The syncytiotrophoblast of the placental villi in health and in preeclampsia


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Abstract

The authors analyze the data available in the literature on the role of the syncytiotrophoblast in the normal placental development processes and its changes in preeclampsia. They note the features of interstitial, endoarterial, endovenous, and endolymphatic trophoblast invasion into the uterine wall, as well as the stages of cytotrophoblast cell differentiation into the syncytiotrophoblast. It is indicated that the latter that lines the placental villi and is in direct contact with maternal blood is a major structural element and regulator of the functions of the formed placenta. It is emphasized that the most recognized cause of preeclampsia is considered to be surface trophoblast invasion into the uterine wall and defective spiral artery remodeling, leading to placental ischemia. There are literature data on primary changes in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placental villi in preeclampsia, which include ultrastructural, proliferative, and apoptotic impairments, and formation of syncytial nodules and capillary syncytial membranes. The role of syncytin-1 as a regulator of syncytiotrophoblast development and function in health and in preeclampsia is reflected. It is emphasized that starting with the invasion processes, any impaired function of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast can cause subsequent pregnancy complications, fetal growth, and neonatal diseases.

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About the authors

Aleksandr I. Shchegolev

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: ashegolev@oparina4.ru
Dokt. of Med. Sci., professor, Head of Morbid Anatomy

Ulyana N. Tumanova

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: ashegolev@oparina4.ru
Ph.D., senior researcher of Department of Morbid Anatomy

Vyacheslav N. Lyapin

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: v_lyapin@oparina4.ru
pathologist of Department of Morbid Anatomy

Vladimir N. Serov

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: v_serov@oparina4.ru
MD, professor, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, chief researcher

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