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Brady CA, Williams C, Batra G, Church E, Tower CL, Crocker IP, Heazell AEP. Immunomodulatory Therapy Reduces the Severity of Placental Lesions in Chronic Histiocytic Intervillositis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:753220. [PMID: 34733868 PMCID: PMC8558526 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.753220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare, but highly recurrent inflammatory placental lesion wherein maternal macrophages infiltrate the intervillous space. Pregnancies with CHI are at high risk of fetal growth restriction, miscarriage or stillbirth. Presently, the diagnosis can only be made after histopathological examination of the placenta. Given its proposed immunological etiology, current treatments include aspirin, heparin, and immunomodulatory agents. However, the rationale for these medications is largely based upon small case series and reports as there is a lack of larger studies investigating treatment efficacy. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether inclusion of immunomodulatory medications was effective at reducing the severity of lesions and improving pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. Thirty-three women with a history of CHI in at least one pregnancy (index case) were identified retrospectively through medical records. Twenty-eight participants presented with a first subsequent pregnancy and a further 11 with a second subsequent pregnancy at a specialist clinic for pregnancy after loss. Data on maternal demographics, medical history, medication, pregnancy outcome, and placental pathology was collected and compared between pregnancies. Twenty-seven (69%) subsequent pregnancies were treated with at least one or both of prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. Inclusion of at least one immunomodulatory agent in treatment regimen resulted in an almost 25% increase in overall livebirth rate (61.5 vs. 86.2%). In women treated with immunomodulatory medication a greater proportion of placentas had reduced severity of lesions compared to those treated without (86.7 vs. 33.3%, respectively). A reduction in CHI severity was associated with a 62.3% improvement in livebirth rate compared to those where severity remained unchanged in relation to the index case. These data provide preliminary evidence that the use of immunomodulatory medication in the management of CHI improves histopathological lesions and the chance of livebirth in subsequent pregnancies. Due to CHI's rarity and ethical and feasibility issues, randomized controlled trials in affected women are challenging to conduct. As a result, collaboration between centers is required in future to increase study sample sizes and elucidate the mechanisms of hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone in reducing pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A Brady
- Tommy's Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Williams
- Tommy's Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gauri Batra
- Pediatric Histopathology, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Church
- Saint Mary's Hospital Managed Clinical Maternity Service, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clare L Tower
- Saint Mary's Hospital Managed Clinical Maternity Service, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian P Crocker
- Tommy's Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Tommy's Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Saint Mary's Hospital Managed Clinical Maternity Service, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Lui S, Duval C, Farrokhnia F, Girard S, Harris LK, Tower CL, Stevens A, Jones RL. Delineating differential regulatory signatures of the human transcriptome in the choriodecidua and myometrium at term labor. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:422-436. [PMID: 29329366 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm deliveries remain the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Current therapies target only myometrial contractions and are largely ineffective. As labor involves multiple coordinated events across maternal and fetal tissues, identifying fundamental regulatory pathways of normal term labor is vital to understanding successful parturition and consequently labor pathologies. We aimed to identify transcriptomic signatures of human normal term labor of two tissues: in the fetal-facing choriodecidua and the maternal myometrium. Microarray transcriptomic data from choriodecidua and myometrium following term labor were analyzed for functional hierarchical networks, using Cytoscape 2.8.3. Hierarchically high candidates were analyzed for their regulatory casual relationships using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Selected master regulators were then chemically inhibited and effects on downstream targets were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Unbiased network analysis identified upstream molecular components in choriodecidua including vimentin, TLR4, and TNFSF13B. In the myometrium, candidates included metallothionein 2 (MT2A), TLR2, and RELB. These master regulators had significant differential gene expression during labor, hierarchically high centrality in community cluster networks, interactions amongst the labor gene set, and strong causal relationships with multiple downstream effects. In vitro experiments highlighted MT2A as an effective regulator of labor-associated genes. We have identified unique potential regulators of the term labor transcriptome in uterine tissues using a robust sequence of unbiased mathematical and literature-based in silico analyses. These findings encourage further investigation into the efficacy of predicted master regulators in blocking multiple pathways of labor processes across maternal and fetal tissues, and their potential as therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Lui
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Cyntia Duval
