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Neurotrophins: Role in adverse pregnancy outcome
Author(s) -
Dhobale Madhavi
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.06.005
Subject(s) - neurotrophin , nerve growth factor , neurotrophic factors , brain derived neurotrophic factor , pregnancy , endocrinology , medicine , placenta , docosahexaenoic acid , placental growth factor , biology , fetus , polyunsaturated fatty acid , fatty acid , receptor , vascular endothelial growth factor , biochemistry , genetics , vegf receptors
Proper placental development is essential during pregnancy since it forms the interface between the maternal–foetal circulations and is critical for foetal nutrition and oxygenation. Neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophin (BDNF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and neurotrophin‐4/5 (NT‐4/5) are naturally occurring molecules that regulate development of the placenta and brain. BDNF and NGF also involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Recent studies suggest that the levels of BDNF and NGF are regulated by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is an important omega‐3 fatty acid and is a structural component of the plasma membrane. Oxidative stress during pregnancy may lower the levels of DHA and affecting the fluidity of the membranes leading to the changes in the levels and expression of BDNF and NGF. Therefore altered levels and expression of NGF and BDNF may lead to abnormal foetal growth and brain development that may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndromes and neurodevelopmental disorders in children born preterm. This review discuss about the neurotrophins and their role in the feto‐placental unit during critical period of pregnancy.