Abstract
The placenta is a temporary vital organ for sustaining the development of the fetus throughout gestation. Although the fatty acid composition delivered to the fetus is largely determined by maternal circulating levels, the placenta preferentially transfers physiologically important long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly omega-3 (n-3) FAs. The precise mechanisms governing these transfers were covered in a veil, but have started to be revealed gradually. Several evidences suggest fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs), placental specific membrane bound fatty acid binding proteins (pFABPpm) and fatty acid translocases (FAT/CD36) involved in LC-PUFAs uptake. Our studies have shown that the placental transfer of omega-3 FAs through the trophoblast cells is largely contributed by fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3). Recently there are considerable interests in the potential for dietary omega-3 FAs as a therapeutic intervention for fetal disorders. In fact, prenatal supply of omega-3 FAs is essential for brain and retinal development. Recent findings suggest a potential opportunity of omega-3 FA interventions to decrease the incidence of type 2 diabetes in future generations. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism of transportation of omega-3 FAs through the placenta and how omega-3 FAs deficiency/supplementation impact on fetal development.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2016, 2(1): 1-8
Highlights
The placenta is the principal site of nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus
Placental nutrient uptake and transfer have a unique role in the fetal development, as changes in nutrient-dependent signaling pathways in placental trophoblast leads to the alteration of fetal cell metabolism and may affect the fetal growth and the health programming after birth (Jansson et al, 2013; Jansson and Powell, 2013)
Impact of omega-3 FAs deficiency/supplementation on fetus LC-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), DHA is an important constituent of the phospholipids of all cell membranes, where they play roles assuring the correct environment for membrane protein function, maintaining membrane fluidity, regulating cell signaling, gene expression and cellular function, and serving as substrates for the synthesis of lipid mediators (Calder, 2012)
Summary
The placenta is the principal site of nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus. The human placenta is a villous organ, whereby maternal blood comes into direct contact with placental trophoblast cell. The placental membrane is made up of four layers, the maternal facing SCTB, a layer of cytotrophoblast cells, connective tissue of the villus and the endothelium lining the fetal capillaries (Figure 1a).
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