Decidua Tissues Research Articles

Gene expression profiles in placenta and their association with anesthesia, delivery mode and maternal diabetes

IntroductionFetal development is dependent on placenta and affected by multiple factors including maternal diabetes. Here we aimed to identify maternal diabetes-associated changes in placentas and analyzed placental gene expression to understand its modulation by maternal diabetes and birth mode. MethodsPlacental RNAseq transcriptome analyses were performed on maternally-derived decidua and fetal-derived villous tissue from pregnancies of mothers with type 1 diabetes (n = 14), gestational diabetes (n = 6) and without diabetes (n = 14). Information on delivery mode and anesthesia were included as covariables. Analyses were performed separately for decidua and fetal tissues and adjusted for sex. ResultsSubstantial placenta gene expression variation was associated with factors other than maternal diabetes, including site, sex, anesthesia type and delivery mode. Two dominant gene expression clusters aligned to anesthesia and delivery mode were observed for decidua and villous tissue. Upregulation of genes within pathways related to organ morphogenesis and downregulation of immune response to steroid- and hypoxia pathway genes was characteristic of placentas from primary cesarean section deliveries with spinal anesthesia. Opposite profiles were observed for placentas from secondary cesarean and epidural anesthesia deliveries. Placentas from vaginal delivery had intermediate gene expression profiles. More subtle changes were associated with maternal diabetes: upregulation of ribosome activity, down-regulation of maternally-derived decidua chemokine signaling pathways and for gestational diabetes, alteration in hypoxia response genes. DiscussionThe findings reveal suppression of immune pathways and upregulation of ribosome activity in the placenta by maternal diabetes highlighting the importance of confounding factors when examining cell and tissue expression profiles. Further studies should determine whether the observed gene expression differences are related to underlying causes for cesarean section deliveries.

High expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 at the mother-fetus interface of preeclampsia inhibits trophoblast invasion and migration

IntroductionPreeclampsia is associated with maternal inflammatory overreaction and imbalanced immunity at the mother-fetus interface. The pro-inflammatory chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) is recently recognized apart from imbalanced immunity. In this study, CX3CL1- CX3C chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1) regulation of decidual macrophage function and trophoblast invasion ability in preeclampsia was initially explored. MethodsThe study comprised 60 women allocated to NP group (normotensive pregnant woman, n = 30) and sPE group (woman with severe preeclampsia, n = 30). After the delivery, the expression of CX3CL1 in placental tissues of the two groups was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. The protein level of CX3CL1 in placental tissue and CX3CR1 in decidua tissue was detected by Western Blot and the localization of CX3CR1 expression in decidua was detected by immunofluorescence. Macrophages were polarized into classically activated (M1) macrophages. M1 were treat with PBS (control group), recombinant human CX3CL1 (CX3CL1 group), recombinant human CX3CL1+ selective CX3CR1 antagonist-JMS-17-2 (CX3CL1+anti-CX3CR1 group) and recombinant human CX3CL1 + selective CX3CR1 antagonist-JMS-17-2 + VS-6063 (CX3CL1+anti-CX3CR1+ FAK inhibitor group). M1 and HTR8/SVneo cells were co-cultured as described previously to assess invasion and migration capacity by transwell assays and Wound-healing assay. ResultsIn this study, CX3CL1 expression is high in the placental tissues of severe preeclampsia (sPE) patients than in normotensive pregnancies (NP). CX3CR1 expression is high in the decidual tissues of severe preeclampsia patients and mainly expressed in macrophages of decidual tissues. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 decreased VEGF expression in M1 macrophages and reduced the invasion and migration function of HTR-8/SVneo through the FAK signaling pathway. DiscussionThese findings revealed that CX3CL1-CX3CR1 regulate the trophoblast function by FAK and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

IL-32 regulates trophoblast invasion through miR-205-NFκB-MMP2/9 axis contributing to the pregnancy-induced hypertension†.

