Antioxidants and Pregnancy: Impact on Maternal and Fetal Health (original) (raw)
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The Role of Antioxidants in Improving Pregnancy Outcomes
IAA Journal of Applied Sciences, 2024
Pregnancy is a physiologically demanding phase marked by profound changes that elevate oxidative stress levels, posing potential risks to maternal and fetal health. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense mechanisms, has been implicated in various pregnancy complications. Antioxidants, renowned for their ability to counteract ROS and mitigate cellular damage, have emerged as a potential intervention to ameliorate adverse outcomes during pregnancy. The paper highlights the physiological changes in pregnancy that contribute to heightened oxidative stress, emphasizing the link between oxidative stress and complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. This paper emphasizes the imperative for robust, well-designed clinical trials to elucidate the optimal timing, dosages, and formulations of antioxidants in pregnancy. It calls for a comprehensive approach to establish clear guidelines and recommendations for antioxidant supplementation. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential of antioxidants as a promising intervention to mitigate oxidative stress-related pregnancy complications. However, the inconclusive nature of current evidence necessitates further rigorous research endeavors. Through this exploration, it accentuates the urgency for standardized protocols, ethical considerations, and extensive clinical studies to unlock the full potential of antioxidants in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy.
Antioxidants and Pregnancy Complications: Exploring Therapeutic Strategies for Better Outcomes
Clinical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2024
Pregnancy complications present signi icant challenges, impacting maternal health and fetal development. Oxidative stress, a key contributor to various pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preterm birth, has spurred interest in exploring antioxidant interventions. Antioxidants, known for their ability to counteract oxidative damage, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents to mitigate these complications. This paper synthesizes current knowledge on the role of antioxidants in pregnancy, elucidating their mechanisms of action, sources, and impact on oxidative stress-related complications. It examines diverse antioxidant compounds, including vitamins C and E, selenium, and natural phytochemicals, highlighting their potential to modulate oxidative stress pathways and promote maternal-fetal wellbeing. Furthermore, this paper critically analyzes clinical studies, meta-analyses, and preclinical research exploring the ef icacy and safety of antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy. It discusses the complexities surrounding optimal dosages, timing, and formulations of antioxidants, aiming to delineate strategies for their integration into prenatal care. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the promising role of antioxidants as therapeutic strategies to alleviate pregnancy complications associated with oxidative stress. It highlights avenues for future research, advocating for a deeper understanding of antioxidant mechanisms and their optimal utilization in prenatal care to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes. sources, mechanisms of action, and implications in combating oxidative stress-related complications. Oxidative stress in pregnancy complications Oxidative stress, a physiological imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of antioxidants to neutralize them, has been implicated in various pregnancy complications [26]. One of the most studied conditions associated with pregnancy, preeclampsia, involves increased oxidative stress [27,28]. Elevated levels of ROS and reduced antioxidant capacity contribute to endothelial dysfunction, leading to hypertension, proteinuria, and placental abnormalities. The placenta, central to preeclampsia pathophysiology, generates excess ROS, triggering systemic in lammation and endothelial damage [29-33]. Oxidative stress is implicated in the development of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction observed in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) [34]. Increased ROS production impairs insulin signaling pathways, exacerbates in lammation, and contributes to abnormal glucose metabolism. This oxidative imbalance affects More Information
ENHANCING PREGNANCY OUTCOMES: THE ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN OBSTETRICS
KIU Journal of Health Sciences, 2024
The physiological process of pregnancy is intricate and fraught with difficulties and potential problems that may affect the health of the mother and the fetus. Owing to its capacity to counteract oxidative stress, antioxidants have drawn a lot of interest from obstetricians as possible partners in enhancing pregnancy outcomes. This study examines the body of research on the function of antioxidants in obstetrics and how they affect different elements of pregnancy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms are out of balance, and this imbalance can lead to oxidative stress, which has been linked to harmful pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. One vital organ for fetal development, the placenta, is especially vulnerable to oxidative damage, which could result in difficulties. This review focuses on the many endogenous and exogenous sources of antioxidants as well as their methods of action in reducing oxidative stress in pregnancy. Selenium, polyphenols from fruits and vegetables, vitamins C and E, and other wellresearched antioxidants have demonstrated the potential to lower the risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. The review also investigates the possible synergistic benefits of mixing several antioxidants for improved defense.
Antioxidant Supplementation in Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Infant Health
Elite Journal of Medicine, 2024
Antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy has garnered significant attention due to its potential impact on mitigating oxidative stress and improving maternal and infant health outcomes. This comprehensive review explores the current literature on antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy, examining its effects on maternal well-being, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes. The review discusses the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in pregnancy, the rationale for antioxidant intervention, and the diverse antioxidants commonly studied in this context. Furthermore, it delves into the potential benefits and risks associated with antioxidant supplementation, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach tailored to individual patient profiles. Understanding the implications of antioxidant supplementation on placental function, birth weight, and long-term health outcomes for both mothers and infants is essential for guiding evidence-based practices in prenatal care.
