Activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy ameliorates cadmium-induced fetal growth restriction

Cadmium (Cd), an environmental contaminant, can result in placental non-selective autophagy activation and fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the role of placental lipophagy, a selective autophagy, in Cd-induced FGR is unclear. This work uses case-control study, animal experiments and cultures of primary human placental trophoblast cells to explore the role of placental lipophagy in Cd-induced FGR. We found association of placental lipophagy and all-cause FGR. Meanwhile, pregnancy Cd exposure induced FGR and placental lip-ophgay. Inhibition of placental lipophagy by pharmacological and genetic means (Atg5-/- mice) exacerbated Cd-caused FGR. Inversely, activating of placental lipophagy relieved Cd-stimulated FGR. Subsequently, we found that activation of Atg5-dependent lipophagy degrades lipid droplets to produce free cholesterol, and promotes placental progesterone (P4) synthesis. Gestational P4 supplementation significantly reversed Cd-induced FGR. Altogether, activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy ameliorates Cd-induced FGR.

Automated summary

This study investigates the role of placental lipophagy in cadmium-induced fetal growth restriction (FGR) through a case-control study, animal experiments, and primary human placental trophoblast cell cultures. The findings suggest an association between placental lipophagy and FGR. Additionally, exposure to cadmium during pregnancy induces FGR and placental lipophagy. Inhibition of placental lipophagy exacerbates cadmium-induced FGR, while activation of placental lipophagy alleviates FGR. Activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy degrades lipid droplets to produce free cholesterol and promotes placental progesterone synthesis, which can reverse cadmium-induced FGR.