Interleukin-32 is a species-specific cytokine that plays an important role in inflammation, cancer, and other diseases; however, its role in reproductive and pregnancy-related diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of interleukin-32 in reproductive and pregnancy-related diseases. Placental tissues from patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, healthy pregnant women, and trophoblast lines were analysed. Interleukin-32 expression was quantified via polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, and functional assays were performed after interleukin-32 modulation. Interleukin-32 was identified only in placental mammals, such as Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Chiroptera, Dermoptera, Lagomorpha, Perissodactyla, and Primates via bioinformatics. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction revealed that interleukin-32 was highly expressed in human placental villi, poorly expressed in decidua and endometrial tissues, and was not detected in mouse tissues. Second, interleukin-32 upregulates miR-205 expression by increasing DROSHA expression, and miR-205 promotes interleukin-32 expression by targeting its promoter region. Interleukin-32 and miR-205 significantly enhanced the invasion ability of HTR8/SVneo cells (a trophoblast cell line) and the tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, the interleukin-32/miR-205 loop increased MMP2 and MMP9 expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells via the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Finally, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, interleukin-32 and miR-205 expression levels were significantly lower in the placentas of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension than in women with normal pregnancies. In conclusion, interleukin-32 regulates trophoblast invasion through the miR-205-nuclear factor kappa B-MMP2/9 pathway, which is involved in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

P-411 CD55 deficiency hinders decidualization in unexplained early miscarriage through the Src/ERK signaling pathway

Abstract Study question What is the role of CD55 in the process of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) decidualization in unexplained early miscarriage? Summary answer CD55, responsive to cAMP signaling, is deficient in decidua of patients with unexplained early miscarriage, which hinders decidualization in vitro through perturbing Src/ERK signaling pathway. What is known already Decidualization is a process where HESCs differentiate into decidual stromal cells and present morphological changes and acquisition of secretory function, which is essential for embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy while abnormal decidualization contributed to several pregnancy disorders like a miscarriage. Reprogramming of several signaling pathways and transcription factors are involved in this process and cAMP is a critical mediator. Our previous bioinformatic analysis revealed that CD55 was upregulated over five times in the window of implantation, responding to estrogen and progesterone. We speculated that CD55, regulated by cAMP signaling pathway, might play an important role in decidualization. Study design, size, duration Decidua tissues were collected from 8 patients with unexplained early miscarriage and 10 control women with normal early pregnancy undergoing artificial abortion between June 2020 and September 2020. Immortalized HESCs line T-hESCs (ATCC CRL-4003) were cultured for up to 6 days to establish in-vitro decidualization model. Each experiment was conducted in triplicate and replicated at least three times independently. Participants/materials, setting, methods CD55 expression in control and miscarriage decidua was compared by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. T-hESCs were induced into decidualization by medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and 8-Br-cAMP, with prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) as decidualization biomarkers. The changes of genes and signaling pathways were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot during decidualization after CD55 knockdown by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference. Signaling pathway disruptors were added to verify the involvement of signaling pathways. Main results and the role of chance The decidua of women with unexplained early miscarriage exhibited decreased expression of CD55, accompanied by a compromised level of decidualization. During in-vitro decidualization, CD55 was significantly upregulated by cAMP in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which was attenuated by a PKA inhibitor H89. Knocking down CD55 expression diminished the expression of decidualization markers PRL and IGFBP1 through inhibition of Src, aberrant activation of ERK and frustrated expression of decidualization-related genes like FOXO1, EGFR, and STAT3. Limitations, reasons for caution The mechanisms revealed in this study were based on in-vitro cell models. It is necessary to verify the significance of CD55 in decidualization with in-vivo models to directly explain the link between CD55, decidualization, and pregnancy loss. Wider implications of the findings CD55 deficiency hinders decidualization through perturbing Src/ERK signaling pathway and expression of decidualization-related genes, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of spontaneous miscarriage. Progestin supplementation or other factors stimulating cAMP accumulation can restore CD55 expression and improve decidualization, providing a basis for the therapy of spontaneous miscarriage. Trial registration number not applicable

