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Impact of Ionizing Radiation Exposure on Placental Function and Implications for Fetal Programming
Cameron Hourtovenko1,2, Shayen Sreetharan1,3, Sujeenthar Tharmalingam1,2
1Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 28, 2024
Summary
Radiation exposure during pregnancy harms fetal development, particularly the placenta. This review synthesizes how irradiation impacts placental function, crucial for preventing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Radiation Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- High-dose radiation exposure during pregnancy poses significant risks to fetal development.
- The placenta is vital for fetal nutrition, respiration, waste excretion, endocrine, and immunological functions.
- Improper placental development is linked to pregnancy complications and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on the effects of irradiation on placental function.
- To highlight the gap in understanding the placenta's role in irradiation-induced fetal programming.
- To guide future research on radiation's impact on placental biology and fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of placental biology, development, structure, and function.
- Focused analysis on the placenta's role in fetal programming.
- Synthesis of existing research on the impact of radiation on placental biology.
Main Results:
- Fetal radiation exposure leads to placental degradation.
- Irradiation dysregulates placental immune function.
- These placental changes are implicated in irradiation-induced IUGR.
Conclusions:
- The placenta plays a critical role in fetal development and is significantly affected by radiation exposure.
- Understanding radiation's impact on the placenta is essential for addressing irradiation-induced IUGR.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of placental dysfunction following irradiation.
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