properties, demonstrates that great variation exists across ruminant placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Wilsher
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Bridge No 6, Al Daid Road, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - R E S Greenwood
- Syde House, Saxon Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9RU, United Kingdom.
| | - G D Mahon
- 3 Bayside Villas, 14 Bayside Drive, Coopers Beach, Northland, 0420, New Zealand.
| | - W R Allen
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Bridge No 6, Al Daid Road, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Quinn KE, Matson BC, Caron KM. Deletion of atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) increases immune cells at the fetal-maternal interface. Placenta 2020; 95:18-25. [PMID: 32452398 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Establishment of immune cell populations and adaptations in immune cells are critical aspects during pregnancy that lead to protection of the semi-allogenic fetus. Appropriate immune cell activation and trophoblast migration are regulated in part by chemokines, the availability of which can be fine-tuned by decoy receptors. Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3), previously named C-X-C chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7), is a chemokine decoy receptor expressed in placenta, but little is known about how this receptor affects placental development. In this study, we investigated the phenotypic characteristics of placentas from Ackr3-/- embryos to determine how Ackr3 contributes to early placentation. In placentas from Ackr3-/- embryos, we observed an increase in decidual compaction and in the size of the uterine natural killer cell population. Ackr3 knockdown in trophoblast cells led to a decrease in trophoblast migration. These findings suggest that this decoy receptor may therefore be an important factor in normal placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Quinn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 Mason Farm Road, 6312B Medical Biomolecular Research Building, CB# 7545, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Brooke C Matson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 Mason Farm Road, 6312B Medical Biomolecular Research Building, CB# 7545, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, 111 Mason Farm Road, 6312B Medical Biomolecular Research Building, CB# 7545, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Department of Genetics, 111 Mason Farm Road, 6312B Medical Biomolecular Research Building, CB# 7545, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 111 Mason Farm Road, 6312B Medical Biomolecular Research Building, CB# 7545, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Duttaroy AK, Basak S. Maternal dietary fatty acids and their roles in human placental development. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2020; 155:102080. [PMID: 32120190 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acids are essential for feto-placental growth and development. Maternal fatty acids and their metabolites are involved in every stage of pregnancy by supporting cell growth and development, cell signaling, and modulating other critical aspects of structural and functional processes. Early placentation process is critical for placental growth and function. Several fatty acids modulate angiogenesis as observed by increased tube formation and secretion of angiogenic growth factors in first-trimester human placental trophoblasts. Long-chain fatty acids stimulate angiogenesis in these cells via vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), or eicosanoids. Inadequate placental angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion of the maternal decidua and uterine spiral arterioles leads to structural and functional deficiency of placenta, which contributes to preeclampsia, pre-term intrauterine growth restriction, and spontaneous abortion and also affects overall fetal growth and development. During the third trimester of pregnancy, placental preferential transport of maternal plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is of critical importance for fetal growth and development. Fatty acids cross the placental microvillous and basal membranes by mainly via plasma membrane fatty acid transport system (FAT, FATP, p-FABPpm, & FFARs) and cytoplasmic FABPs. Besides, a member of the major facilitator superfamily-MFSD2a, present in the placenta is involved in the supply of DHA to the fetus. Maternal factors such as diet, obesity, endocrine, inflammation can modulate the expression and activity of the placental fatty acid transport activity and thereby impact feto-placental growth and development. In this review, we discuss the maternal dietary fatty acids, and placental transport and metabolism, and their roles in placental growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sanjay Basak
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