Comparative proteomics analysis of decidua reveals altered RNA processing and impaired ribosome function in recurrent pregnancy loss

IntroductionFactors contributing to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in more than half of the cases are still unknown. The incidence and societal impact of this condition requires urgent elucidation of the mechanisms behind it, which could aid in significant improvement of clinical management. Materials and methodsUsing a highly efficient in-solution digestion method and label-free data-independent LC-MS/MS acquisition with ion mobility, we performed comparative proteomics analysis of the decidua tissues from 19 RPL patients and 10 controls. Differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were compared and correlated with 3 publicly available transcriptomic datasets and the expression of selected biomarkers was tested by qPCR in decidua and chorionic villi from an extended cohort. ResultsFrom 1952 proteins identified based on ≥2 peptides, the statistically significant difference in abundance (Anova p ≤ 0.05) and fold change ≥1.2 showed 85 proteins. Pathway analysis using Reactome, KEGG and Wiki pathways identified enrichment of “Signaling by ROBO receptors”, “RNA degradation” and “Cytoplasmic Ribosomal Proteins”. The correlation between protein and gene expression in decidua revealed that the down-regulated ribosomal proteins in our dataset (RPS15, RPS17, RPL27A, RPL35A and RPL18) showed the same regulation trend at the mRNA level, which was later confirmed for transcripts of RPS15 and RPL18 in our cohort. DiscussionOur data suggests that the potential causes of RPL from the maternal side could be associated with impaired RNA processing machinery. Furthermore, the list of DAPs in RPL opens future investigations in terms of screening novel gene variants predisposing to pregnancy failure and developing biomarkers for RPL risk.

Alpha-lipoic acid upregulates the PPARγ/NRF2/GPX4 signal pathway to inhibit ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

With unknown etiology and limited treatment options, unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) remains a thorny problem. Ferroptosis, a newly identified type of cell death, has been shown to be crucial in the development in reproductive disorders. This study aims to explore the specific mechanism of ferroptosis in URPL and to uncover whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can inhibit ferroptosis, and then exert a protective effect in URPL. The decidua tissues of URPL and control patients who actively terminated pregnancy were collected. The CBA/J × DBA/2 murine models of URPL were established, and were randomly treated with peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists (Rosiglitazone) and ALA. The CBA/J × BALB/c murine models of normal pregnancy were intraperitoneally injected with PPARγ inhibitors (T0070907). Here, we used reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH)/GSSG, and FeRhoNox-1 analysis to detect the level of ferroptosis. We used quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis to evaluate the mRNA level of PPARγ. Besides, western blot and immunofluorescence were utilized to test the expression profile of PPARγ/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). In this study, we found that iron deposition was increased in the decidual tissue of patients with URPL. Additionally, the changes in cell morphology, the level of ROS, MDA, GSH, and the expression of ferroptosis marker proteins NRF2/GPX4 confirmed activated ferroptosis in URPL. Besides, bioinformatics analysis combined with experiments confirmed that PPARγ was critical in triggering NRF2/GPX4 pathway in URPL. Furthermore, URPL mouse models were established, and the results showed that PPARγ/NRF2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis was also significantly increased, which could be mitigated by ALA treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that ferroptosis may play an important role in URPL, and ALA might be a promising therapeutic drug for improving pregnancy outcomes in URPL via targeting the PPARγ/NRF2/GPX4 pathway.

