scholarly journals The Importance of Antioxidant Micronutrients in Pregnancy

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiten D. Mistry ◽  
Paula J. Williams

Pregnancy places increased demands on the mother to provide adequate nutrition to the growing conceptus. A number of micronutrients function as essential cofactors for or themselves acting as antioxidants. Oxidative stress is generated during normal placental development; however, when supply of antioxidant micronutrients is limited, exaggerated oxidative stress within both the placenta and maternal circulation occurs, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present paper summarises the current understanding of selected micronutrient antioxidants selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, and vitamins C and E in pregnancy. To summarise antioxidant activity of selenium is via its incorporation into the glutathione peroxidase enzymes, levels of which have been shown to be reduced in miscarriage and preeclampsia. Copper, zinc, and manganese are all essential cofactors for superoxide dismutases, which has reduced activity in pathological pregnancy. Larger intervention trials are required to reinforce or refute a beneficial role of micronutrient supplementation in disorders of pregnancies.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-158
Author(s):  
Aditi Priyamvara ◽  
Amit K. Dey ◽  
Antara Bagchi ◽  
Raveena Kelkar ◽  
Rajaram Sharma

Background: It is known that hormonal imbalances during pregnancy make women more susceptible to dental problems. High levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy, lead to an increased inflammatory response to dental plaque thus causing predisposing to gum diseases such as gingivitis. If untreated, gingivitis leads to chronic periodontitis which may manifest systemically in form of cardiovascular, endocrine or even respiratory disorders. Also, hyperacidity in the oral cavity due to gastric reflux and vomiting leads to decreased pH thus damaging the tooth enamel making the oral cavity more prone to tooth decay and tooth loss. Studies also show that periodontal disease can also lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term and low birth weight babies. Objectives: We sought to understand the role of oral health in pregnancy. Methods: We identified major articles of interest in the field of oral health in pregnancy and drafted a mini-symposium based on relevant information. Conclusion: Regular dental visits and cognizant efforts to sustain a healthy oral environment can help women in the prevention and treatment of dental issues during pregnancy. The paper highlights the common oral manifestations during pregnancy and their local and systemic impact on the body during pregnancy. Furthermore, it also emphasizes the importance of good oral health practices to counteract the oral complications and the significance of oral health awareness in pregnant women.


2011 ◽  
Vol 94 (suppl_6) ◽  
pp. 1980S-1985S ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucilla Poston ◽  
Natalia Igosheva ◽  
Hiten D Mistry ◽  
Paul T Seed ◽  
Andrew H Shennan ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Aftab Siddiqui ◽  
Usama Ahmad ◽  
Asad Ali ◽  
Farogh Ahsan ◽  
Md. Faheem Haider

Vitamins play important roles in female health. They are essential for many functions, including menstruation and ovulation, oocyte (egg) quality and maturation. Vitamin E was first discovered in 1922 as a substance necessary for reproduction. It has become widely known as a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant. There are various reports on the benefits of vitamin E on health in general. Vitamin E helps your body create and maintain red blood cells, healthy skin, eyes and strengthens your natural immune system. However, despite it being initially discovered as a vitamin necessary for reproduction, to date studies relating to its effects in this area are lacking. Vitamin E supplementation may help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications involving oxidative stress, such as pre-eclampsia. This chapter is written to provide a review of the known roles of vitamin E in pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 1424-1445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M Kelleher ◽  
Francesco J DeMayo ◽  
Thomas E Spencer

Abstract All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that develop only or primarily after birth. Gland development or adenogenesis in the postnatal uterus is intrinsically regulated by proliferation, cell–cell interactions, growth factors and their inhibitors, as well as transcription factors, including forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1). Extrinsic factors regulating adenogenesis originate from other organs, including the ovary, pituitary, and mammary gland. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in uterine gland knockout sheep and mouse models support a primary role for secretions and products of the glands in pregnancy success. Recent studies in mice revealed that uterine glandular epithelia govern postimplantation pregnancy establishment through effects on stromal cell decidualization and placental development. In humans, uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions and products are hypothesized to be critical for blastocyst survival and implantation as well as embryo and placental development during the first trimester before the onset of fetal–maternal circulation. A variety of hormones and other factors from the ovary, placenta, and stromal cells impact secretory function of the uterine glands during pregnancy. This review summarizes new information related to the developmental biology of uterine glands and discusses novel perspectives on their functional roles in pregnancy establishment and success.


