Air pollution is a growing global concern, with increasing evidence that it can harm pregnant women and their babies. Now, a new study reveals that an extract from a Thai berry called Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala could help protect placental cells from the damaging effects of air pollution. The research shows the berry extract can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death caused by exposure to particulate matter (PM10) – a major air pollutant. Interestingly, the protective effects are linked to the berry’s ability to regulate the expression of a key microRNA, miR-146a-5p, which plays a crucial role in trophoblast cell function. This exciting finding could lead to new therapeutic approaches to support healthy pregnancies in polluted environments. Trophoblast cells are essential for placental development and function, so protecting them is crucial for a successful pregnancy.
Protecting Placental Cells from Air Pollution Damage
Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), is a major global health concern. These tiny particles can enter the body and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, which can have serious consequences for pregnant women and their developing babies. Previous research has shown that exposure to PM10 can suppress the growth, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells, which are essential for placental development and function.
This new study focused on exploring the protective effects of the Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala (C. nervosum) berry extract against PM10-induced trophoblast cell dysfunction. C. nervosum is a native Thai berry known for its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its rich content of anthocyanins and other beneficial plant compounds.
Analyzing the Protective Properties of C. Nervosum Berry Extract
The researchers first extracted and fractionated the C. nervosum berry using different solvents, with the ethyl acetate fraction (CN-EtOAcF) showing the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as the strongest antioxidant activity.
When exposed to PM10 soluble extract, the trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo) exhibited reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis (cell death). However, pre-treating the cells with the CN-EtOAcF before exposing them to PM10 effectively reversed these harmful effects.
Regulating microRNA Expression to Protect Trophoblast Cells
The researchers discovered that the protective effects of CN-EtOAcF were linked to its ability to modulate the expression of a specific microRNA, miR-146a-5p. This microRNA is known to play a crucial role in regulating inflammation and trophoblast cell function, and its expression was significantly upregulated in response to PM10 exposure.
Interestingly, pre-treatment with CN-EtOAcF effectively reduced the PM10-induced increase in miR-146a-5p expression. The researchers also identified SOX5, a gene involved in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as a potential target of miR-146a-5p. This suggests that CN-EtOAcF may protect trophoblast cells by downregulating miR-146a-5p and, in turn, enhancing the expression of SOX5 and other important genes.
Promising Therapeutic Potential for Healthy Pregnancies
This study highlights the remarkable potential of the C. nervosum berry extract in safeguarding trophoblast cells from the damaging effects of air pollution. By reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, and modulating the expression of a key microRNA, the berry extract could offer a promising therapeutic approach to support healthy pregnancies in polluted environments.
The findings suggest that further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of C. nervosum berry extract, as well as its broader applications in pregnancy-related disorders, could lead to important advancements in maternal and fetal health.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Wittaya Chaiwangyen, Orawan Khantamat, Komsak Pintha, Napapan Kangwan, Amnart Onsa-ard, Piyawan Nuntaboon, Angkana Songkrao, Pilaiporn Thippraphan, Dana Chaiyasit, Francisco Lázaro Pereira de Sousa.
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