The improvement of inflammatory infiltration and pregnancy outcome in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion by human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion is thought to be mostly triggered by immune-related causes. Mesenchymal stem cells, which exhibit the traits of multi-directional differentiation capacity and low immunogenicity, have recently been recommended as a viable treatment for spontaneous abortion-prone mice to increase the success of pregnancy. Amniotic membrane tissue is a byproduct of pregnancy and delivery that has a wide range of potential uses due to its easy access to raw materials and little ethical constraints. To construct an abortion-prone mouse model for this investigation, CBA/J female mice were coupled with male DBA/2 mice, while CBA/J female mice were paired with male BALB/c mice as a control. The identical volume of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells or phosphate buffer was injected intraperitoneally on the 4.5th day of pregnancy. CBA/J female mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on the 13.5th day of pregnancy, the embryo absorption rate was calculated, and the uterus, decidua tissues and placenta were gathered for examination. Through detection, it was discovered that human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells significantly increased the expression of interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor beta, while they significantly decreased the expression of interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 6, improved vascular formation and angiogenesis, and minimized the embryo absorption rate and inflammatory cell infiltration in the recurrent spontaneous abortion + human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells group. In any case, human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells regulate inflammatory factors and cell balance at the maternal-fetal interface, which result in a reduction in the rate of embryo absorption and inflammatory infiltration and provide an innovative perspective to the clinical therapy of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Primary cilia abnormalities participate in the occurrence of spontaneous abortion through TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.

Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication in early pregnancy, the exact etiology of most cases cannot be determined. Emerging studies suggest that mutations in ciliary genes may be associated with progression of pregnancy loss. However, the involvement of primary cilia on spontaneous abortion and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains poorly understood. We observed the number and length of primary cilia were significantly decreased in decidua of spontaneous abortion in human and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced abortion mice model, accompanied with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The length of primary cilia in human endometrial stromal cell (hESC) was significantly shortened after TNF-α treatment. Knocking down intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88), involved in cilia formation and maintenance, promoted the expression of TNF-α. There was a reverse regulatory relationship between cilia shortening and TNF-α expression. Further research found that shortened cilia impair decidualization in hESC through transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/SMAD2/3 signaling. Primary cilia were impaired in decidua tissue of spontaneous abortion, which might be mainly caused by inflammatory injury. Primary cilia abnormalities resulted in dysregulation of TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling transduction and decidualization impairment, which led to spontaneous abortion.

Possible contributions of fibrogenesis to recurrent miscarriages – A transcriptome analysis

Recurrent miscarriages (RM) generally refer to two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. The risk of miscarriages grows with its frequency of occurrences, so as the future obstetric complications or longer-term health problems for patients. Most previous researches sought to discover the etiology of RM by making comparisons between patients with RM and fertile women. Our study collected decidua tissues from patients with RM and single miscarriage (SM) for transcriptome sequencing analysis and aimed at identifying vital factors contributing to additional miscarriages after previous miscarriage. Between the RM and SM group, a total of 122 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected and pathways associated with cell adhesion and ECM remodeling were particularly enriched in the RM group, which indicated abnormally activated fibrogenesis process. Particularly, the enhancement of ITGB6, EGFLAM and COL3A1 in the RM group were validated by RT-qPCR. Our study discovered that fibrogenesis, which might be caused by intrauterine manipulation, could lead to recurrent miscarriages after a previous miscarriage. Therefore, we encourage higher attention to thorough prevention and prompt remedies towards fibrotic disorders related diseases.

Trophoblast-derived miR-410-5p induces M2 macrophage polarization and mediates immunotolerance at the fetal-maternal interface by targeting the STAT1 signaling pathway

