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Iron Metabolism in Normal and Pathological Pregnancies and Fetal Consequences

Charles Mégier1, Katell Peoc'h2, Vincent Puy3,4

  • 1Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Bicêtre, Université Paris Saclay, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France.

Metabolites
|February 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This review updates knowledge on iron and heme metabolism in pregnancy. It details placental iron transport in normal and pathological pregnancies, including iron deficiency and hemoglobin diseases, impacting neonatal development.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Hematology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Iron is vital for energy, DNA synthesis, and oxygen delivery via hemoglobin.
  • Placental iron metabolism is crucial for fetal development.
  • Iron deficiency and overload negatively impact maternal and neonatal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on iron and heme metabolism in normal and pathological pregnancies.
  • To describe molecular actors in human placental iron metabolism.
  • To discuss the impact of iron deficiency and hemoglobin diseases on placental function.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of iron and heme metabolism in pregnancy.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms in placental iron transport.
  • Synthesis of data on pathological pregnancies and their effect on iron metabolism.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of molecular players in placental iron metabolism.
  • Elucidation of how iron deficiency and hemoglobinopathies affect placental iron handling.
  • Overview of iron metabolism alterations in common pathological pregnancies.

Conclusions:

  • Iron metabolism is critical during pregnancy, with the placenta playing a central role.
  • Both iron deficiency and overload pose risks to pregnancy outcomes and neonatal development.
  • Understanding these pathways is essential for managing pregnancy complications related to iron.

Keywords:
globinhemehemoglobinhepcidinironplacentapreeclampsiapregnancy

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