Mitigating Oxidative Stress in Pregnancy through Antioxidant Supplementation: A Narrative Review
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2024
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, plays a significant role in the development of pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Elevated metabolic demands during pregnancy increase ROS production, leading to potential damage to maternal tissues and fetal development. Addressing this imbalance through antioxidant supplementation has emerged as a potential strategy to mitigate oxidative stress and improve pregnancy outcomes.Antioxidants, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. Commonly studied antioxidants in pregnancy include vitamins C and E, selenium, and coenzyme Q10. Research has shown that supplementation with these antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress markers and improve conditions such as preeclampsia and IUGR. However, clinical outcomes have been mixed, with some studies showing significant benefits while others report minimal effects, underscoring the need for further research.
Antioxidant Therapy in Pregnancy: Enhancing Maternal-Infant Well-being through Redox Balance
Women's Health Science Journal, 2024
Pregnancy is a complex physiological state characterized by dynamic changes in the maternal body to support fetal growth and development. However, this intricate process can also lead to increased oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between the productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize them. Excessive oxidative stress during pregnancy has been linked to various gestational complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth, highlighting the need for interventions to enhance maternal and fetal well-being. Antioxidant therapy has emerged as a promising approach to counteract oxidative stress and mitigate its adverse effects during pregnancy. This review explores the current state of knowledge regarding the role of antioxidants in pregnancy, focusing on their potential benefits in improving maternal health and optimizing fetal development.
In Vivo Studies on Protective Effect of Exogenous Antioxidants During Normal Gestation
The oxidative stress induced by excessive synthesis of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) or reduced antioxidant synthesis, is involved in physiological processes (normal pregnancy) or pathological processes, some of them with a great echo in the field of medical practice. For this reason, there are deeply justified the more frequent attempts to use in practice the compounds with antioxidant potential in the prophylaxis and treatment of some diseases which involve oxidative stress. The authors have studied the alterations of the oxidative stress parameters, assessed by the measuring of serum lipid peroxides, in the same time with the total antioxidant capacity-hydrogen donors, in Wistar female rats during gestation. The determinations were made in the 21st day and they were compared with the ones of a group of animals which have received during pregnancy-week 1, week 2, week 3-by gavages one dose of Chitosan (0,5 mg/animal/dose), a product known for its antioxidant capacity, and of a gro...
Placenta, 2016
Introduction: Oxidative stress is present in pregnancy complications. However, it is unknown if early maternal antioxidant status could influence later development of complications. The use of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is rising due to the delay of first pregnancy and there is scarce information on its influence on oxidative balance. Objective: To assess the possible relationship between maternal plasma antioxidant status in first trimester of gestation with later development of pregnancy complications, evaluating the influence of ART and nutrition. Methods: Plasma from 98 healthy pregnant women was obtained at week 10, nutrition questionnaires filled and women were followed until delivery. We evaluated biomarkers of oxidative damage (carbonyls, malondialdehyde-MDA), antioxidants (thiols, reduced glutathione, phenolic compounds, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities) by spectrophotometry/fluorimetry and melatonin (ELISA). Antioxidant status score (Antiox-S) was calculated as the computation of antioxidants. Diet-antioxidants relationship was evaluated through multiple correspondence analysis. Results: Melatonin and carbonyls exhibited a negative correlation. No difference in oxidative damage was found between groups, but Antiox-S was significantly lower in women who developed complications. No differences in oxidative damage or Antiox-S were found between ART and no-ART pregnancies. High consumption of foods of vegetable origin cluster with high plasma levels of phenolic compounds and with high Antiox-S score. Conclusions: In early normal gestation, low plasma antioxidant status, assessed through a global score, associates with later development of pregnancy complications. Larger ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT population studies could help to determine the value of Antiox-S as predictive tool and the relevance of nutrition on maternal antioxidant status.
The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Balance in Pregnancy
Mediators of Inflammation, 2021
It has been widely known that oxidative stress disrupts the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system in the body. During pregnancy, the physiological generation of ROS is involved in a variety of developmental processes ranging from oocyte maturation to luteolysis and embryo implantation. While abnormal overproduction of ROS disrupts these processes resulting in reproductive failure. In addition, excessive oxidative stress impairs maternal and placental functions and eventually results in fetal loss, IUGR, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Although some oxidative stress is inevitable during pregnancy, a balancing act between oxidant and antioxidant production is necessary at different stages of the pregnancy. The review aims to highlight the importance of maintaining oxidative and antioxidant balance throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, we highlight the role of oxidative stress in pregnancy-related diseases.