2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
OM Akanbi ◽  
AB Odaibo ◽  
R Olatoregun ◽  
AB Ademowo

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Armistead ◽  
Leena Kadam ◽  
Sascha Drewlo ◽  
Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr

The NFκB protein family regulates numerous pathways within the cell—including inflammation, hypoxia, angiogenesis and oxidative stress—all of which are implicated in placental development. The placenta is a critical organ that develops during pregnancy that primarily functions to supply and transport the nutrients required for fetal growth and development. Abnormal placental development can be observed in numerous disorders during pregnancy, including fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, and preeclampsia (PE). NFκB is highly expressed in the placentas of women with PE, however its contributions to the syndrome are not fully understood. In this review we discuss the molecular actions and related pathways of NFκB in the placenta and highlight areas of research that need attention


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn D. Pereira ◽  
Nicole E. De Long ◽  
Ruijun C. Wang ◽  
Fereshteh T. Yazdi ◽  
Alison C. Holloway ◽  
...  

Proper placental development and function are central to the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. A critical component of healthy placental function is the proper development of its vascular network. Poor vascularization of the placenta can lead to fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and in some cases fetal death. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which uterine stressors influence the development of the placental vasculature and contribute to placental dysfunction is of central importance to ensuring a healthy pregnancy. In this review we discuss how oxidative stress observed in maternal smoking, maternal obesity, and preeclampsia has been associated with aberrant angiogenesis and placental dysfunction resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. We also highlight that oxidative stress can influence the expression of a number of transcription factors important in mediating angiogenesis. Therefore, understanding how oxidative stress affects redox-sensitive transcription factors within the placenta may elucidate potential therapeutic targets for correcting abnormal placental angiogenesis and function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Tarique Hussain ◽  
Ghulam Murtaza ◽  
Elsayed Metwally ◽  
Dildar Hussain Kalhoro ◽  
Muhammad Saleem Kalhoro ◽  
...  

It has been widely known that oxidative stress disrupts the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system in the body. During pregnancy, the physiological generation of ROS is involved in a variety of developmental processes ranging from oocyte maturation to luteolysis and embryo implantation. While abnormal overproduction of ROS disrupts these processes resulting in reproductive failure. In addition, excessive oxidative stress impairs maternal and placental functions and eventually results in fetal loss, IUGR, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Although some oxidative stress is inevitable during pregnancy, a balancing act between oxidant and antioxidant production is necessary at different stages of the pregnancy. The review aims to highlight the importance of maintaining oxidative and antioxidant balance throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, we highlight the role of oxidative stress in pregnancy-related diseases.


2011 ◽  
Vol 105 (10) ◽  
pp. 1418-1428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline B. Mariath ◽  
Denise P. Bergamaschi ◽  
Patrícia H. C. Rondó ◽  
Ana C. D'A. Tanaka ◽  
Patrícia de Fragas Hinnig ◽  
...  

The present study reviews the possible role of Se status during pregnancy regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes, with emphasis on those related to diminished antioxidant activity and increased oxidative stress. Studies have reported that Se could play an important role in adverse outcomes such as miscarriages, neural tube defects, diaphragmatic hernia, premature birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, glucose intolerance and gestational diabetes. Also, low Se status has been associated with adverse outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women and their offspring. Nevertheless, the function of Se in the aetiology of pregnancy complications is yet to be elucidated. Available evidence presents the following limitations: most study designs do not allow conclusions about causal relationships; study populations, selection of subjects, research setting, procedures for defining sample size and analytical methods are often poorly described; many studies fail to adjust for important confounding variables. In addition, population studies assessing the relationship between Se intake during pregnancy and health outcomes are scarce. Further research is still needed to clarify the role of Se status in adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially those related to augmented oxidative stress.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 2890-2917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Del Bo’ ◽  
Daniela Martini ◽  
Marisa Porrini ◽  
Dorothy Klimis-Zacas ◽  
Patrizia Riso

Severalin vitroandin vivostudies have demonstrated that polyphenol-rich berries may counteract oxidative stress. In this review, we summarized the main finding from human intervention trials on the role of berries in the modulation of markers of oxidative lipid, protein and DNA damage.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document