Abstract
Folate plays a fundamental role for fetal development, participating in cell division, embryogenesis, and fetal growth. The fetus depends on maternal supply of folate across the placenta. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of Folate Receptor-α (FR-α), Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC), and Proton Coupled Folate Transporter (PCFT) in placentas from pregnancies complicated with birth defects (BD) and controls. Case-control study, including placentas of BD-complicated pregnancies (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). We determined the placental expression of FR-α, RFC, and PCFT by immunohistochemistry. Optical density was measured to obtain a relative quantification of the expression. The expression of PCFT was greater in placentas from pregnancies complicated with BD than in those from the control group (p < .01). The expression of FR-α and RFC was not different between groups. The expression of PCFT in placentas from BD-complicated pregnancies is increased, possibly as an adaptive response to increase the folate flux at the maternal-fetal interface.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
