Bioenergetics adaptations and redox homeostasis in pregnancy and related disorders

Abstract

Pregnancy is a challenging physiological process that involves maternal adaptations to the increasing energetics demands imposed by the growing conceptus. Failure to adapt to these requirements may result in serious health complications for the mother and the baby. The mitochondria are biosynthetic and energy-producing organelles supporting the augmented energetic demands of pregnancy. Evidence suggests that placental mitochondria display a dynamic phenotype through gestation. At early stages of pregnancy placental mitochondria are mainly responsible for the generation of metabolic intermediates and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while at later stages of gestation, the placental mitochondria exhibit high rates of oxygen consumption. This review describes the metabolic fingerprint of the placental mitochondria at different stages of pregnancy and summarises key signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in pathological pregnancy conditions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). So far, the effects of placental-driven metabolic changes governing the metabolic adaptations occurring in different maternal tissues in both, healthy and pathological pregnancies, remain to be uncovered. Understanding the function and molecular aspects of the adaptations occurring in placental and maternal tissue’s mitochondria will unveil potential targets for further therapeutic exploration that could address pregnancy-related disorders. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism is an emerging approach for regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics. This review will also describe the potential therapeutic use of compounds with a recognised effect on mitochondria, for the management of preeclampsia.

Vanadium(IV) oxide affects embryonic development in mice

“…We administered 6 ip injections of this dose, which added up to a total of 112.5 mg/kg of bw even though the lethal dose was not reached. However, we must consider that this LD 50 was not reported for pregnant female mice because during pregnancy, multiple changes occur and the main systems affected are the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and excretory systems 48,49 . In addition this dose reflect the continued exposure and accumulation that can result from a long exposure time; as, in addition to natural and anthropogenic emission sources, dietary supplement intake can reach a concentration of more than 10 mg of vanadium/day 14,18 …”

“…However, we must consider that this LD 50 was not reported for pregnant female mice because during pregnancy, multiple changes occur and the main systems affected are the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and excretory systems. 48,49 In addition this dose reflect the continued exposure and accumulation that can result from a long exposure time; as, in addition to natural and anthropogenic emission sources, dietary supplement intake can reach a concentration of more than 10 mg of vanadium/day. 14,18 Gestational changes may affect virtually every aspect of the pharmacokinetics of drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.…”

Justification for exogenous replacement of magnesium deficiency in women planning pregnancy: experienc of using the drug

“…Беременность представляет собой комплексный многоэтапный процесс, включаю щий имплантацию, децидуализацию и плацентацию и многочисленные адаптационные анатомо-физиологические и метаболические изменения в организме, ориентированные на рост и развитие плода и подготовку матери к родам и грудному вскармливанию [36,37]. Поскольку эти процессы требуют больших затрат энергии для развития и роста плода, митохондрии играют ключевую роль в поддержании этих повышенных Гинекология метаболических потребностей [38]. Успешная имплантация требует эффективной децидуализации [39].…”

Meta-analysis of changes in thiol-disulfide homeostasis during preeclampsia

“…In humans, reactive oxygen species (ROSs) are normally generated during metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis and mitochondrial metabolism. These ROS are neutralized by antioxidants to maintain homeostasis [ 12 , 13 ]. Thiols are sulfur-containing molecules found within cysteine structures (–S–S) [ 14 ].…”