New Insights into the Process of Placentation and the Role of Oxidative Uterine Microenvironment

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Mendes, S (Author) Other; Timoteo Ferreira, F (Author) Other; Almeida, Henrique (Author) FMUP; Silva, E (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

Vol. 2019

ISSN: 1942-0900

Publisher: Hindawi

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 18 Citations

Scopus - 19 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-V4S

DOI: 10.1155/2019/9174521

Abstract (EN): For a successful pregnancy to occur, a predecidualized receptive endometrium must be invaded by placental differentiated cells (extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs)) and, at the same time, continue decidualization. EVT invasion is aimed at anchoring the placenta to the maternal uterus and ensuring local blood supply increase necessary to provide normal placental and foetal development. The first is achieved by migrating through the maternal endometrium and deeper into the myometrium, while the second by transforming uterine spiral arteries into large vessels. This process is a tightly regulated battle comprising interests of both the mother and the foetus. Invading EVTs are required to perform a scope of functions: move, adhere, proliferate, differentiate, interact, and digest the extracellular matrix (ECM); tolerate hypoxia; transform the maternal spiral arteries; and die by apoptosis. All these functions are modulated by their surrounding microenvironment: oxygen, soluble factors (e.g., cytokines, growth factors, and hormones), ECM proteins, and reactive oxygen species. A deeper comprehension of oxidative uterine microenvironment contribution to trophoblast function will be addressed in this review.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18