BackgroundMacrophages phenotypic deviation and immune imbalance play vital roles in pregnancy-associated diseases such as spontaneous miscarriage. Trophoblasts regulate phenotypic changes in macrophages, however, their underlying mechanism during pregnancy remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the potential function of trophoblast-derived miRNAs (miR-410-5p) in macrophage polarization during pregnancy.MethodsPatient decidual macrophage tissue samples in spontaneous abortion group and normal pregnancy group (those who had induced abortion for non-medical reasons) were collected at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from April to December 2021. Furthermore, placental villi and decidua tissue samples were collected from patients who had experienced a spontaneous miscarriage and normal pregnant women for validation and subsequent experiments at the Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), from March 2021 to September 2022. As an animal model, 36 female mice were randomly divided into six groups as follows: naive-control, lipopolysaccharide-model, agomir-negative control prevention, agomir-410-5p prevention, agomir-negative control treatment, and agomir-410-5p treatment groups. We analyzed the miR-410-5p expression in abortion tissue and plasma samples; and supplemented miR-410-5p to evaluate embryonic absorption in vivo. The main source of miR-410-5p at the maternal–fetal interface was analyzed, and the possible target gene, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1, of miR-410-5p was predicted. The effect of miR-410-5p and STAT1 regulation on macrophage phenotype, oxidative metabolism, and mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed in vitro.ResultsMiR-410-5p levels were lower in the spontaneous abortion group compared with the normal pregnancy group, and plasma miR-410-5p levels could predict pregnancy and spontaneous abortion. Prophylactic supplementation of miR-410-5p in pregnant mice reduced lipopolysaccharide-mediated embryonic absorption and downregulated the decidual macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype. MiR-410-5p were mainly distributed in villi, and trophoblasts secreted exosomes-miR-410-5p at the maternal–fetal interface. After macrophages captured exosomes, the cells shifted to the tolerance phenotype. STAT1 was a potential target gene of miR-410-5p. MiR-410-5p bound to STAT1 mRNA, and inhibited the expression of STAT1 protein. STAT1 can drive macrophages to mature to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. MiR-410-5p competitive silencing of STAT1 can avoid macrophage immune disorders.ConclusionMiR-410-5p promotes M2 macrophage polarization by inhibiting STAT1, thus ensuring a healthy pregnancy. These findings are of great significance for diagnosing and preventing spontaneous miscarriage, providing a new perspective for further research in this field.

Role of Immune Inflammation in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions.

This study aimed to investigate the role of immune inflammation in recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). In this study, decidua tissues from 12 patients were collected. These included six individuals with RSA in the RSA group and six in the control group. The differences in gene and metabolite expression in the decidua of the placenta between normal pregnancies and patients with RSA were compared using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The differentially expressed genes and metabolites were further analyzed through functional enrichment analysis using high-throughput sequencing technology. There was a significant upregulation of genes associated with immunity and inflammation in the RSA group compared to the control group. The TNF signaling pathway was upregulated in the RSA group. Inflammatory mediators were expressed at higher levels in the RSA group, and arachidonic acid metabolism was the most significant differential metabolite set. The regulation of inflammatory mediators of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels were enriched in RSA cases. The integrated analysis of the data further suggests that the immune-inflammatory response might be an important factor in RSA. The expression levels of genes related to inflammation and hypoxia in tissues from patients with RSA were verified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and this revealed that the expression of MARK10 and TNFAIP3 genes was significantly upregulated in samples from RSA patients compared to normal tissues. The findings suggest a strong association between immune-related inflammation and RSA. Addressing metabolic and inflammatory aspects in patients with RSA may potentially help enhance pregnancy outcomes.

The regulation of tolerogenic dendritic cells by a Chinese herb formula improves abortion prone in mice.

Abortion prone (AP) is a common clinical event. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. Traditional Chinese formulas are known to be efficient in the management of abortion. The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Anzitiaochongtang (AZT), a traditional formulation of Chinese medicine, on improving AP in mice by regulating immune tolerance. An established abortion model (CBA/J×DBA/2) was employed. AZT was prepared and administered to mice in a manner consistent with clinical practice. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDC) and type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cell) in mice were analyzed by immunological approaches to be used as representative immune tolerant parameters. An AP model was established with CBA/J×DBA/2 mice. The expression of IL-10 in tDC and Tr1 cell frequency in the mouse decidua tissues were lower in the AP group than that in the normal pregnancy (NP) group. Administration of AZT up regulated the expression of IL-10 in tDCs and Tr1 cell generation in the decidua tissues, and improved the pregnancy and tissue structure in AP mice. The main mechanism by which AZT improves pregnancy in AP mice is that AZT enhanced the expression of galectin-9 in the epithelial cells of decidua tissues. Galectin 9 activates TIM3 on DCs to promote the IL-10 expression. The DCs induced more Tr1 cells in the decidua tissues. Dysfunctional tDCs were detected in the AP decidua tissues. Administration of AZT improved pregnancy in AP mice by regulating tDC function and generation of Tr1 cells in the maternal-fetal interface.

