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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
07:37
Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
The placenta cytokine network and inflammatory signals
S Hauguel-de Mouzon1, M Guerre-Millo
1Department of Reproductive Biology, Schwartz Center for Metabolism and Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Metro Health Medical Center, 2550 Metrohealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA. shdemouzon@metrohealth.org
Placenta
|October 26, 2005
Summary
The placenta produces inflammatory molecules throughout pregnancy, potentially contributing to maternal insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. This process is altered in conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The placenta actively produces and responds to inflammatory stimuli throughout gestation.
- Placental cells release cytokines and inflammatory molecules, influencing local and systemic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of placental inflammatory signaling in normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications.
- To explore the connection between placental cytokines, adipose tissue, and systemic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on placental inflammatory pathways.
- Analysis of cytokine profiles and their association with pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- Placental inflammatory pathways are crucial for implantation and may induce necessary maternal insulin resistance.
- Placental cytokines share similarities with adipose tissue-derived cytokines, suggesting a role in third-trimester inflammation.
- In conditions like obesity and diabetes, placental and adipose tissue contribute to heightened inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.
Conclusions:
- The placenta acts as an integrative organ, modulating inflammatory responses during pregnancy.
- Dysregulated placental inflammation, influenced by maternal metabolic status, contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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