Provocative ideas on human placental biology: A prerequisite for prevention and treatment of neonatal health challenges

Abstract

this meeting were the critical evaluation of placental physiology and its development.Special emphasis was placed on understanding the consequences and implications of placental development in sustenance of pregnancy and in pregnancy-associated complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth.This meeting brought together experienced as well as novice clinicians and biologists who have a keen interest in the field of placental biology, including development of new technologies and methods for evaluating the role of placenta in predicting pregnancy outcomes. The meeting primarily focused on (i) high-throughput "-omics" approaches, (ii) maternal nutrition and placental function, (iii) placental infection and inflammation, (iv) real-time evaluation of placental development: tools for placental research, and (v) epidemiologic relevance of placental-based research. Unanimous consensus emerged among the participants to carry out additional work focused on these areas. In this article, we summarize the talks and review the published literature on the above-mentioned niches. As a direct outcome of this meeting, a request for applications has been announced by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, for pursuing research in this vital but understudied domain. K E Y W O R D Sclinical imaging, epidemiology, maternal nutrition, omics, placenta | LAYING THE BACKGROUNDProf. Renu Dhingra, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, introduced the basics of placental anatomy and development. Placenta is a noteworthy organ that has evolved to support fetus in utero and is likely to be the key determinant of fetal growth. Formation of placenta requires a developmental progression, which proceeds in a specific order over time, specified by the trophoblast but dependent on maternal environment for correct expression.The trophoblast of the embedded/implanted blastocyst differentiates into two cellular layers inner mononuclear cytotrophoblast and outer multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast. Development of this discoid, chorioallantoic, and haemochorial human placenta is then characterized by lacunar and villous stages thus giving rise to primary, secondary, and tertiary chorionic villi. The development of placenta is not autonomous but is affected by maternal, periconceptional, genetic, and immune factors, which further influence the process of implantation, spiral artery remodeling, uteroplacental blood flow, and thus placental supply of nutrients and oxygen to fetus. Placental structural and functional abnormalities may not only cause numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes but also affect the long-term health of both mother and offspring. Thus, increasing the understanding of its structure and

Maternal anemia during pregnancy and slightly higher risk of asthma in male offspring

“…The effects of milder forms of anemia in terms of maternal or fetal health during pregnancy are not yet well studied . Lower hemoglobin levels and nutritional status during early pregnancy may predispose women to a higher risk of infections and fetuses to the suboptimal intrauterine environment with decreased oxygen availability that can alter placental function and lung development . In this study, we adjusted for maternal pre‐pregnancy weight, maternal asthma, parity, and smoking during pregnancy.…”

Extracellular vesicles generated by placental tissues ex vivo: A transport system for immune mediators and growth factors

“…The placenta plays a critical role in fetal growth and development and orchestrates major maternal adaptations of pregnancy such as carbohydrate intolerance and immune adaptations . Placental dysfunction has been implicated in major complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, fetal death, and preterm labor . The placenta has also been considered as the center of the chronic disease universe …”