Effect of labor pain on placental gene expressions

A close relationship between labor and the placenta is known. The study of gene expression profiles describing the effects of labor on placental tissue has accelerated in recent years. This study aims to compare the expression levels of GDF15, ADM, SERPINE1, NOS3, IL 6, TNF-α genes in placental tissues discarded after vaginal deliveries with labor pain and elective cesarean deliveries before the onset of labor pain. For this purpose, placental tissues of vaginal deliveries with labor pain (n=9) and elective cesarean deliveries without labor pain (n=9) were collected immediately after births. RNA extracted from tissues (umblical cords and deciduas). Gene expression analyzes were performed by Real-time PCR method. TNF-α gene expression levels in decidua and umblical cord tissues in vaginal deliveries with labor pain were higher than in elective cesareans without labor pain, and NOS3, ADM, SERPINE1 gene expression levels were low. GDF15 and IL-6 gene expression levels were high in the umblical cord tissues and were low in the decidua in vaginal deliveries with labor pain compared to elective cesareans without labor pain. The high level of GDF15 gene expression in the vaginal deliveries with labor pain umblical cord tissues was significant (p<0.05). Changes in gene expression between different types of birth may help us to understand how labor pain affects gene expression levels. These results suggest that labor pain affects different tissues in different ways. The “birth experience” of a placenta that has experienced pain stress is absolutely different to others process. Since birth pain is a natural stress, it can be a light in determining the effects of the differences in cesarean section on the baby and the mother. Gene expression alterations may cause labor starting and progressing, or just be an result of labor.

The relationship between obesity-related H19DMR methylation and H19 and IGF2 gene expression on offspring growth and body composition.

Imprinted genes are important for the offspring development. To assess the relationship between obesity-related H19DMR methylation and H19 and IGF2 gene expression and offspring growth and body composition. Thirty-nine overweight/obese and 25 normal weight pregnant women were selected from the "Araraquara Cohort Study" according to their pre-pregnancy BMI. Fetal growth and body composition and newborn growth were assessed, respectively, by ultrasound and anthropometry. The methylation of H19DMR in maternal blood, cord blood, maternal decidua and placental villi tissues was evaluated by methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease qPCR, and H19 and IGF2 expression by relative real-time PCR quantification. Multiple linear regression models explored the associations of DNA methylation and gene expression with maternal, fetal, and newborn parameters. H19DMR was less methylated in maternal blood of the overweight/obese group. There were associations of H19DMR methylation in cord blood with centiles of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and newborn head circumference (HC); H19DMR methylation in maternal decidua with fetal occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), HC, and length; H19DMR methylation in placental villi with fetal OFD, HC and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and with newborn HC. H19 expression in maternal decidua was associated with fetal BPD and femur length centiles and in placental villi with fetal OFD and subcutaneous arm fat. IGF2 expression in maternal decidua was associated with fetal BPD and in placental villi with fetal OFD. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate associations of imprinted genes variations at the maternal-fetal interface of the placenta and in cord blood with fetal body composition, supporting the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in offspring growth and body composition.