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Christians JK, Huicochea Munoz MF. Pregnancy complications recur independently of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228664. [PMID: 32027702 PMCID: PMC7004354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous abortions, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia are thought to be caused by defective placentation and are associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. However, it is not known whether the recurrence of adverse outcomes is associated with the recurrence of placental pathology. We hypothesized that recurrent maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) underlies the recurrence of adverse outcomes. METHODS Using data from the National Collaborative Perinatal Project, we assessed the recurrence of pregnancy complications and MVM lesions (N = 3865), associations between a history of spontaneous abortions and MVM lesions or adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies (N = 8312), and whether the recurrence of pregnancy complications occurred independently of the presence of MVM lesions. RESULTS The odds of an MVM lesion were higher for a woman who had had an MVM lesion in a previous pregnancy (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.3-1.9), although this was marginally non-significant after adjusting for covariates such as gestational age, race and BMI. The odds of preeclampsia, a small-for-gestational-age infant, premature delivery and early pregnancy loss were 2.7-5.0 times higher if there had been that same adverse outcome in a previous pregnancy. A history of spontaneous abortions was associated with higher risk of a small-for-gestational-age baby (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.7-3.4) and prematurity (aOR = 5.1; 95% CI 2.3-11.5 for extremely preterm), but not preeclampsia. The recurrence of adverse outcomes was significant when restricting analyses to women without MVM lesions. Similarly, associations between adverse outcomes and previous spontaneous abortions were significant when statistically controlling for the presence of MVM lesions, or excluding pregnancies with MVM lesions. CONCLUSIONS Women with adverse outcomes in one pregnancy are at higher risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies. However, there is significant recurrence of adverse outcomes even in the absence of MVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K. Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Adams AD, Guedj F, Bianchi DW. Placental development and function in trisomy 21 and mouse models of Down syndrome: Clues for studying mechanisms underlying atypical development. Placenta 2020; 89:58-66. [PMID: 31683073 PMCID: PMC10040210 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder leading to developmental disability. The phenotypes associated with DS are complex and vary between affected individuals. Placental abnormalities in DS include differences in cytotrophoblast fusion that affect subsequent conversion to syncytiotrophoblast, atypical oxidative stress/antioxidant balance, and increased expression of genes that are also upregulated in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Placentas in DS are prematurely senescent, showing atypical evidence of mineralization. Fetuses with DS are especially susceptible to adverse obstetric outcomes, including early in utero demise, stillbirth and growth restriction, all of which are related to placental function. The placenta, therefore, may provide key insights towards understanding the phenotypic variability observed in individuals with DS and aid in identifying biomarkers that can be used to evaluate phenotypic severity and prenatal treatments in real time. To address these issues, many different mouse models of DS have been generated to identify the mechanisms underlying developmental changes in many organ systems. Little is known, however, regarding placental development in the currently available mouse models of DS. Based upon the relative paucity of data on placental development in preclinical mouse models of DS, we recommend that future evaluation of new and existing models routinely include histologic and functional assessments of the placenta. In this paper we summarize studies performed in the placentas of both humans and mouse models with DS, highlighting gaps in knowledge and suggesting directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- April D Adams
- Medical Genetics Branch (Prenatal Genomics and Therapy Section), National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Faycal Guedj
- Medical Genetics Branch (Prenatal Genomics and Therapy Section), National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- Medical Genetics Branch (Prenatal Genomics and Therapy Section), National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Leon-Martinez D, Robinson JF, Zdravkovic T, Genbacev O, Gormley M, Mcmaster M, Fisher SJ, Bianco K. Trisomy 21 is Associated with Caspase-2 Upregulation in Cytotrophoblasts at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:100-109. [PMID: 32046398 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00002-x] [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: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Impaired placentation is implicated in poor perinatal outcomes associated with Trisomy 21. Earlier studies revealed abnormal cytotrophoblast differentiation along the invasive pathway as a contributing mechanism. To further elucidate the causes, we evaluated Caspase-2 expression at the protein level (immunolocalization and immunoblot) in samples from Trisomy 21 (n = 9) and euploid (n = 4) age-matched placentas. Apoptosis was investigated via the TUNEL assay. An immunolocalization approach was used to characterize Caspase-3, Fas (CD95), and Fas ligand in the same samples. Caspase-2 was significantly overexpressed in Trisomy 21 placentas, with the highest expression in villous cores and invasive cytotrophoblasts. Immunolocalization showed that Caspase-3 had a similar expression pattern as Caspase-2. Using the TUNEL approach, we observed high variability in the number of apoptotic cells in biopsies from different regions of the same