Transitional metals, specifically iron, are important in the production of free radicals.Free radical damage is not uncommon and can be detrimental to the fetus.
Iron in pregnancy and its effect on the fetus is one of the most common studies and has lead to an intense focus on free radical generation. From early pregnancy the human placenta influences maternal homeostasis. When fully developed the placenta is rich in mitochondria and consumes approximately 1% of the basal metabolic rate of the pregnant woman. Pregnancy favors oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be defined as the disturbance in the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, which can lead to potential damage due to free radical generation. Oxidative stress peaks by the second trimester of pregnancy and is a vulnerable period for health and gestational progress.
Transitional metals, especially iron, are important in the production of free radicals and are particularly abundant in the placenta. Free radical damage indications include conditions such as gestational hypertension, insulin resistance and diabetes, which are conditions restricted to pregnancy . One way of ameliorating early fetal damage is by avoiding excess of iron.It is known that there is an increase in free iron liberation as the placenta starts to develop and mature. As the placenta’s vascularization develops, it changes from a hypoxic environment to an oxygen-rich environment and favours the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These reactive oxygen species allows iron to be liberated from iron-sulphur clusters. Together with the production of ROS is the production of nitric oxide, which is locally produced by the placenta.
Nitric oxide and other reactive nitrogen species in the presence of transitional metals can contribute to potential oxidative stress by damaging cellular DNA, proteins and lipids. There is little data that strongly suggests that the fetus is protected from placental ROS, particularly during the last few weeks of pregnancy. However, there is special concern about conditions that can induce ROS during organogenesis phases. ROS damage has been observed and explained in many of the effects secondary to temporary iron excess such as acute iron intoxication and hemolytic episodes. The role of vitamin C and E in preventing free radical damage is well known and their nutritional adequacy is important in pregnancy. Vitamin C and vitamin E are known as non-enzymatic free radical protectors and scavengers. A vitamin C deficiency will have a major impact on placental structure and ROS and possibly facilitate placental infections resulting in an increased risk of premature rupture of placental membranes and premature birth.
Resources:
1. Sadzadeh SM, Saffori Y. Iron and Brain Disorders. Am J Clin Pathol. 2004;121:564-70.
2. Bucnocore G, Perrane S, Bracci R. Free Radicals and Brain Damage in the Newborn. Biol Neonate. 2001;79:180-6.
3. Casaneuva E, Viteri FE. Nutrition as a Preventive Strategy Against Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. Iron and Oxidative stress. J Nutr. 2003;133:1700.
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