Progesterone modulates extracellular heat-shock proteins and interlukin-1β in human choriodecidual after Escherichia coli infection

IntroductionChorioamnionitis is an adverse condition in human pregnancy caused by many bacterial pathogens including Escherichia coli (E. coli); which has been associated with higher risk of preterm birth. We recently reported that human maternal decidua (MDec) tissue responds to E. coli infection by secreting extracellular heat-shock proteins (eHsp)-60, −70 and interlukin-1β (IL-1β). Previous studies have shown that progesterone (P4) regulates the immune response, but it is unknown whether P4 inhibits the secretion of eHsp. The aim of this investigation was to determine the role of P4 on the secretion of eHsp-27, -60, −70 and IL-1β in MDec after 3, 6, and 24 h of E. coli infection. MethodsNine human feto-maternal interface (HFMi) tissues were included and mounted in the Transwell culture system. Only the maternal decidua (MDec) was stimulated for 3, 6 and 24 h with E. coli alone or in combination with progesterone and RU486. After each treatment, the HFMi tissue was recovered to determine histological changes and the culture medium recovered to evaluate the levels of eHsp-27, -60, −70 and IL-1β by ELISA and mRNA expression by RT-PCR. ResultsNo structural changes were observed in the HFMi tissue treated with P4 and RU486. However, stimulation with E. coli produces diffuse inflammation and ischemic necrosis. E. coli induced infection decreases, in time- and dose-dependent manner, eHsp-27 and increases eHsp-60, eHsp-70 and IL-1β levels. In contrast, incubation of HFMi tissue with E. coli + P4 reversed eHsp and IL-1β secretion levels relative to E. coli stimulation group but not relative to the control group. The same profile was observed on the expression of eHsp-27 and eHsp-60. Discussionwe found that progesterone modulates the anti-inflammatory (eHsp-27) and pro-inflammatory (eHsp-60 and eHsp-70) levels of eHsp induced by E. coli infection in human choriodecidual tissue. eHsp-60 and eHsp-70 levels were not completely reversed; maintaining the secretion of IL-1β, which has been associated with adverse events during pregnancy.

Genetic and Functional Characterization of Congenital HCMV Clinical Strains in Ex Vivo First Trimester Placental Model.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading cause of congenital viral infection, leading to a variety of symptoms in the unborn child that range from asymptomatic to death in utero. Our objective was to better understand the mechanisms of placental infection by HCMV clinical strains, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy. We thus characterized and compared the replication kinetics of various HCMV clinical strains and laboratory strains by measuring viral loads in an ex vivo model of first trimester villi and decidua, and used NGS and PCA analysis to analyze the genes involved in cell tropism and virulence factors. We observed that first trimester villi and decidua are similarly permissive to laboratory and symptomatic strains, and that asymptomatic strains poorly replicate in decidua tissue. PCA analysis allowed us to segregate our clinical strains based on their clinical characteristics, suggesting a link between gene mutations and symptoms. All these results bring forth elements that can help better understand the mechanisms that induce the appearance of symptoms or in the congenitally infected newborn.

Human Decidual CD1a+ Dendritic Cells Undergo Functional Maturation Program Mediated by Gp96.

Heat shock proteins (hsps), in certain circumstances, could shape unique features of decidual dendritic cells (DCs) that play a key role in inducing immunity as well as maintaining tolerance. The aim of the study was to assess the binding of gp96 to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD91 receptors on decidual CD1a+ DCs present at the maternal-fetal interface in vitro as well as the influence of CD1a+ DCs maturation status. Immunohistology and immunofluorescence of paraffin-embedded first-trimester decidua tissue sections of normal and pathological (missed abortion MA and blighted ovum BO) pregnancies were performed together with flow cytometry detection of antigens in CD1a+ DCs after gp96 stimulation of decidual mononuclear cells. Gp96 efficiently bound CD91 and TLR4 receptors on decidual CD1a+ DCs in a dose-dependent manner and increased the expression of CD83 and HLA-DR. The highest concentration of gp96 (1000 ng/mL) increased the percentage of Interferon-γ (INF-γ) and IL-15 expressing gp96+ cells. Gp96 binds CD91 and TLR4 on decidual CD1a+ DCs, which causes their maturation and significantly increases INF-γ and IL-15 in the context of Th1 cytokine/chemokine domination, which could support immune response harmful for ongoing pregnancy.

Effect of baotaiyin on IL-23 /Th17 immune inflammatory axis in mouse model of spontaneous abortion.

