CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Abstract: Trophoblast invasion during implantation and placentation is critical for successful gestation and it is thoughtthat invasion insufficiencies during placentation contribute to a number of obstetrical complications. However, relativelylittle is known regarding the regulation of this process and its link with the formation of new vascular beds during earlypregnancy. Here, we review literature concerning the potential significance of inadequate uterine invasion as a contributorto the obstetrical complications of spontaneous abortion and preeclampsia. Studies have shown that both extrinsic andintrinsic factors involved in trophoblast invasion modulation seemed to be involved in some common obstetricalcomplications as early pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. Lipid molecules (i.e. prostaglandins, lysophosphatidic acid,anandamide), nitric oxide, metalloproteases and uterine natural killer cells, which are involved in implantationdeficiencies, are also reported to be part of vascular abnormalities observed during preeclampsia. Trophoblast invasiontogether with placental vascularization reflects a complex interaction of regulatory factors. Understanding the regulationof trophoblast growth in the uterine matrix will provide much needed insight into implantation failure and placenta-relatedvascular insufficiencies.