placenta and among different placentas. However, Trisomy 21 placentas had more apoptotic cells, specifically in cell columns and basal plates. Furthermore, Caspase-2 co-immunolocalized with Fas (CD95) and FasL in TUNEL-positive extravillous cytotrophoblasts, but not in villous cores. These results help explain the higher levels of apoptosis among placental cells of Trisomy 21 pregnancies in molecular terms. Specifically, the co-expression of Caspase-2 and Caspase-3 with other regulators of the apoptotic process in TUNEL-positive cells suggests these molecules may cooperate in launching the observed apoptosis. Among trophoblasts, only the invasive subpopulation showed this pattern, which could help explain the higher rates of adverse outcomes in these pregnancies. In future experiments, this relationship will be further examined at a functional level in cultured human trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Leon-Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua F Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Tamara Zdravkovic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Olga Genbacev
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Matthew Gormley
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Michael Mcmaster
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Susan J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Katherine Bianco
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr. HH333 MC 5317, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Ahmadi M, Mohammadi M, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Zare M, Gharesi-Fard B. MDSCs in pregnancy: Critical players for a balanced immune system at the feto-maternal interface. Cell Immunol 2019; 346:103990. [PMID: 31703912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2019.103990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have emerged as a new immune regulator at the feto-maternal interface. Although the phenotypes and functions of these cells were primarily studied in pathological conditions such as cancers and infections, new evidence has underscored their beneficial roles in homeostasis and physiological circumstances such as normal pregnancy. In this regard, studies have shown an increased number of MDSCs, particularly granulocytic MDSCs, at the feto-maternal interface. These cells participate in maintaining immunological tolerance between mother and semi-allograft fetus through various mechanisms. They further seem to play critical roles in placentation and fetus growth process. The absence or dysregulation of MDSCs during pregnancy have been reported in several pregnancy complications. These cells are also abundant in the cord blood of neonates so as to balance the immune responses and prevent aggressive inflammatory responses. The current review summarizes and organizes detailed data on MDSCs and their roles during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moslem Ahmadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mobin Mohammadi
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran; Department of Immunology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Zare
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Infertility Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Tekola-Ayele F, Workalemahu T, Gorfu G, Shrestha D, Tycko B, Wapner R, Zhang C, Louis GMB. Sex differences in the associations of placental epigenetic aging with fetal growth. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:5412-5432. [PMID: 31395791 PMCID: PMC6710059 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Identifying factors that influence fetal growth in a sex-specific manner can help unravel mechanisms that explain sex differences in adverse neonatal outcomes and in-utero origins of cardiovascular disease disparities. Premature aging of the placenta, a tissue that supports fetal growth and exhibits sex-specific epigenetic changes, is associated with pregnancy complications. Using DNA methylation-based age estimator, we investigated the sex-specific relationship of placental epigenetic aging with fetal growth across 13-40 weeks gestation, neonatal size, and risk of low birth weight. Placental epigenetic age acceleration (PAA), the difference between DNA methylation age and gestational age, was associated with reduced fetal weight among males but with increased fetal weight among females. PAA was inversely associated with fetal weight, abdominal circumference, and biparietal diameter at 32-40 weeks among males but was positively associated with all growth measures among females across 13-40 weeks. A 1-week increase in PAA was associated with 2-fold (95% CI 1.2, 3.2) increased odds for low birth weight and 1.5-fold (95% CI 1.1, 2.0) increased odds for small-for-gestational age among males. In all, fetal growth was significantly reduced in males but not females exposed to a rapidly aging placenta. Epigenetic aging of the placenta may underlie sex differences in neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tsegaselassie Workalemahu
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gezahegn Gorfu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Deepika Shrestha
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Hackensack-Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation and the Hackensack-Meridian Health School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Germaine M. Buck Louis
