Article
Environmental Sciences
Ying Liao, Jiayuan Zhao, Shiqin Peng, Lei He, Yu Wang, Yang Li, Danwei Ma, Yanan Wang, Liang Sun, Hong Zheng, Wenke Yang, Fengyan Dai, Jiayuan Zhao
Summary: This study demonstrated the cytotoxicity of MeHg on HTR-8/SVneo cells, inducing apoptosis and impacting cell migration and invasion capabilities through increased oxidative stress and altered gene expression. The findings contribute to understanding the potential adverse effects and mechanisms of MeHg exposure during pregnancy.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michalina Bralewska, Tadeusz Pietrucha, Agata Sakowicz
Summary: Preeclampsia is a dangerous complication of pregnancy, with high risks of mortality and morbidity for both mother and fetus. The placenta, which produces hormones such as chromogranin A (CgA), is believed to play a central role in this condition. This study investigated the influence of the preeclamptic environment on CgA production in trophoblastic cell lines and tested the secretion of CgA-derived peptide catestatin (CST) as well as its correlation with apoptosis. The findings suggest that both CgA and CST may have roles in the complex pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laken Kruger, Samantha Lapehn, Alison Paquette, Dilip Kumar Singh, James MacDonald, Theo K. Bammler, Daniel A. Enquobahrie, Qi Zhao, Khyobeni Mozhui, Sheela Sathyanarayana, Bhagwat Prasad
Summary: The placenta is an important organ for maintaining pregnancy and supporting fetal development. Comparing proteomic data, it was found that BeWo and JEG-3 cells are closer to placental tissue in studying xenobiotic and steroid disposition.
DRUG METABOLISM AND DISPOSITION
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xiao Gu, Haixia Liu, Wei Luo, Xietong Wang, Hongying Wang, Lei Li
Summary: DEHP increases miR-155-5p levels in trophoblasts, which promotes lipid metabolism by inhibiting the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and leads to fetal malformations and abnormal placental histopathology.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Changqing Liu, Hongyun Li, Yufen Zhang, Huiqing Ding
Summary: This study found that linc00473 mediates the regulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway by miR-424-5p, affecting the invasion and migration ability of trophoblastic cell line HTR-8/SVneo. This indicates that linc00473 is involved in preeclampsia and could be a potential therapeutic target.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Dongcai Wu, Li Shi, Fangrong Chen, Qing Lin, Jiao Kong
Summary: MicroRNA-141-3p is upregulated in preeclampsia, and its promoter methylation levels and the expression of related genes were decreased in preeclamptic villus tissues compared to normal delivery. Treatment with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor caused hypomethylation and increased miR-141-3p expression in cells, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular functions. The study suggests that modification of the miR-141-3p promoter may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
CYTOGENETIC AND GENOME RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Developmental Biology
Neha Singh, Domdatt Singh, Deepak Modi
Summary: LIM homeodomain (LIM-HD) family genes, along with their co-regulators LIM only (LMO) and LIM domain-binding (LDB), play crucial roles in embryonic development and are associated with disorders of sex development.
SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Nupur Mukherjee, Richa Sharma, Deepak Modi
Summary: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) can be caused by uterine factors, male factors, or embryo factors. It is associated with disrupted endometrial receptivity, altered gene expression, immunologic disturbances, and epigenetic alterations. RIF is a heterogeneous condition with varied immune responses, and personalized therapies based on the patient's immune status are being tested.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Neha Singh, Domdatt Singh, Anshul Bhide, Richa Sharma, Sarthak Sahoo, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Deepak Modi
Summary: LIM-homeobox genes play important roles in gonad development, and this study found that Lhx2 inhibits vascularization in mouse ovaries, providing new insights into the regulation of vascularization by germ cells in developing gonads.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Henning Schneider, Christiane Albrecht, Mahmoud S. Ahmed, Michelle Broekhuizen, Leonie Aengenheister, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, A. H. Jan Danserf, Sophie Gil, Stefan R. Hansson, Rick Greupink, Rohan M. Lewis, Udo R. Markert, Line Mathiesen, Nicola Powles-Glover, Christian Wadsack, Paul Brownbill
Summary: The ex vivo dual perfusion model of the human placenta cotyledon has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of substance transfer and placental function. However, there is considerable variation in perfusion methodology between research centers, highlighting the need for standardization and harmonization to ensure consistent results and acceptance of the model by regulatory agencies.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Tina Gorsek Sparovec, Udo R. Markert, Philipp Reif, Wolfgang Schoell, Gerit Moser, Julia Feichtinger, Zala Nikita Mihalic, Julia Kargl, Caroline E. Gargett, Daniela Gold
Summary: This study investigated the effect of progesterone on the stemness of SUSD2+ eMSC isolated from non-pregnant uterine samples, and the role of these cells in decidualization during pregnancy. The results showed changes in gene expression profiles and reduced abundance of SUSD2+ eMSC during pregnancy, while their functional capacity remained intact.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Natalin J. Valeff, Maria S. Ventimiglia, Marcos Dibo, Udo R. Markert, Federico Jensen
Summary: B1 B cells, a distinct subpopulation of B cells, have been controversial in their role during pregnancy. This study revealed an expanded and proliferative splenic B1 B cell population in mice during pregnancy, accompanied by an immunoregulatory phenotype, suggesting their critical role in the intricate process of pregnancy tolerance.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Milena Zarkovic, Franziska Hufsky, Udo R. Markert, Manja Marz
Summary: Non-coding RNAs have a central and regulatory role in the placenta, especially microRNAs. Syncytiotrophoblast cells act as a communication interface between the fetus and the mother through the release of extracellular vesicles containing ncRNAs. Disorders of ncRNAs in placental tissue are associated with pregnancy disorders and have potential as diagnostic markers.