The mechanism for traditional Chinese medicine in treating of recurrent spontaneous abortion is not clear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of baotaiyin in the treatment of recurrent abortion by regulating the immune inflammatory axis of interleukin (IL)-23/helper T cell (Th)17. Spontaneous abortion model mice were randomly divided into a model group, 3 dose (low, medium, and high) groups of baotaiyin, with 10 mice in each group. After 14 days of medication, the levels of IL-17, IL-23, IL-10, and TGF-β in serum were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proportion of Th17 and regulatory T cells (Treg) cells in spleen lymphocytes was tested with flow cytometry. The expressions of (retinoid-related orphan receptor γt, ROR-γt) and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA in decidua tissues was detected with RT-PCR. Embryo absorption rate was counted. Compared with the model group, the absorption rate of embryo and Th17/Treg cell ratio in baotaiyin medium- and high-dose groups were decreased significantly (all P<0.05); the levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in serum were decreased (both P<0.05), while the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in baotaiyin medium- and high-dose groups were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively); the expression of ROR-γt mRNA was decreased and the expression of FOXP3 mRNA was increased (all P<0.01) in decidua tissues of baotaiyin medium- and high-dose groups. Baotaiyin inhibits the positive feedback cycle of IL-23/Th17 immune inflammatory axis, which regulates Th17/Treg cell balance, mediates the maternal and fetal immune tolerance, and prevents the recurrent abortion.

TNFα/TNFR1 signal induces excessive senescence of decidua stromal cells in recurrent pregnancy loss

Defects in decidual response are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes which includes recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). It is reported that cellular senescence happens during decidualization and pro-senescent decidual response in the luteal phase endometrium is related to RPL. However, the underlying mechanisms of how excessive decidual senescence takes place in RPL decidua cells remain largely unexplored. The senescent phenotype of RPL decidua and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1) expression were analyzed by using our previously published single-cell sequencing dataset of decidua cells from 6 RPL and 5 matched normal decidua, which were further verified by PCR and WB in decidual tissues. Effects of TNFα on the decidual stromal cells (DSCs) senescence and underlying molecular pathways were analyzed using the in vitro decidualization model of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). We showed that decidual stroma cells from RPL patients exhibited transcriptomic features of cellular senescence by analysis of single-cell datasets. The TNFα level and TNFR1 expression were increased in RPL decidua tissues. Furthermore, in vitro cell model demonstrated that increased TNFα induced excessive senescence during decidualization and TNFR1/p53/p16 pathway mediates TNFα-induced stromal senescence. In addition, we also found that the expression of IGFBP1 was regulated by TNFα-TNFR1 interaction during decidualization. Taken together, the present findings suggest that the increased secretion of TNFα induced stromal cell excessive senescence in RPL decidua, which is mediated via TNFR1, and thus provide a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of RPL.

Identification and validation of a signature based on macrophage cell marker genes to predict recurrent miscarriage by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing.

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a chronic, heterogeneous autoimmune disease that has serious social and personal consequences. No valid and reliable diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for RM have been identified. Macrophages impact the innate immune system and can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for many diseases. We first collected 16 decidua and villi tissue samples from 5 normal patients and 3 RM patients for single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis and identified 1293 macrophage marker genes. We then screened a recurrent miscarriage cohort (GSE165004) for 186 macrophage-associated marker genes that were significantly differentially expressed between RM patients and the normal pregnancy endometrial tissues, and performed a functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. We then identified seven core genes (ACTR2, CD2AP, MBNL2, NCSTN, PUM1, RPN2, and TBC1D12) from the above differentially expressed gene group that are closely related to RM using the LASSO, Random Forest and SVM-RFE algorithms. We also used GSE26787 and our own collection of clinical specimens to further evaluate the diagnostic value of the target genes. A nomogram was constructed of the expression levels of these seven target genes to predict RM, and the ROC and calibration curves showed that our nomogram had a high diagnostic value for RM. These results suggest that ACTR2 and NCSTN may be potential targets for preventative RM treatments.