- Dean’s Office, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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De Clercq K, Persoons E, Napso T, Luyten C, Parac-Vogt TN, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Kerckhofs G, Vriens J. High-resolution contrast-enhanced microCT reveals the true three-dimensional morphology of the murine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:13927-13936. [PMID: 31249139 PMCID: PMC6683600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902688116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of the mouse genome identified many genes that are essential for embryogenesis. Remarkably, the prevalence of concomitant placental defects in embryonic lethal mutants is highly underestimated and indicates the importance of detailed placental analysis when phenotyping new individual gene knockouts. Here we introduce high-resolution contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography (CE-CT) as a nondestructive, high-throughput technique to evaluate the 3D placental morphology. Using a contrast agent, zirconium-substituted Keggin polyoxometalate (Zr-POM), the soft tissue of the placenta (i.e., different layers and cell types and its vasculature) was imaged with a resolution of 3.5 µm voxel size. This approach allowed us to visualize and study early and late stages of placental development. Moreover, CE-CT provides a method to precisely quantify placental parameters (i.e., volumes, volume fraction, ratio of different placental layers, and volumes of specific cell populations) that are crucial for statistical comparison studies. The CE-CT assessment of the 3D morphology of the placentas was validated (i) by comparison with standard histological studies; (ii) by evaluating placentas from 2 different mouse strains, 129S6 and C57BL/6J mice; and (iii) by confirming the placental phenotype of mice lacking phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-p110α. Finally, the Zr-POM-based CE-CT allowed for inspection of the vasculature structure in the entire placenta, as well as detecting placental defects in pathologies characterized by embryonic resorption and placental fusion. Taken together, Zr-POM-based CE-CT offers a quantitative 3D methodology to investigate placental development or pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Persoons
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Luyten
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana N Parac-Vogt
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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Perry H, Lehmann H, Mantovani E, Thilaganathan B, Khalil A. Correlation between central and uterine hemodynamics in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2019; 54:58-63. [PMID: 30084237 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnancies affected by a hypertensive disorder (HDP) have increased uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) compared with that in healthy pregnancies. Women with HDP are also known to have lower cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between central and uterine hemodynamics in HDP and uncomplicated pregnancy. METHODS This was a prospective study of HDP and normotensive control singleton pregnancies presenting at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2012 and December 2017. Paired measurements of maternal hemodynamics, using a non-invasive device (USCOM-1A®), and UtA-PI were performed in the third trimester. HDP pregnancies were divided into preterm (onset < 37 weeks' gestation) and term (onset ≥ 37 weeks). Spearman's rank coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the central and uteroplacental hemodynamics. Regression analysis was performed to assess the association of UtA-PI with independent variables. RESULTS We included 231 women with HDP (152 with preterm and 79 with term HDP) and 378 controls with normotensive pregnancy. Compared with controls, women with preterm HDP had significantly lower cardiac output (median (interquartile range (IQR)), 6.0 (5.1-7.2) vs 6.6 (5.8-7.5) L/min; P < 0.001) and significantly higher systemic vascular resistance (median (IQR), 1394 (1189-1670) vs 1063 (915-1222) dynes × s/cm5 ; P < 0.001) and UtA-PI (median (IQR), 1.0 (0.75-1.4) vs 0.67 (0.58-0.83); P < 0.001). Conversely, in women with term HDP, there were no significant differences in heart rate, cardiac output or UtA-PI compared with controls (all P > 0.05), while systemic vascular resistance was significantly higher (median (IQR), 1315 (1099-1527) vs 1063 (915-1222) dynes × s/cm5 ; P < 0.001). On multiple regression analysis, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and stroke volume were associated significantly with mean UtA-PI (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Differences observed between HDP and normotensive pregnancies in third-trimester UtA resistance are mirrored in the central maternal hemodynamic parameters. Late pregnancy differences in the uteroplacental circulation in preterm and term HDP are an index of maternal cardiovascular function rather than being related to inadequate spiral artery remodeling and impaired placentation. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Perry
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - H Lehmann
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - E Mantovani
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - B Thilaganathan
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - A Khalil
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