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Farkhondeh Farrokhnia
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Clare L Tower
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Vause S, Clarke B, Tower CL, Hay CRM, Knight M. Pregnancy outcomes in women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves: a prospective descriptive population based study using the United Kingdom Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) data collection system. BJOG 2016; 124:1411-1419. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Vause
- Obstetric Directorate; St Mary's Hospital; Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester UK
- Institute of Human Development; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - B Clarke
- Manchester Heart Centre; Manchester Royal Infirmary; Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester UK
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - CL Tower
- Obstetric Directorate; St Mary's Hospital; Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester UK
- Institute of Human Development; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - CRM Hay
- Department of Haematology; Manchester Royal Infirmary; Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - M Knight
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
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Stephen GL, Lui S, Hamilton SA, Tower CL, Harris LK, Stevens A, Jones RL. Transcriptomic profiling of human choriodecidua during term labor: inflammation as a key driver of labor. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 73:36-55. [PMID: 25283845 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Inflammation is a driver of labor in myometrium and cervix; however, the involvement of decidua is poorly defined. We have reported decidual leukocyte infiltration prior to and during labor; the regulators of these inflammatory processes are unknown. METHOD OF STUDY Choriodecidua RNA obtained after term labor or elective cesarean delivery was applied to Affymetrix GeneChips. Pathway analysis and gene validation were performed. RESULTS Extensive inflammatory activation was identified in choriodecidua following labor, predominantly upregulation of genes regulating leukocyte trafficking and cytokine signalling. Genes governing cell fate, tissue remodelling, and translation were also altered. Upregulation of candidate genes (ICAM1, CXCR4, CD44, TLR4, SOCS3, BCL2A, and IDO) was confirmed. NFκB, STAT1&3, HMGB1, and miRNA-21, miRNA-46, miRNA-141, and miRNA-200 were predicted upstream regulators. CONCLUSION This study confirms inflammatory processes are major players in labor events in choriodecidua, as in other gestational tissues. Suppressing uterine inflammation is likely to be critical for arresting premature labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian L Stephen
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Tower
- Maternal &Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Sylvia Lui
- Maternal &Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Maternal &Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medical & Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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Lui S, Jones RL, Robinson NJ, Greenwood SL, Aplin JD, Tower CL. Detrimental effects of ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde, on first trimester human placental cell turnover and function. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87328. [PMID: 24503565 PMCID: PMC3913587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes developmental issues from high maternal alcohol intake, which commonly results in fetal growth restriction and long term morbidity. We aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol and acetaldehyde, on the first trimester placenta, the period essential for normal fetal organogenesis. Normal invasion and establishment of the placenta during this time are essential for sustaining fetal viability to term. We hypothesise that alcohol (ethanol) and acetaldehyde have detrimental effects on cytotrophoblast invasion, turnover and placental function. Taurine is an important amino acid for neuronal and physiological development, and so, its uptake was assayed in cells and placental explants exposed to alcohol or acetaldehyde. First trimester villous explants and BeWo cells were treated with 0, 10, 20, 40 mM ethanol or 0, 10, 20, 40 µM acetaldehyde. The invasive capacity of SGHPL4, a first trimester extravillous cytotrophoblast cell line, was unaffected by ethanol or acetaldehyde (p>0.05; N = 6). The cells in-cycle were estimated using immunostaining for Ki67. Proliferating trophoblast cells treated with ethanol were decreased in both experiments (explants: 40% at 20 mM and 40 mM, p<0.05, N = 8–9) (cell line: 5% at 20 mM and 40 mM, p<0.05, N = 6). Acetaldehyde also reduced Ki67-positive cells in both experiments (explants at 40 µM p<0.05; N = 6) (cell line at 10 µM and 40 µM; p<0.05; N = 7). Only in the cell line at 20 µM acetaldehyde demonstrated increased apoptosis (p<0.05; N = 6). Alcohol inhibited taurine transport in BeWo cells at 10 mM and 40 mM (p<0.05; N = 6), and in placenta at 40 mM (p<0.05; N = 7). Acetaldehyde did not affect taurine transport in either model (P<0.05; N = 6). Interestingly, system A amino acid transport in placental explants was increased at 10 µM and 40 µM acetaldehyde exposure (p<0.05; N = 6). Our results demonstrate that exposure to both genotoxins may contribute to the pathogenesis of FASD by reducing placental growth. Alcohol also reduces the transport of taurine, which is vital for developmental neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Lui
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Rebecca L. Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie J. Robinson
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L. Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - John D. Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clare L. Tower
