Understanding the impact of placental oxidative and nitrative stress in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) impacts approximately 10 % of all pregnancies worldwide and is associated with major adverse effects on fetal health in both the short- and long-term [1]. FGR most commonly arises as a result of impaired placentation, occurring in up to 60 % of cases in developed countries [2]. This narrative review outlines the impact of defective placentation on the placenta, focusing on redox imbalance, how this leads to placental oxidative and nitrative stress, and the implications of these stressors on placental nutrient transfer, premature replicative senescence, and trophoblast cell death. Furthermore, this review highlights the pivotal role of antioxidants in protecting against oxidative and nitrative damage by reducing the burden of reactive species. We explore how targeting antioxidants in pregnancy provides a promising strategy for preventing or treating FGR, to ultimately reduce the devastating burden of FGR on infant health.