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Updated: May 19, 2026
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Effects of labor on placental fatty acid β oxidation
Hector Mendez-Figueroa1, Edward K Chien, Huiling Ji
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Women and Infants' Hospital of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA. hmendezfigueroa@wihri.org
Objective:
To measure the effect labor exerts on fatty acid (FA) oxidation in term human placentas, and to compare enzymes expression and activity between placenta and liver.
Methods:
Placental samples were collected: (a) scheduled non-labored cesarean section and (b) normal vaginal delivery at or beyond 37 weeks. Long and medium-chain FA oxidation were measured using (3)H-labeled FA, ATP concentration was measured via commercial kit. Activity and expression levels of 11 FA enzymes were measured and results compared to both human and mouse liver.
Results:
Placentas undergoing labor had significantly decreased palmitate oxidation and ATP levels. Octanoic acid oxidation was 10-fold higher than palmitic acid oxidation. No difference in expression or activity level was detected between the groups.
Conclusion:
Term human placentas express all the enzymes required to oxidize FA, at a rate 20-fold lower than liver. FA Oxidation is not likely an important placental energy source during labor. Further work is needed to determine the functionality of this pathway in placenta.
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