Molecular interactions in the placenta during malaria infection

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology Vol. 152; no. 2; pp. 126 - 132
• Main Authors: Mens, Petra F, Bojtor, Edward C, Schallig, Henk D.F.H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-10-2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Antigens, Protozoan - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Chemokines, CC - metabolism; Chondroitin Sulfates - metabolism; Erythrocytes - parasitology; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Human protozoal diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Malaria; Malaria infection; Malaria, Falciparum - blood; Malaria, Falciparum - physiopathology; Medical sciences; Molecular interactions; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Parasitic diseases; Placenta - pathology; Placenta Diseases - pathology; Placenta Diseases - physiopathology; Placental malaria; Plasmodium falciparum; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic - blood; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic - physiopathology; Pregnancy Outcome; Protozoal diseases; Placental malaria; Molecular interactions; Malaria infection; Infection; Protozoal disease; Placenta; Malaria; Gynecology; Molecular interaction; Parasitosis; Obstetrics
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.05.013

Abstract Placental malaria is the placental sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes that accumulate in the intervillous space, resulting in pathological alterations. The intervillous space, the main compartment for exchange of nutrients and delivery of oxygen to the fetus, is of utmost importance for fetal development. Events leading to adverse outcomes of placental malaria can be summarized in four steps: (1) accumulation of P. falciparum infected erythrocytes; (2) infiltration of monocytes and macrophages; (3) alteration of the placental cytokine balance and (4) pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These events are triggered by chemokines and cytokines leading to impaired materno–fetal exchange and damage to the placenta. This review describes the events during placental malaria infection at molecular level and presents a simplified model describing all crucial steps leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes based on a review of recent literature (August 2009).