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Hamilton SA, Tower CL, Jones RL. Identification of chemokines associated with the recruitment of decidual leukocytes in human labour: potential novel targets for preterm labour. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56946. [PMID: 23451115 PMCID: PMC3579936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for preterm labour (PTL) focus on arresting myometrial contractions but are largely ineffective, thus alternative therapeutic targets need to be identified. Leukocytes infiltrate the uterus around the time of labour, and are in particularly abundant in decidua (maternal-fetal interface). Moreover, decidual inflammation precedes labour in rat pregnancies and thus may contribute to initiation of labour. We hypothesized that chemokines mediate decidual leukocyte trafficking during preterm labour (PTL) and term labour (TL), thus representing potential targets for preventing PTL. Women were recruited into 4 groups: TL, term not in labour (TNL), idiopathic PTL and PTL with infection (PTLI). Choriodecidual RNA was subjected to a pathway-specific PCR array for chemokines. Differential expression of 12 candidate chemokines was validated by real time RT-PCR and Bioplex assay, with immunohistochemistry to confirm cellular origin. 25 chemokines were upregulated in choriodecidua from TL compared to TNL. A similar pattern was detected in PTL, however a distinct profile was observed in PTLI consistent with differences in leukocyte infiltration. Upregulation of CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL8 and CXCL10 mRNA and protein was confirmed in TL, with CCL8 upregulated in PTL. Significant correlations were detected between these chemokines and decidual leukocyte abundance previously assessed by immunohistochemical and image analysis. Chemokines were primarily expressed by decidual stromal cells. In addition, CXCL8 and CCL5 were significantly elevated in maternal plasma during labour, suggesting chemokines contribute to peripheral inflammatory events during labour. Differences in chemokine expression patterns between TL and idiopathic PTL may be attributable to suppression of chemokine expression by betamethasone administered to women in PTL; this was supported by in vitro evidence of chemokine downregulation by clinically relevant concentrations of the steroid. The current study provides compelling evidence that chemokines regulate decidual leukocyte recruitment during labour. The 6 chemokines identified represent potential novel therapeutic targets to block PTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Hamilton
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clare L. Tower
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L. Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Holder BS, Tower CL, Forbes K, Mulla MJ, Aplin JD, Abrahams VM. Immune cell activation by trophoblast-derived microvesicles is mediated by syncytin 1. Immunology 2012; 136:184-91. [PMID: 22348442 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2012.03568.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Envelope glycoproteins of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV), such as syncytin 1 (HERV-W), are highly expressed in the placenta and some family members have immunomodulatory properties. Placental microvesicles (MV), which are shed into the maternal circulation during pregnancy, have been demonstrated to induce immune cell activation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the immunological properties of the highly expressed placental HERV-W protein, syncytin 1, and its potential involvement in placental MV modulation of immune cell activity. The MV shed from first trimester, normal term and pre-eclamptic term placentas, and from the BeWo trophoblast cell line, all contain syncytin 1. Recombinant syncytin 1 and syncytin 1-positive BeWo trophoblast MV both induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) activation, indicated through production of cytokines and chemokines. Reducing syncytin 1 content in BeWo MV inhibited PBMC activation. Recombinant syncytin 1 and syncytin-1-positive BeWo MV dampened PBMC responses to lipopolysaccharide challenge. Our findings suggest that syncytin 1 is shed from the placenta into the maternal circulation in association with MV, and modulates immune cell activation and the responses of immune cells to subsequent lipopolysaccharide stimulation. These studies implicate placental MV-associated HERV in fetal regulation of the maternal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth S Holder
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Holder BS, Tower CL, Jones CJP, Aplin JD, Abrahams VM. Heightened pro-inflammatory effect of preeclamptic placental microvesicles on peripheral blood immune cells in humans. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:103. [PMID: 22205696 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.097014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with the presence of circulating placental microvesicles (MVs). Increased MV shedding and altered immune activation are seen in patients with preeclampsia, suggesting that placental MVs may play a role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by MVs shed by first-trimester, normal term, and preeclamptic term placenta. First-trimester and preeclamptic term, but not normal term, placental-derived MVs activated PBMCs, as evidenced by elevated IL1B. Significant changes were also seen with several other cytokines and chemokines, and in general when compared to normal term MVs, preeclamptic MVs induced a greater pro-inflammatory response in PBMCs. Pretreatment of PBMCs with first-trimester or normal term placental MVs resulted in a dampened IL1B response to a subsequent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In contrast, treatment of PBMCs with preeclamptic term placental MVs exacerbated the LPS response. This was also the case for several other cytokines and chemokines. These studies suggest that placental MVs can modulate basal peripheral immune cell activation and responsiveness to LPS during normal pregnancy, and that in preeclampsia this effect is exacerbated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth S Holder
