Glutamate in vitro effects on human term placental mitochondria

Oxidative stress may affect the functionality of placental mitochondria, thus contributing to serious complications. For this reason research of protective substances is of great importance. Our aim was to evaluate, in mitochondria isolated from human term placentas, the effect of in vitro glutamate supplementation on their susceptibility to oxidation, on the chemico-physical characteristics of mitochondrial membranes, and on peroxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities.

The study was performed on mitochondria isolated from 20 healthy human term placentas. Specific exclusion criteria were: conception by assisted reproduction, chromosomal or other fetal, uterine or placental anomalies, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a history of smoking and hypertension, proteinuria, renal, cardiovascular, hepatic, and endocrine disease, metabolic disorders, and current infection or history of all types of infection.

Incubation with glutamate determined a reduced susceptibility to oxidative stress, an increase in mitochondrial membrane fluidity, and a decrease of both peroxidase and NOS activities.

On the basis of the observed results, we can hypothesize a role for glutamate in the control of lipid peroxidation extent in physiological pregnancies, as well as in the prevention of free radical-linked complications that can affect the health of both mother and fetus.