Review
Reproductive Biology
Xuejing Pei, Jiahui Zhu, Yuchen Wang, Fali Zhang, Yufeng He, Yuchun Li, Yunlong Si
Summary: Placental galectins are a unique family of proteins that play important roles in placental tissue and have received significant attention due to their distinctive structural features and loss of lactose binding ability. Understanding the functions of placental galectins may contribute to the discovery of new mechanisms causing pregnancy diseases and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Orsolya Oravecz, Roberto Romero, Eszter Toth, Judit Kapitany, Mate Posta, Dahiana M. Gallo, Simona W. Rossi, Adi L. Tarca, Offer Erez, Zoltan Papp, Janos Matko, Nandor Gabor Than, Andrea Balogh
Summary: Galectin-13 and galectin-14 play important immunoregulatory roles during pregnancy by inducing apoptosis of immune cells and promoting cytokine production. These findings provide further understanding of the mechanisms underlying placental immune regulation during a healthy pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ellen Menkhorst, Nandor Gabor Than, Udo Jeschke, Gabriela Barrientos, Laszlo Szereday, Gabriela Dveksler, Sandra M. Blois
Summary: Lectin-glycan interactions, particularly those mediated by the galectin family, play crucial roles in regulating processes necessary for a successful pregnancy. Galectins specifically bind to intracellular and membrane bound carbohydrate ligands, influencing angiogenesis, immune-cell adaptations, and embryogenesis. They contribute to fetal development and placental health, with implications for pathological conditions like preeclampsia.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bai-Mei Zhuang, Dan-Dan Cao, Tian-Xi Li, Xiao-Feng Liu, Min-Min Lyu, Si-Dong Wang, Xin-Yuan Cui, Li Wang, Xiao-Lin Chen, Xiao-Li Lin, Cheuk-Lun Lee, Philip C. N. Chiu, William S. B. Yeung, Yuan-Qing Yao
Summary: Our study provides a single-cell atlas for trophoblast organoids (TOs) and explores their applications in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation and communication with decidual natural killer (dNK) cells. We identified multiple distinct trophoblast states and dNK subpopulations, and found a close resemblance between TO/EVT-TO and human placenta. Transcription factors were found to be essential for controlling EVT differentiation, and ligand-receptor complexes related to cytokines, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis were predicted in dNK-EVT-TO co-cultures. Furthermore, we found that dNK cells can exert effects on EVT causing functionally important expression changes.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mirjana Nacka-Aleksic, Andrea Pirkovic, Aleksandra Vilotic, Zanka Bojic-Trbojevic, Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca, Francesca Giampieri, Maurizio Battino, Dragana Dekanski
Summary: This narrative review focuses on the role of polyphenols in both healthy and pathological pregnancy, including early-pregnancy events and common pregnancy-associated pathological conditions. It also discusses the potential risk of polyphenol consumption on pregnancy outcomes and emphasizes the need for further research.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marc-Michel Wilson, David C. Henshall, Susan M. Byrne, Gary P. Brennan
Summary: Epileptic encephalopathies are severe epilepsy syndromes caused by de novo mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 2 (CHD2) gene. Dysregulation of CHD2 leads to early onset epileptic encephalopathy, abnormal brain function, and intellectual disability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca, Aleksandra Vilotic, Ivana Stefanoska, Zanka Bojic-Trbojevic, Ljiljana Vicovac
Summary: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a versatile cytokine that plays an important role in early pregnancy events and is associated with several placental pathological conditions, including infection, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and choriocarcinoma.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin H. Mayo
Summary: Extra- and intra-cellular activity occurs under the direction of inter-molecular interactions. Galectins and chemokines are small protein effector molecules that mediate various cellular functions. Previous research has neglected the importance of their interactions in the same cellular environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Chen, Jia-Lu Shi, Zi-Meng Zheng, Zhi Lin, Ming-Qing Li, Jun Shao
Summary: Galectins play important regulatory roles in pregnancy, participating in processes such as maternal-fetal immune tolerance, placental development, and embryo implantation. Dysregulation of galectins is associated with pregnancy-related diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Pirkovic, Aleksandra Vilotic, Suncica Borozan, Mirjana Nacka-Aleksic, Zanka Bojic-Trbojevic, Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca, Maurizio Battino, Francesca Giampieri, Dragana Dekanski
Summary: The bioactive compound oleuropein derived from olives was evaluated for its effects on damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human trophoblast cells in vitro. The study found that oleuropein had cytoprotective effects by improving antioxidant status, preventing protein and lipid damage, and reducing iNOS levels.
Article
Developmental Biology
Jan-Theile Suhren, Andre Meinardus, Kais Hussein, Nora Schaumann
Summary: There is currently no evidence showing a significant association between COVID-19 and placental lesions, and the incidence of placental issues is similar to non-COVID-19 pregnancies. Transplacental viral transmission is very rare, with no typical placental changes, and maternal-fetal hypoxia in the context of pneumonia seems to be the most important prognostic factor.
