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Alteration of Cytokine/Chemokine Transcript Levels in the Placenta of Humanized Mouse Models Treated Prenatally With Dexamethasone

  • 0Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA.
Birth Defects Research +

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July 25, 2025

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July 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Dexamethasone (DEX) exposure during pregnancy in mice caused fetal weight reduction and placental damage. Placental C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10) was significantly overexpressed, suggesting it as a biomarker for placental injury.

Area Of Science

  • Reproductive biology
  • Toxicology
  • Immunology

Background

  • Dexamethasone (DEX) is used to manage pregnancy risks but can damage the placenta.
  • Placental cytokines and chemokines are crucial for fetal well-being and placental development.
  • Limited research exists on how DEX affects placental cytokine/chemokine gene expression in pregnant mice.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the effects of Dexamethasone (DEX) on placental cytokine and chemokine transcript levels in pregnant mice.
  • To identify potential biomarkers of DEX-induced placental damage.

Main Methods

  • Pregnant mice were administered DEX or saline daily from gestation days 10-14.
  • Quantitative PCR and histological analyses were performed on placental tissues.
  • Maternal and fetal weights were monitored, and placental tissues were analyzed for cell death and gene expression.

Main Results

  • DEX administration did not alter maternal or placental weights but reduced fetal weights.
  • Histological analysis revealed cytotrophoblast necrosis/apoptosis in the placenta's labyrinth zone.
  • Placental transcript levels of interferon lambda receptor 1, interleukin 6, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10) were elevated in DEX-exposed mice, with Cxcl10 showing statistical significance.

Conclusions

  • C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10) is overexpressed in response to DEX-induced placental damage in mice.
  • Cxcl10 may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing placental damage.
  • Further research is needed to validate Cxcl10 as a biomarker for placental damage caused by other toxicants.

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