Prof. Marilia Goulart @ FLOGEN SIPS 2022 Yoshikawa Intl. Symposium on Oxidative Stress

FLOGEN SIPS 2022: Yoshikawa International Symposium on Oxidative Stress for Sustainable Development of Human Beings (2nd international Symposium)

Presenter:
Prof. Marilia Goulart, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil

Title:
Bioanalysis of placenta and umbilical cord: cross-talk with maternal and child diseases and therapeutic potential of natural products

Abstract
The placenta and umbilical cord roles during pregnancy are pivotal for fetal development and maternal health. The placenta is a unique immunological site responsible for maternal tolerance to the fetus and maternal and fetal defence against possible pathogens. Alterations on these organs can lead to dramatic outcomes, including maternal and fetal death. During pregnancy, their correct functioning also influences the newborn's development and the onset of future chronic diseases. Therefore, investigating them in different diseases can give a real picture of health at the time of birth. Among the maternal diseases, pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the most important, and despite incomplete understanding, oxidative stress and inflammation are recognised as their biochemical basis [1]. Another important aspect related to maternal-child health during pregnancy is related to ZIKA Virus (ZIKV), which can be vertically transmitted and infects the fetus, which may develop congenital Zika syndrome, characterized by stillbirth/miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, microcephaly, ocular abnormalities, ventriculomegaly and other brain malformations [2]. As such, the aims of the present work are divided into two parts. The first one is related to the comparison of the redox imbalance and inflammation biomarkers in the placenta and umbilical cords of pregnancies with and without preeclampsia (PE), while the second one addresses the investigation of natural products, which may inhibit ZIKV infection of trophoblast cells, a good model to test ZIKV molecular interactions and potential interveners [3]. In the first part, a controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in Maceió-Alagoas-Brazil with pregnant women diagnosed with PE and healthy pregnant women (control group). After delivery, placenta and umbilical cords’ samples were collected to measure redox imbalance (antioxidant defence and oxidative damage) and inflammation biomarkers: myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin (IL) -6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). A total of 100 pregnant women with PE and 50 healthy pregnant women were studied. Higher placental levels of catalase (p = 0.018), SOD (p = 0.031), the GSH/GSSG ratio (p = 0.019) and IL-6 (p = 0.010) and lower GSSG (p = 0.001) were observed in pregnant women with PE than in the control group. As results, PE-derived placentas had high concentrations of some antioxidants (enzymes and thiols), which might be a compensation mechanism against oxidative stress. In the second topic, the potential of some natural extracts against ZIKV infection was evaluated using an in vitro method. Ethanolic extracts obtained from peels and complete fruits of pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) could reduce ZIKV infection and modulate placental response to protect placentas from potential harms provoked by ZIKV infection. In conclusion, both studies unveil the role of specific antioxidants in protecting maternal-child health and provide extra value to products from family farming.

References:

[1] M.B.Tenório et al., OxiMed & Cellular Longevity (2019) Article ID 8238727.

[2] G.V França et al., Lancet 388 (2016) 891–7.

[3] P. Aldo et al., Am. J. Reprod. Immunol. 76 (2016) 348–357.