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Mathewlynn S, Collins SL. Volume and vascularity: Using ultrasound to unlock the secrets of the first trimester placenta. Placenta 2019; 84:32-36. [PMID: 31279487 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.06.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying which pregnancies are at risk of FGR facilitates enhanced surveillance and early delivery before fetal demise can ensue. However, existing risk stratification strategies yield an unacceptably low detection rate. A robust and reliable first trimester screening test for FGR would not only enable high-risk women to be appropriately monitored but would facilitate future trials for possible interventions to enhance fetal growth. Both the volume and vascularity of the first trimester placenta has been demonstrated to be linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes including FGR and pre-eclampsia. The investigation of novel ultrasound markers for FGR are discussed along with the development of methods for fully automatic placental volume estimation which has the potential for use as part of a multi-variable population-based screening test.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mathewlynn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - S L Collins
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK; Fetal Medicine Unit, The Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Abstract
Preeclampsia is a systemic disease caused by abnormal placentation that affects both mother and fetus. It was reported that Laeverin (LVRN, also known as Aminopeptidase Q) was up-regulated in the placenta of preeclamptic patients. However, physiological and pathological functions of LVRN remained to be unknown. Here we characterized Lvrn function during placentation in mice. RT-PCR showed that Lvrn is expressed in both fetus and placenta during embryogenesis, and several adult tissues. When we overexpressed Lvrn in a placenta-specific manner using lentiviral vectors, we did not see any defects in both placentae and fetuses. The mice carrying Lvrn overexpressing placentas did not show any preeclampsia-like symptoms such as maternal high blood pressure and fetal growth restriction. We next ablated Lvrn by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to see physiological function. In Lvrn ablated mice, maternal blood pressure during pregnancy was not affected, and both placentas and fetuses grew normally. Collectively, these results suggest that, LVRN is irrelevant to preeclampsia and dispensable for normal placentation and embryonic development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tobita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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Apicella C, Ruano CSM, Méhats C, Miralles F, Vaiman D. The Role of Epigenetics in Placental Development and the Etiology of Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112837. [PMID: 31212604 PMCID: PMC6600551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we comprehensively present the function of epigenetic regulations in normal placental development as well as in a prominent disease of placental origin, preeclampsia (PE). We describe current progress concerning the impact of DNA methylation, non-coding RNA (with a special emphasis on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA)) and more marginally histone post-translational modifications, in the processes leading to normal and abnormal placental function. We also explore the potential use of epigenetic marks circulating in the maternal blood flow as putative biomarkers able to prognosticate the onset of PE, as well as classifying it according to its severity. The correlation between epigenetic marks and impacts on gene expression is systematically evaluated for the different epigenetic marks analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Apicella
- Institut Cochin, U1016 INSERM, UMR8104 CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, 24 rue du faubourg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Camino S M Ruano
- Institut Cochin, U1016 INSERM, UMR8104 CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, 24 rue du faubourg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Céline Méhats
- Institut Cochin, U1016 INSERM, UMR8104 CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, 24 rue du faubourg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Francisco Miralles
- Institut Cochin, U1016 INSERM, UMR8104 CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, 24 rue du faubourg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Institut Cochin, U1016 INSERM, UMR8104 CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, 24 rue du faubourg St Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
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Zhou L, Sun H, Cheng R, Fan X, Lai S, Deng C. ELABELA, as a potential diagnostic biomarker of preeclampsia, regulates abnormally shallow placentation via APJ. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 316:E773-E781. [PMID: 30860880 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00383.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although there has been great progress in the understanding of PE, the exact cause for the disease development is still unclear. Recently, studies showed that genetic deletion of ELABELA (ELA, also known as APELA) could induce PE-like symptoms in mice. However, the role of ELA in the disease development of PE remains elusive. Our objective was to measure the changes of ELA levels in maternal serum, urine, and placenta from preeclamptic pregnant women and healthy pregnant women and evaluate the correlation between ELA levels and the occurrence of PE. Additionally, we investigated the effect of ELA on the migration and proliferation of human trophoblast cells. ELA levels are significantly decreased in late-onset PE pregnancies compared with normal pregnancies. The mRNA and protein expressions of ELA and the apelin receptor (APLNR or APJ) in late-onset PE placental tissues are also decreased. Furthermore, our in vitro study showed that the addition of ELA significantly increased the invasion ability and proliferation of trophoblast cells, which were inhibited by the APJ-specific antagonist ML221. Our study identified ELA as significantly decreased in late-onset PE; therefore, it might play an important role in the pathogenesis of late-onset PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University , Nanjing , China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City, Southern Medical University , Shenzhen , China
