Maternal diabetes induces changes in the umbilical cord gene expression. Issue 7 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koskinen, A.; Lehtoranta, L.; Laiho, A.; Laine, J.; Kääpä, P.; Soukka, H.
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 36:Issue 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 767
• Page End: 774
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Gene expression -- Microarray -- Newborn -- Pregnancy -- Type 1 diabetes; αSMA Alpha-smooth muscle actin -- BMP4 Bone morphogenetic protein 4 -- CD45, LCA Leukocyte common antigen -- COL8A1 Collagen, type VIII, alpha 1 -- DAVID Database for Annotation, Visualization, Integrated Discovery -- DLL1 Delta-like 1 -- EDN1 Endothelin 1 -- EDNRB Endothelin receptor type B -- FC Fold change -- GHbA1c Blood glycosylated hemoglobin -- GO Gene ontology -- MEF2C Myocyte enhancer factor 2C -- MMP2 Matrix metalloproteinase 2 -- MPO Myeloperoxidase -- NOTCH4 Notch homolog 4 -- NPPB Natriuretic peptide precursor B -- PDE5A Phosphodiesterase 5A -- PTGS1, COX1 Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1, Cyclooxygenase 1 -- RT-PCR Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.04.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Since maternal diabetes may affect fetal development and the umbilical cord provides an extension of the fetal vasculature, we decided to investigate cords' biological responses to maternal diabetic milieu. Methods: Using microarray analysis, we determined the gene expression profiles in the umbilical cords of six neonates born to type 1 diabetic mothers and in six control cords. Umbilical cord tissue was collected immediately after elective cesarean section. Expression data were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (11 genes). Additionally, the same umbilical cords were analyzed histologically. Results: Two hundred eighty six genes were differentially expressed in the umbilical cords from diabetic pregnancies compared to the controls (fold change ±1.5 and P < 0.01). Maternal diabetes had a major effect on the expression of genes involved in vascular development (Bone morphogenetic protein 4, Delta-like 1, and Notch homolog 4), vessel wall integrity (Collagen type VIII alpha 1, Myocyte enhancer factor 2C, and Matrix metalloproteinase 2), and vascular function (Natriuretic peptide precursor B, Endothelin 1, Endothelin receptor B, Cyclooxygenase 1, and Phosphodiesterase 5A). Maternal diabetes was associated with thicker umbilical vein intima-media layers and larger umbilical vein and artery intima-media areas compared to the controls. Discussion: Maternal diabetic environment seems to alter umbilical cord expression of genes involved in the regulation of vascular development and function with simultaneous umbilical vessel muscle layer thickening. These alterations suggest vascular phenotypic modifications, which in turn may lead to long-term vascular consequences in various tissues in infants of diabetic mothers. Highlights: Maternal diabetic environment induces gene expression changes in the umbilical cord. Maternal diabetes alters the expression of vascular genes. Maternal diabetes induces vessel muscle layer thickening in the umbilical cord. Our results indicate vascular phenotypic modifications in infants of diabetic mothers.