Alterations to Placental Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression with Alcohol Consumption

S L Young; Z Saif; A S Meakin; E S McMaster; N Hayes; L A Gallo; N Reid; K M Moritz; V L Clifton

doi:10.1007/s43032-020-00413-1

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Alterations to Placental Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression with Alcohol Consumption

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Alterations to Placental Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression with Alcohol Consumption

S L Young, Z Saif, A S Meakin, E S McMaster, N Hayes, L A Gallo, N Reid, K M Moritz and V L Clifton

Reproductive Sciences, Vol.28(5), pp.1390-1402

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-020-00413-1

PMID: 33409870

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Abstract

Prenatal alcohol exposure

inflammation

infant outcomes

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in elevated vulnerability to intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Many of the detrimental effects of fetal alcohol exposure may be mediated through placental dysfunction; however, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of maternal alcohol exposure prior to and during early pregnancy on placental glucocorticoid receptor (GR) isoforms, associated GR regulated genes, and infant outcomes. Participants carrying singleton fetuses (n = 113) were recruited during early pregnancy. Amount and type of alcohol consumed over the last 12 months were obtained at 18 weeks of gestation. The level of drinking was separated into none (0 g/day), low (< 10 g/day), moderate (10-100 g/day), and heavy (> 100 g/day). At delivery, placental weight, infant sex, birthweight, and head circumference were recorded. Placental GR isoforms and genes involved in downstream signalling pathways were quantified. The majority of women (70.8%) consumed alcohol. Of these, most consumed low (48.8%) or moderate (37.5%) amounts. Placental weight was unaffected by alcohol consumption, but infants born to heavy drinkers tended to be lighter at birth. In female, but not male, placentae, maternal alcohol consumption resulted in increased GRαC and decreased GRαD1 cytoplasmic expression. In both female and male placentae, a dampened inflammatory response was evident with maternal alcohol consumption, involving downregulated IL6R and upregulated POU2F2 gene expression, respectively. Maternal alcohol consumption in the months prior to, and/or during early, pregnancy alters placental GR isoform and expression of some inflammatory genes in a sex-specific manner.

Details

Title: Alterations to Placental Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression with Alcohol Consumption
Authors: S L Young (Author) - University of Queensland
Z Saif (Author) - University of Queensland
A S Meakin (Author) - University of Queensland
E S McMaster (Author) - University of Queensland
N Hayes (Author) - Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
L A Gallo (Author) - University of Queensland
N Reid (Author) - University of Queensland
K M Moritz (Corresponding Author) - University of Queensland
V L Clifton (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Reproductive Sciences, Vol.28(5), pp.1390-1402
Publisher: Springer
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00413-1
ISSN: 1933-7205
PMID: 33409870
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99679194802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Obstetrics & Gynecology; Reproductive Biology

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