The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol modulate the expression of angiogenic factors on HTR8/SVneo placental cells

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Maia, J (Author) Other; Fonseca, BM (Author) Other; Teixeira, N (Author) Other; Georgina Correia da Silva (Author) FFUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

Vol. 180

ISSN: 0952-3278

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-J65

DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2022.102440

Abstract (EN): The interest on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in human reproduction has grown due to its involvement in placenta development, which led to growing concerns over pregnant cannabis consumer's impact on pregnancy outcome. The endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) modulate placental trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis. However, their role on other placentation events such as angiogenesis and invasion are unknown. Using the human extravillous trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells, a well-accepted model of first trimester extravillous trophoblast (EVT), this study aims to investigate whether AEA and 2-AG can modulate the expression of angiogenesis- and invasion-related factors. Transcript analysis of angiogenic factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein family demonstrated the ability of AEA to increase VEGF-C and VEGFR3 expression via cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 while the placental growth factor (PlGF) was increased through CB1. Moreover, an increase in VEGFR1, sFLT1, VEGFR2, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 independent of cannabinoid receptor activation was verified. However, 2-AG only increased PlGF transcript through CB1/CB2 activation. Both endocannabinoids stimulated HTR8/SVneo endothelial-like tube formation. As for the wound healing assay, only 2-AG was able to increase the percentage of wound closure. Moreover, the data demonstrated that both AEA and 2-AG, via cannabinoid receptors, activated the STAT3 signaling pathway. Distinct effects were observed on transcription factor HIF-1 alpha and AKT phosphorylation that decreased with both endocannabinoids. Although different angiogenic and migration factors are affected the results obtained in this work showcase once more the ability of the endocannabinoids to modulate key processes in placental physiology.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8