Maternal obesity increases the risk of fetal cardiac dysfunction via visceral adipose tissue derived exosomes. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yunnan; Wang, Yixiao; Wang, Chen; Shi, Ruijing; Zhou, Xueying; Li, Zhelong; Sun, Wenqi; Zhao, Lianbi; Yuan, Lijun
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 105(2021)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Obesity -- Placenta -- Fetal cardiac function -- Visceral adipose tissue -- Exosomes; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: There is a strong association between gestational obesity and fetal cardiac dysfunction, while the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of exosomes from maternal visceral adipose tissue in abnormal embryonic development in obese pregnancy. Methods: Female C57BL/6J obese mice were induced by a high-fat diet (containing 60% fat). Fetal cardiac function and morphology were examined by echocardiography and histology. The placenta was extracted for histological examination. miRNA expression in exosomes from the visceral adipose tissue was profiled by RNA-seq. Gene expression of inflammatory factors was analyzed by qPCR. Results: In the obese pregnant mice, there were obvious inflammation and lipid droplets in the placenta. And the fetal cardiac function in obese pregnancy was also compromised. Moreover, injection of the visceral adipose tissue exosomes from the obese mice significantly decreased the fetal cardiac function in the normal lean pregnant mice. Mechanistically, the decreased expression of miR-19b might be responsible for the enhanced inflammation in the placenta. Discussion: Exosomes derived from visceral adipose tissue in obese mice contribute to fetal heart dysfunction, at least partially via affecting the function of the placenta. Highlights: Exosomes derived from the visceral adipose tissue in obese mice confer the risk of cardiac development deficiency. The pathological exosomes not only affect the placenta, but also circulate into the embryonic heart. Reduced miR-19b abundance in exosomes from the visceral adipose tissue in obese mice. Exosomal miR-19b functions as an anti-inflammatory signal.