Article
Oncology
Neha Singh, Domdatt Singh, Anshul Bhide, Richa Sharma, Shilpa Bhowmick, Vainav Patel, Deepak Modi
Summary: In the gonads of mammalian XY embryos, the organization of cords is controlled by interactions of Sertoli cells, endothelial cells, and interstitial cells. However, this study shows that germ cells also play an active role in the organization of testicular tubules. The loss of Lhx2 in the germ cells affects the expression of genes in various cell types and leads to disrupted tubular organization.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Jayeeta Giri, Deepak Modi
Summary: The endometrium and placenta contain various types of stem cells that play crucial roles in endometrial remodeling, placental vasculogenesis, and pregnancy complications. Dysregulation of stem cell function is associated with preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This review provides current knowledge on different types of stem cells involved in pregnancy initiation and highlights their improper functionality in pathological pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose M. Murrieta-Coxca, Emanuel Barth, Paulina Fuentes-Zacarias, Ruby N. Gutierrez-Samudio, Tanja Groten, Alexandra Gellhaus, Angela Koeninger, Manja Marz, Udo R. Markert, Diana M. Morales-Prieto
Summary: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a group of pathological conditions characterized by abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterus wall, and it is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, altered miRNA expression, particularly in placenta-specific miRNA clusters, was identified in placenta accreta tissue compared to normal placental tissues. Dysregulated pathways associated with cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and invasion were also observed. The study provides miRNA:mRNA associations that could contribute to our understanding of PAS development.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
S. Loibl, H. A. Azim, T. Bachelot, P. Berveiller, A. Bosch, E. Cardonick, C. Denkert, M. J. Halaska, M. Hoeltzenbein, A. L. V. Johansson, C. Maggen, U. R. Markert, F. Peccatori, P. Poortmans, E. Saloustros, C. Saura, P. Schmid, E. Stamatakis, M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink, M. van Gerwen, V. Vandecaveye, G. Pentheroudakis, G. Curigliano, F. Amant
Summary: The management of breast cancer during pregnancy is a challenging area with limited evidence. In 2022, the European Society for Medical Oncology organized a virtual consensus-building process to address controversial issues and gain insights from experts in this field.
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Fernando Gomez-Chavez, Jose M. Murrieta-Goxes, Heriberto Caballero-Ortega, Diana M. Morales-Prieto, Udo R. Markert
Summary: Molecular communication between a pathogen and its host is crucial. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as mediators for the delivery of molecular signals. T. gondii infection during pregnancy can cause severe clinical complications. The role of EV signaling in this process remains unclear. This review summarizes the current knowledge on EV release from T. gondii and its human host cells regarding immunological consequences and placental passage.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Frantisek Staud, Xin Pan, Rona Karahoda, Xiaojing Dong, Petr Kastner, Hana Horackova, Veronika Vachalova, Udo R. Markert, Cilia Abad
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of the placenta in regulating serotonin (5-HT) levels, including the clearance of 5-HT from the fetal circulation, its metabolism to 5-HIAA, and the subsequent excretion into the maternal circulation. This synchronized mechanism is critical for regulating 5-HT in the fetoplacental unit and can be compromised by external insults such as antidepressant drugs.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elizabeth Soczewski, Jose Martin Murrieta-Coxca, Lucas Miranda, Paulina Fuentes-Zacarias, Ruby Gutierrez-Samudio, Esteban Grasso, Marcelo Marti, Claudia Perez Leiros, Diana Morales-Prieto, Udo R. Markert, Rosanna Ramhorst
Summary: The study reveals the role of miRNAs in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response in decidualized cells and endometrium associated with reproductive failures. The findings highlight the potential involvement of miR-17-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-193b-3p in the regulation of ERS/UPR pathways and inflammation during embryo implantation. The expression of these miRNAs differs in stromal cells from patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure, suggesting alterations in the regulation of ERS/UPR pathways.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Review
Reproductive Biology
Noble K. Kurian, Deepak Modi
Summary: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a pathogenic bacteria that can cause premature delivery when infecting the reproductive tract during pregnancy. GBS infection is one of the major causes of maternal and infant mortality during pregnancy, and it is prevalent worldwide. Therefore, research on GBS is very important, and many mechanisms behind GBS infection during pregnancy still remain unexplored. This review summarizes the contributions of various animal models in revealing the mechanism of GBS pathogenesis, as well as compiling various virulence factors that make GBS pathogenic in vulnerable populations. Understanding the mechanisms of GBS infection will be crucial in developing drugs and vaccines to protect against the harmful effects of the bacteria.
REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY
(2022)