| | - Hang Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University , Nanjing , China
| | - Ran Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shenzhen , China
| | - Shanshan Lai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University , Nanjing , China
| | - Cheng Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University , Nanjing , China
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Blitek A, Szymanska M. Expression and role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the porcine early placenta trophoblast. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 67:42-53. [PMID: 30690257 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of a nuclear receptor family of ligand-dependent transcription factors. Three isoforms of PPAR named PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ have been described, each encoded by a separate gene: PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG, respectively. In the present study, we examined the profiles of PPAR and retinoid X receptor (RXR; PPAR heterodimer partner) mRNA expression and PPAR DNA binding activity in porcine trophoblast tissue collected on days 15, 20, 25, and 30 of pregnancy and in day-20 embryos. Placenta trophoblast cells isolated on day 25 of pregnancy were used to determine effects of (1) cytokines on PPAR and RXR mRNA expression and (2) PPAR agonists on prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis and the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, fatty acid binding, and PG transport, as well as on cell proliferation. The mRNA expression of PPARA and RXRB was greater in trophoblast tissue collected on days 25 and 30 of pregnancy compared with day 15 (P < 0.05), while DNA binding activity of PPARα decreased between day 15 and 25 (P < 0.05). Increased concentrations of PPARD and RXRA transcripts were observed in trophoblasts collected on day 20 compared to trophoblasts from days 15 and 30 (P < 0.05). Moreover, concentrations of DNA-bound PPARβ/δ and PPARγ proteins increased in day-30 trophoblasts compared to day 15 (P < 0.01) and day 20 (P < 0.05), respectively. On day 20 of gestation, the mRNA expression of PPARD, PPARG, and RXRA and protein levels of PPARα and PPARγ isoforms were greater in trophoblast than embryonic tissue (P < 0.01). Interleukin 1β and/or interferon γ, but not IL6 and leukemia inhibitory factor, upregulated PPAR and RXR mRNA expression in placenta trophoblast cells in vitro (P < 0.05). Rosiglitazone (a PPARγ agonist) stimulated prostaglandin E synthase mRNA expression in trophoblast cells and PGE2 accumulation in incubation medium (P < 0.05). Moreover, activation of PPAR isoforms differentially affected the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, fatty acid binding, and PG transport in studied cells. Finally, PPARα and PPARγ agonists stimulated trophoblast cell proliferation (P < 0.05), and this effect was abolished by the addition of a respective PPAR antagonist (P < 0.05). Overall, these results point to a role of PPAR isoforms in porcine placenta development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Blitek
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - M Szymanska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
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Grazul-Bilska AT, Bairagi S, Kraisoon A, Dorsam ST, Reyaz A, Navanukraw C, Borowicz PP, Reynolds LP. Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: nuclear estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNA expression in the utero-placental compartments. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 66:27-34. [PMID: 30391829 PMCID: PMC6281792 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are major regulators of uterine and placental growth and functions, as well as many other biological processes. To examine the mRNA expression of nuclear estrogen (ESR1 and 2) and progesterone (PGRAB and B) receptors in different compartments of the uterus and placenta, tissues were collected in experiment 1 on days 16, 20, and 28 after natural mating (NAT) and on day 10 after estrus (nonpregnant controls [NP]); and in experiment 2 on day 22 of NAT, and pregnancies established after transfer of embryos generated through mating of FSH-treated ewes (NAT-ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or in vitro activation (parthenotes). In experiment 1, ESR1 expression in endometrial stroma (ES), endometrial glands (EGs), and myometrial blood vessels (MBVs), ESR2 in endometrial blood vessels (EBV), PGRAB in ES, and PGRB in ES, EG, and MBV was greater in pregnant than NP ewes depending on the day of pregnancy. The day of pregnancy affected the expression of ESR1 in MBV, ESR2 in EBV and MBV, and PGRAB in ES. In experiment 2, ESR1, PGRAB, and PGRB in EG, but not in other compartments, was greater in NAT-ET than NAT, and PGRB was greater for NAT-ET than IVF. These data demonstrate that ESR and PGR expression differ in pregnant versus NP ewes in selected compartments and was affected by pregnancy stage or embryo origin in selected utero-placental compartments. Thus, sex steroid hormone mRNA expression is differentially regulated in a spatiotemporal manner in the uterus and placenta and is affected by the application of assisted reproductive technology in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
