Oxidative Stress in Pregnancy

Abstract

Recent years have seen an increased interest in the role of oxidative stress (OS) in pregnancy. Pregnancy inherently heightens susceptibility to OS, a condition fueled by a systemic inflammatory response that culminates in an elevated presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the circulatory system. The amplified OS in pregnancy can trigger a series of detrimental outcomes such as underdevelopment, abnormal placental function, and a host of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, embryonic resorption, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal developmental anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, and, in extreme instances, fetal death. The body’s response to mitigate the uncontrolled increase in RNS/ROS levels requires trace elements that take part in non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense processes, namely, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se). Determination of ROS concentrations poses a challenge due to their short half-lives, prompting the use of marker proteins, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). These markers, indicative of oxidative stress intensity, can offer indirect assessments of pregnancy complications. Given the limitations of conducting experimental studies on pregnant women, animal models serve as valuable substitutes for in-depth research. This review of such models delves into the mechanism of OS in pregnancy and underscores the pivotal role of OS markers in their evaluation.

Paradoxes: Cholesterol and Hypoxia in Preeclampsia

“…Defined as an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, oxidative stress has long been recognized as a major element in preeclampsia pathology [148] [149] [150] . Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals, molecules containing an unpaired electron such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, interact with biological molecules causing damage.…”

The Impact of Oxidative Stress on the Epigenetics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

“…Therefore, pregnancy inherently heightens susceptibility to oxidative stress, and this risk is further increased by alcohol consumption, leading to various adverse outcomes. These include impaired development, abnormal placental function, and several complications such as pre-eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, and, in severe cases, fetal demise [76]. In response to the uncontrolled rise in RNS/ROS levels, the body relies on trace elements involved in both non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense mechanisms.…”

Exploring the role of exosomal MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers in preeclampsia

“…Despite advancements, the specific mechanisms underlying PE pathogenesis and etiology remain elusive. In particular, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from heightened oxidative stress (OS) plays a significant role in the two stages, making it a key indicator of PE ( 10 ). Additionally, impaired spiral artery remodeling, poor placental implantation, and abnormal levels of angiogenic proteins in maternal blood are also important indicators of PE ( 11 ).…”

“…Shan et al 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385950 remain elusive. In particular, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from heightened oxidative stress (OS) plays a significant role in the two stages, making it a key indicator of PE (10).…”