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Abstract
This study characterises HERV-W (syncytin 1) expression in normal and pathologic placenta and in BeWo cells. HERV-W mRNA levels were higher in the first trimester than at term, and similar patterns were observed with another retrovirally-derived mRNA species, ERV-3. N-glycosylated syncytin 1 precursor (73 kDa) is cleaved to surface-associated (SU) and transmembrane (TM) subunits. Both were evident in villous trophoblast, where perinuclear and punctate cytoplasmic deposits were observed, and linear TM subunit immunoreactivity was seen at the syncytial microvillous membrane. Punctate immunoreactivity was seen in BeWo cells with antibodies to SU and TM, and the two were co-localised. SU immunoreactivity was observed in association with fetal endothelium, and this effect was increased in tissue from pre-eclamptic placentas, which also showed a higher level of total SU protein. Absence of the TM subunit from endothelium suggests it is not a biosynthetic source. We suggest that SU is released from trophoblast into fetal circulation where it may bind vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Holder
- Division of Human Development, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Research Floor, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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Hamilton S, Oomomian Y, Stephen G, Shynlova O, Tower CL, Garrod A, Lye SJ, Jones RL. Macrophages infiltrate the human and rat decidua during term and preterm labor: evidence that decidual inflammation precedes labor. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:39. [PMID: 22011391 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm delivery is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Current tocolytics target myometrial contractions, a late step in the labor cascade. Identifying earlier events in parturition may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies. We hypothesized that inflammatory events in decidua (the maternal-fetal interface), characterized by leucocyte infiltration, are an early event during term and preterm labor (PTL). Leucocyte abundance in decidua of human pregnancies was quantified following term labor and PTL (idiopathic and infection associated), in conjunction with investigation of temporal inflammatory events in rat uterus during the perilabor period and in PTL induced by mifepristone. In human decidua, macrophage numbers were 4-fold higher in term labor (P < 0.01) and 2.5-fold higher in non-infection-associated PTL (P < 0.05) than in term nonlaboring samples. Neutrophil abundance was unchanged with labor but elevated in PTL with infection (5- to 53-fold increase; P < 0.01). T and NK cells were more abundant in idiopathic PTL than TL (P < 0.05). In rat, decidual macrophage infiltration increased 4.5-fold 12 h prior to labor and remained elevated during labor and early postpartum (P < 0.01). Decidual infiltration preceded that of the myometrium and was 4-fold higher (P < 0.01). In rat PTL, decidual macrophage numbers were also elevated (P < 0.01) and exceeded those of the myometrium (P < 0.05). These studies show for the first time that leucocytes infiltrate decidua during labor at term and preterm, supporting a role for leucocyte-derived inflammatory mediators in decidual activation. In the rat, this occurred prior to labor, suggesting it is an early event during parturition and thus a potential target for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hamilton
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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Tower CL, Lui S, Charlesworth NR, Smith SD, Aplin JD, Jones RL. Differential expression of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptors at the maternal–fetal interface: potential roles in early placental development. Reproduction 2010; 140:931-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is locally generated in the placenta and regulates syncytial transport, vascular contractility and trophoblast invasion. It acts through two receptor subtypes, AGTR1 and AGTR2 (AT1 and AT2), which typically mediate antagonising actions. The objectives of this study are to characterise the cellular distribution of AGTR1 and AGTR2 at the maternal–fetal interface and explore the effects on cytotrophoblast turnover. Low levels ofAGTR2mRNA were detected in first trimester placental homogenates using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against AGTR1 and AGTR2 detected the receptors in first trimester placenta, decidua basalis and villous tip outgrowths in culture. Serial staining with cytokeratin-7 was used to identify extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). AGTR1 was found in the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane, in a subpopulation of villous cytotrophoblasts, and in Hofbauer cells. AGTR1 was strongly upregulated in cytotrophoblasts in cell columns and villous tip outgrowths, but was absent in interstitial and endovascular EVTs within the decidua. AGTR2 immunostaining was present in Hofbauer cells and villous cytotrophoblasts, but was absent from syncytiotrophoblast. Faint staining was detected in cell column cytotrophoblasts and villous outgrowths, but not in EVTs within the decidua. Both receptors were detected in placental homogenates by western blotting. Ang II significantly increased proliferation of cytotrophoblasts in both villous explants and villous tip outgrowths, but did not affect apoptosis. Blockade of AGTR1 and AGTR2 together abrogated this effect. This study shows specific expression patterns for AGTR1 and AGTR2 in distinct trophoblast populations at the maternal–fetal interface and suggests that Ang II plays a role in placental development and generation of EVTs.