| | - Soumi Bairagi
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Aree Kraisoon
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center for Sustainable Economy (ABRCSE), Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Sheri T Dorsam
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Arshi Reyaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Chainarong Navanukraw
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center for Sustainable Economy (ABRCSE), Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pawel P Borowicz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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Velicky P, Meinhardt G, Plessl K, Vondra S, Weiss T, Haslinger P, Lendl T, Aumayr K, Mairhofer M, Zhu X, Schütz B, Hannibal RL, Lindau R, Weil B, Ernerudh J, Neesen J, Egger G, Mikula M, Röhrl C, Urban AE, Baker J, Knöfler M, Pollheimer J. Genome amplification and cellular senescence are hallmarks of human placenta development. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007698. [PMID: 30312291 PMCID: PMC6200260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [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: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome amplification and cellular senescence are commonly associated with pathological processes. While physiological roles for polyploidization and senescence have been described in mouse development, controversy exists over their significance in humans. Here, we describe tetraploidization and senescence as phenomena of normal human placenta development. During pregnancy, placental extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the pregnant endometrium, termed decidua, to establish an adapted microenvironment required for the developing embryo. This process is critically dependent on continuous cell proliferation and differentiation, which is thought to follow the classical model of cell cycle arrest prior to terminal differentiation. Strikingly, flow cytometry and DNAseq revealed that EVT formation is accompanied with a genome-wide polyploidization, independent of mitotic cycles. DNA replication in these cells was analysed by a fluorescent cell-cycle indicator reporter system, cell cycle marker expression and EdU incorporation. Upon invasion into the decidua, EVTs widely lose their replicative potential and enter a senescent state characterized by high senescence-associated (SA) β-galactosidase activity, induction of a SA secretory phenotype as well as typical metabolic alterations. Furthermore, we show that the shift from endocycle-dependent genome amplification to growth arrest is disturbed in androgenic complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), a hyperplastic pregnancy disorder associated with increased risk of developing choriocarinoma. Senescence is decreased in CHM-EVTs, accompanied by exacerbated endoreduplication and hyperploidy. We propose induction of cellular senescence as a ploidy-limiting mechanism during normal human placentation and unravel a link between excessive polyploidization and reduced senescence in CHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Velicky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerstin Plessl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrid Vondra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamara Weiss
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Children´s Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Haslinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Lendl
- Biooptics Facility of Institute of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology and Gregor Mendel Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Aumayr
- Biooptics Facility of Institute of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology and Gregor Mendel Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Mairhofer
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Birgit Schütz
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberta L. Hannibal
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Robert Lindau
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Beatrix Weil
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jürgen Neesen
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Egger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Mikula
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Röhrl
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander E. Urban
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Tasha and John Morgridge Faculty Scholar, Stanford Child Health Research Institute, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Julie Baker
