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In Vitro Assays to Evaluate the Migration, Invasion, and Proliferation of Immortalized Human First-trimester Trophoblast Cell Lines
Published on: March 5, 2019
Glucocorticoids in pregnancy
Beata Marciniak1, Jolanta Patro-Małysza, Elżbieta Poniedziałek-Czajkowska
1Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, PL, 20-954 Lublin, Poland. marciniak.alex@gmail.com
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|February 24, 2011
Summary
Glucocorticoids (GS) can aid fetal lung maturity but may harm brain development. The placenta
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fetal exposure to glucocorticoids (GS) can occur from maternal treatments or endogenous sources.
- Synthetic GS are used to promote fetal lung maturation in cases of preterm delivery risk.
- This treatment, while life-saving, carries risks including neurodevelopmental issues and growth restriction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the metabolism of glucocorticoids during pregnancy.
- To examine how endogenous and synthetic GS impact placental function.
- To understand the effects of placental changes on fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing evidence on glucocorticoid metabolism in pregnancy.
- Analysis of the role of placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2).
- Examination of how GS influence placental function and fetal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Placental 11β-HSD2 is crucial for protecting the fetus from excessive GS exposure by inactivating them.
- Maternal GS administration can lead to adverse fetal outcomes, including neurodevelopmental deficits.
- Changes in the placenta due to GS exposure can affect fetal growth and programming.
Conclusions:
- While synthetic GS are vital for preterm birth management, their potential adverse effects on fetal development must be considered.
- Understanding placental GS metabolism is key to mitigating risks associated with prenatal steroid exposure.
- Further research is needed to balance the benefits of lung maturation with the potential harms to fetal brain development.
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