Mitochondrial and Oxidative Unbalance in Placentas from Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. A placental role in protecting the fetus from SARS-CoV-2 infection has been documented. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how the placenta is affected in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we assessed placental mitochondrial (mt) and oxidative features in COVID-19 and healthy mothers. mtDNA levels, DNA oxidative damage, expression levels of genes involved in antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial dynamics and respiratory chain subunits were investigated in placentas from singleton pregnancies of 30 women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester (12 asymptomatic, 18 symptomatic) and 16 controls. mtDNA levels decreased in COVID-19 placentas vs. controls and inversely correlated with DNA oxidative damage, which increased in the symptomatic group. Antioxidant gene expressions decreased in SARS-CoV-2 mothers (CAT, GSS). Symptomatic cases also showed a lower expression of respiratory chain (NDUFA9, SDHA, COX4I1) and mt dynamics (DNM1L, FIS1) genes. Alterations in placental mitochondrial features and oxidative balance in COVID-19-affected mothers might be due to the impaired intrauterine environment, generated by systemic viral effects, leading to a negative vicious circle that worsens placental oxidative stress and mitochondrial efficiency. This likely causes cell homeostasis dysregulations, raising the potential of possible long-term effects.

Oxidative stress status and vitamin D levels of asymptomatic to mild symptomatic COVID‐19 infections during the third trimester of pregnancy: A retrospective study in Metz, France

“…30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 Oxidative stress and inflammation have a bidirectional relationship, as each of these two harmful conditions can induce the other one, leading to a negative vicious circle. 35 , 36 , 37 …”

“…Previously, placental oxidative stress in mothers with COVID‐19 illness has been found. 35 In the present study, we have evaluated oxidative stress markers including GSH, GSSG, CAT, SOD, H 2 O 2 , and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP measure) in pregnant women with or without SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (Figure 3 ). No significant differences were found between either mild COVID‐19 pregnant women or asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected pregnant women compared with healthy pregnant women, suggesting the absence of oxidative stress disturbances in COVID‐19 patients.…”

“…[30][31][32][33][34] Oxidative stress and inflammation have a bidirectional relationship, as each of these two harmful conditions can induce the other one, leading to a negative vicious circle. [35][36][37] To the best of our knowledge, our work constitutes the first study evaluating serum oxidative status of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection versus healthy control pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Previously, placental oxidative stress in mothers with COVID-19 illness has been found.…”

Corona and Reproduction, or Why the Corona Vaccination Does Not Result in Infertility

“…Außerdem konnte eine Reduktion der mtDNA-Werte in der Plazenta bei SARS-CoV-2-infizierten Schwangeren nachgewiesen werden. Dies steht in signifikantem Zusammenhang mit einem oxidativen DNA-Schaden und zeigt somit einen massiven oxidativen Stress der Plazenta [23]. Zudem weisen schwangere Frauen mit COVID-19 einen schwereren Krankheitsverlauf im Vergleich zu nicht schwangeren auf [24].…”

“…Moreover, a reduction in mtDNA values was found in the placentas of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is significantly associated with oxidative DNA damage and indicates that the placenta is under severe oxidative stress [23]. Pregnant women with COVID-19 also have a more severe course of disease compared to non-pregnant women [24].…”