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Senapati S, Wang F, Ord T, Coutifaris C, Feng R, Mainigi M. Superovulation alters the expression of endometrial genes critical to tissue remodeling and placentation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1799-1808. [PMID: 29959621 PMCID: PMC6150905 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Epidemiologic data suggest that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with an increased risk of disorders of placentation including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that singleton pregnancies conceived following a fresh embryo transfer are at an increased risk of delivering an infant with low birth weight compared to those conceived following a frozen embryo transfer. The mechanism responsible for this association remains unclear. Procedures utilized in IVF have also been linked with epigenetic changes and gene expression changes in both fetal and maternal tissues. Data suggest that modifications in the maternal endometrium can lead to disordered trophoblast invasion and placentation. This study examines the effect of ovarian stimulation on endometrial gene expression and DNA methylation during the window of implantation to examine potential pathways playing a role in the adverse outcomes associated with IVF. METHODS Endometrial biopsies were obtained from oocyte donors and age-matched naturally cycling women 11 days following oocyte retrieval in donors or 12 days following luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in naturally cycling women. Global gene expression was analyzed via Affymetrix Human Gene 1.1 ST array and confirmed with RT-qPCR. DNA methylation was assessed with the Infinium DNA methylation 450 K BeadChip. RESULTS Analysis of endometrial gene expression from 23 women (11 oocyte donors and 12 controls) demonstrated 165 genes with a greater than twofold change in expression between donors and controls. While there were 785 genes with significant differential methylation in the endometrium of donors when compared with control subjects, none of the genes with altered expression showed significant changes in DNA methylation. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed enrichment for genes involved in endometrial remodeling including PLAT, HSPE2, MMP2, and TIMP1. Validation studies using RT-qPCR found a 73% reduction in expression of heparanase 2 (HSPE2) an enzyme associated with both angiogenesis and cell invasion, a greater than twofold increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator (PLAT), a serine protease participating in matrix degradation, and a 70% increase in MMP2, a gelatinase involved in collagen and fibronectin breakdown. CONCLUSIONS Superovulation alters expression of genes critical to endometrial remodeling during early implantation. Such changes could lead to altered trophoblast migration and impaired endovascular invasion. These findings offer a potential mechanism for the adverse perinatal outcomes observed following embryo transfer during fresh IVF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneeta Senapati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Teri Ord
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rui Feng
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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50
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Jing L, Wei G, Mengfan S, Yanyan H. Effect of site of placentation on pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200252. [PMID: 30016336 PMCID: PMC6049903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to evaluate the site of placentation on the pregnancy outcomes of patients with placenta previa. METHODS This retrospective study included 678 cases of placenta previa. Basic information and pregnancy outcome data were collected. Differences between the different placenta previa positions and pregnancy outcomes were compared using the chi-square and independent t tests. Logistic and multiple regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) to determine the risk factors for PAS disorders and postpartum hemorrhage and evaluate the effect of placental attachment site on pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the PAS disorders rate and the incidence of complete placenta previa depending on the type of placentation; however, placental attachment site influenced the pregnancy outcome. Placental attachment to the anterior wall was associated with shorter gestational age, low birth weight, lower Apgar score, higher prenatal bleeding rate, increased postpartum hemorrhage, longer duration of hospitalization, and higher blood transfusion and hysterectomy rates compared to cases with lateral/posterior wall placenta. Placental attachment at the incision site of a previous cesarean section significantly increased the incidence of complete placenta previa and PAS disorders compared with placental attachment at a site without incision, but did not significantly influence pregnancy outcomes. Placental attachment to the anterior wall was an independent risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa. Placental attachment to a previous incision site was an independent risk factor for PAS disorders. CONCLUSION The site of placental attachment in patients with placenta previa has an important influence on the pregnancy outcome. When the placenta is located on the anterior wall, clinicians should pay attention to the adverse pregnancy outcomes and the possibility of massive postpartum hemorrhage. In cases of placental attachment to the uterine incision site, physicians should be highly vigilant regarding the occurrence of PAS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jing
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gu Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Mengfan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hou Yanyan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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