Article
Immunology
Bai-Mei Zhuang, Dan-Dan Cao, Xiao-Feng Liu, Li Wang, Xiao-Li Lin, Yong-Gang Duan, Cheuk-Lun Lee, Philip C. N. Chiu, William S. B. Yeung, Yuan-Qing Yao
Summary: The human placenta is a unique temporary organ with mysterious immune tolerance. The use of trophoblast organoids and CRISPR/Cas9 technology has advanced the understanding of placental development and the role of HLA-G in trophoblast function and differentiation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Rebekka Vogtmann, Jacqueline Heupel, Florian Herse, Mahsa Matin, Henning Hagmann, Ivo Bendix, Kristin Kraeker, Ralf Dechend, Elke Winterhager, Rainer Kimmig, Angela Koeninger, Alexandra Gellhaus
Summary: By overexpressing hsFLT1 in mice, the study found that circulating maternal hsFLT1 is sufficient to induce typical maternal preeclampsia-like symptoms, impairing spiral artery remodeling independently from the fetoplacental compartment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Decio Roberto Kamio Teshima, Pedro Paulo Pereira, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, Matheus Abelo De Oliveira, Regina Schulz, Leila Antonangelo, Fabio Roberto Cabar
Summary: This study aimed to assess the correlation between VEGF tissue expression and the depth of trophoblastic infiltration into the tubal wall in patients with ampullary pregnancy. The results showed that there was no significant association between the depth of trophoblastic penetration and tissue VEGF expression.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariyan J. Jeyarajah, Gargi Jaju Bhattad, Rachel D. Kelly, Kelly J. Baines, Adam Jaremek, Fei-Hung P. Yang, Hiroaki Okae, Takahiro Arima, Vanessa Dumeaux, Stephen J. Renaud
Summary: GCM1 is a critical regulator of both EVT and ST development, affecting cell differentiation and invasive capacity, potentially leading to obstetrical complications such as preeclampsia.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Marija Bruic, Andrea Pirkovic, Aleksandra Vilotic, Milica Jovanovic-Krivokuca, Biljana Spremo-Potparevic
Summary: This study investigates the cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of taxifolin on human placental cells under oxidative stress. The results show that taxifolin does not have cytotoxic effects on the cells and can protect them from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Vilotic, Mirjana Nacka-Aleksic, Andrea Pirkovic, Zanka Bojic-Trbojevic, Dragana Dekanski, Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca
Summary: This review summarizes the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in healthy and pathological pregnancies. The authors provide an overview of the expression of these cytokines during pregnancy and discuss their involvement in pregnancy establishment, parturition, and various pathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Pirkovic, Aleksandra Vilotic, Suncica Borozan, Mirjana Nacka-Aleksic, Zanka Bojic-Trbojevic, Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca, Maurizio Battino, Francesca Giampieri, Dragana Dekanski
Summary: The bioactive compound oleuropein derived from olives was evaluated for its effects on damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human trophoblast cells in vitro. The study found that oleuropein had cytoprotective effects by improving antioxidant status, preventing protein and lipid damage, and reducing iNOS levels.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksandar Visnjevac, Jovana B. Araskov, Milan Nikoli, Zanka Bojic-Trbojevic, Andrea Pirkovic, Dragana Dekanski, Dragana Mitic, Vladimir Blagojevic, Nenad R. Filipovic, Tamara R. Todorovic
Summary: The synthesis and characterization of two zinc complexes [Zn(HLSe2)2](NO3)2 center dot CH3OH and [Zn(HLSe3)2](NO3)2 center dot DMF were investigated. The complexes showed cytotoxic effects on non-malignant and malignant cell lines, as well as antioxidant activity. The calculated ADME properties demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties, while machine learning models predicted reduced toxicity or negative metabolic effects for the compounds.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Andrea Pirkovic, Vesna Lazic, Biljana Spremo-Potparevic, Lada Zivkovic, Dijana Topalovic, Sanja Kuzman, Jelena Antic-Stankovic, Dragana Bozic, Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca, Jovan M. Nedeljkovic
Summary: Dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) and its active component oleuropein (OLE) were used to synthesize colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with a size range of 20-25 nm. The cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity of these Ag NPs were evaluated. The results showed that Ag/OLE exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, while Ag/DOLE and Ag/OLE did not induce genotoxic effects. Ag/OLE also demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms compared to Ag/DOLE. However, the high concentrations of Ag/OLE could induce cytotoxicity in healthy human cells, suggesting potential risks.
Article
Spectroscopy
Mirjana Miletic, Aleksandra Vilotic, Lela Koricanac, Jelena Zakula, Milica Jovanovic Krivokuca, Zorana Dohcevic-Mitrovic, Sonja Askrabic
Summary: This study investigates the effects of ZnO nanoparticles on cancerous and non-cancerous cells using Raman spectroscopy, and finds that the nanoparticles exhibit cytotoxic effects on both cell types. The change in lipid saturation is correlated with the cytotoxic effects and cellular damage caused by the nanoparticles.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
