Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is a recognized feature shared by tumors, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid in their local microenvironments. Like the tumors, the blastocysts, placenta, trophoblasts and decidual immune cells can also produce a large amount of lactic acid through aerobic glycolysis during the early pregnancy. Moreover, the placenta expresses the transporters of the lactic acid. While several studies have described the role of lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment, especially lactic acid's modulation of immune cells, the role of lactic acid produced during pregnancy is still unclear. In this paper, we reviewed the scientific evidence detailing the effects of lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment. Based on the influence of the lactic acid on immune cells and tumors, we proposed that lactic acid released in the unique uterine environment could have similar effects on the trophoblast cells and immune cells during the early pregnancy.
Highlights
During embryo implantation, enhanced glucose catabolism leading to the accumulation of lactic acid in the extracellular microenvironment has become a recognized metabolic feature of mammalian blastocysts [1]
Based on the effects of lactic acid produced by tumors on the local microenvironment, we speculate that lactic acid may have similar effects at the maternal-fetal interface, notably promoting trophoblastic invasion, trophoblastic migration, and maternal angiogenesis; providing metabolic fuel; and modulating decidual immune cells to ensure local immune tolerance and defense against any pathogens [8, 9]
The blastocyst, placenta, trophoblast and decidual immune cells may produce a large amount of lactic acid through aerobic glycolysis at the maternal-fetal interface during the first trimester of pregnancy, leading to a decrease in the pH of the extracellular microenvironment
Summary
During embryo implantation, enhanced glucose catabolism leading to the accumulation of lactic acid in the extracellular microenvironment has become a recognized metabolic feature of mammalian blastocysts [1]. The lactic acid produced by aerobic glycolysis is used for energy generation and for other functions.
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