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Tower CL, Chappell SL, Morgan K, Kalsheker N, Baker PN, Morgan LJ. Transforming growth factor beta1 regulates angiotensin II type I receptor gene expression in the extravillous trophoblast cell line SGHPL-4. Mol Hum Reprod 2005; 11:847-52. [PMID: 16339777 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gah242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and Oncostatin M (OSM) control key pathways that may be important during placentation. Although interactions between them exist in other tissues, trophoblast cells have not been investigated. Extravillous trophoblast cells, SGHPL-4, were stimulated with 10 ng/ml TGFbeta1 +/- 100 ng/ml OSM for 24 h. Real-time PCR showed that AT1 expression increased 2.76-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1-6.74, P = 0.05] in response to TGFbeta1 and 4.21-fold (95% CI = 1.33-11.76, P = 0.03) with TGFbeta1 + OSM. Luciferase reporter gene constructs containing three haplotypes of the 59 flanking region of the AT1 receptor gene were transfected into SGHPL-4 and HepG2 cells and stimulated with 0.1, 1 and 10 ng/ml TGFbeta1 and 50 ng/ml OSM. Responses were dose and cell dependent. Luciferase activity increased in HepG2 cells in response to TGFbeta1 alone or together with OSM (P < 0.001); transcriptional activation differed between AT1 receptor gene haplotypes. In SGHPL-4 cells, luciferase activity was reduced on exposure to low concentrations of TGFbeta1 or high concentrations of TGFbeta1 combined with OSM (P = 0.003); the response was unaffected by haplotype. Interaction between AT1 and TGFbeta1 is a novel observation in trophoblast and suggests new avenues for the study of placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Tower
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Genetics, School of Molecular Medical Sciences, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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14
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Abstract
Previous reports have linked caesarean section with subsequent reduced fertility, increased rates of miscarriage/ectopic, time delay to next baby and lower fetal weight. However, most reports studied women delivering before 1980. The aim of this study was to assess whether these findings still apply. Five hundred and seventy-six primiparous women delivered by caesarean section during 1992-93 and 576 controls were identified and followed for five years. No difference was observed for the time (months) to next pregnancy/delivery, proportion suffering miscarriage or ectopic or the number of subsequent children (P > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U/chi-squared). Subgroup analysis by indication for caesarean section yielded similar results. Subsequent babies in the caesarean section group were statistically smaller and delivered earlier (median 3.4 kg/39 weeks, P <0.01, Mann-Whitney U) compared with the control group (median 3.5 kg/40 weeks). These differences are probably due to an increased rate of elective caesarean section in the caesarean section group. This study has largely refuted the findings of previous publications. Women delivered by caesarean section in the 1990s can be reassured that future fertility and miscarriage/ectopic risk will not be affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Tower
- School of Human Development, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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15
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the effect of intrauterine haematomas (IUH) discovered during early pregnancy ultrasound scanning in patients with recurrent miscarriage. Previous studies of IUHs have reported conflicting findings, and none studied women with recurrent miscarriage. METHODS A total of 341 women with a viable pregnancy was included. Women with an IUH (n = 41) were compared with those without (n = 300). RESULTS An IUH was identified by ultrasound in 12% (41/341) women. There were no differences in the number of live births between the two groups (25/41, 61% in the IUH group compared with 169/300, 56% without an IUH) or the number of miscarriages (6/41, 15% with an IUH compared with 72/300, 24% without an IUH). Anti-phospholipid antibodies were more common in the IUH group (21/31, 68% compared with 103/244, 42% P < 0.01). More women with haematomas experienced vaginal bleeding (16/31, 52% compared with 47/244, 19%, P < 0.01). These associations did not affect pregnancy outcome. Also, no increase in the rate of pregnancy complications was observed in the IUH group. CONCLUSIONS The presence of an IUH in this potentially high risk patient group does not have a deleterious effect on pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Tower
- Department of Reproductive Science and Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's Hospital, Mint Wing, South Wharf Road, London W2 INY, UK.
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