The role of fatty acids in disturbance of energy processes in the early placenta with cytomegalovirus infection

Abstract

Introduction. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection directly and indirectly can cause placental dysfunction. One of the reasons for its development may be a deficiency of energy supply due to changes in the level of fatty acids (FA) – the main sources of energy in the cell.Aim. Analysis of the fatty acids concentration and causes of its changes in the placenta during exacerbation of CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy.Materials and methods. Biosamples (venous blood, epithelium from the inner surface of the cheek, mucous membrane of the cervical canal, villous chorion) of 32 CMV-seropositive women with an exacerbation of CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (main group) and 30 CMV-seronegative women (control group) were studied. Exacerbation of CMV infection was diagnosed by ELISA to detect IgM and IgG with avidity of 65% or more, PCR to detect CMV DNA. The profile and relative concentration of individual FA in villous chorion lipid extracts were studied by gas-liquid chromatography. The activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was determined by a histochemical method on sections of freshly frozen villous chorion tissues.Results. In the main group placentas, the concentration of medium-chain saturated fatty acids was statistically significantly lower: capric by 50%, lauric by 51%, unsaturated myristoleic by 44%; long-chain unsaturated acids: palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic fatty acids by 52%, 55%, 57% and 64%, respectively; of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a very long chain: eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic by 44% and 41%, respectively. The activity of enzymes: succinate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased.Conclusion. Thus, we found a decrease in energy supply in the placenta during exacerbation of chronic CMV infection in the first trimester of pregnancy. Disorders of placental energy metabolism can cause placental insufficiency, which has adverse consequences for fetal development.