The MNRR1 activator nitazoxanide abrogates lipopolysaccharide-induced preterm birth in mice

Placenta. 2023 Sep 7:140:66-71. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.005. Epub 2023 Jul 8.

Abstract

Intra-amniotic inflammation leading to preterm birth is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. We recently reported that the mitochondrial levels of MNRR1 (Mitochondrial Nuclear Retrograde, Regulator 1; also called CHCHD2, AAG10, or PARK22), an important bi-organellar regulator of cellular function, are reduced in the context of inflammation and that genetic and pharmacological increases in MNRR1 levels can counter the inflammatory profile. Herein, we show that nitazoxanide, a clinically approved drug, is an activator of MNRR1 and abrogates preterm birth in a well-characterized murine model caused by intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.

Keywords: CHCHD2; Decidua; Intra-amniotic infection; Intra-amniotic inflammation; Nitazoxanide (Alinia); Prematurity; Preterm labor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid
  • Animals
  • Chorioamnionitis*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Mice
  • Nitro Compounds / adverse effects
  • Premature Birth* / prevention & control
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • nitazoxanide
  • Nitro Compounds
  • CHCHD2 protein, human
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors