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The placenta is a vital organ that supports fetal development by mediating nutrient and gas exchange, regulating immune tolerance, and maintaining hormonal balance. Its formation and function are tightly linked to the processes of embryo implantation and the establishment of a robust placental-uterine interface. Recent advances in molecular biology and histopathology have shed light on the key regulatory factors governing these processes, including trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and the development of chorionic villi. This review integrates morphological and molecular perspectives on placental development, emphasizing the roles of cytokines, growth factors, and signaling pathways, such as VEGF and Notch signaling, in orchestrating implantation and placental formation. The intricate interplay between molecular regulation and morphological adaptations highlights the placenta's critical role as a dynamic interface in pregnancy. This review synthesizes current findings to offer clinicians and researchers a comprehensive understanding of the placenta's role in implantation, emphasizing its importance in maternal-fetal medicine. By integrating these insights, the review lays the groundwork for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that can enhance pregnancy outcomes and address related complications effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The placenta is a vital organ that supports fetal development by mediating nutrient and gas exchange, regulating immune tolerance, and maintaining hormonal balance. Its formation and function are tightly linked to the processes of embryo implantation and the establishment of a robust placental-uterine interface. Recent advances in molecular biology and histopathology have shed light on the key regulatory factors governing these processes, including trophoblast invasion, spiral artery remodeling, and the development of chorionic villi. This review integrates morphological and molecular perspectives on placental development, emphasizing the roles of cytokines, growth factors, and signaling pathways, such as VEGF and Notch signaling, in orchestrating implantation and placental formation. The intricate interplay between molecular regulation and morphological adaptations highlights the placenta’s critical role as a dynamic interface in pregnancy. This review synthesizes current findings to offer clinicians and researchers a comprehensive understanding of the placenta’s role in implantation, emphasizing its importance in maternal-fetal medicine. By integrating these insights, the review lays the groundwork for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that can enhance pregnancy outcomes and address related complications effectively.

Amniotic fluid is essential for fetus wellbeing and is used to monitor pregnancy and predict fetal outcomes. Sex affects health and medicine from the beginning of life, but knowledge of its influence on cell-depleted amniotic fluid (AF) and amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) is still neglected. We evaluated sex-related differences in AF and in AFCs to extend personalized medicine to prenatal life. AFCs and AF were obtained from healthy Caucasian pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis at the 16th–18th week of gestation for advanced maternal age. In the AF, inflammation biomarkers (TNFα, IL6, IL8, and IL4), malondialdehyde, nitrites, amino acids, and acylcarnitines were measured. Estrogen receptors and cell fate (autophagy, apoptosis, senescence) were measured in AFCs. TNFα, IL8, and IL4 were higher in female AF, whereas IL6, nitrites, and MDA were similar. Valine was higher in male AF, whereas several acylcarnitines were sexually different, suggesting a mitochondrial involvement in establishing sex differences. Female AFCs displayed higher expression of ERα protein and a higher ERα/ERβ ratio. The ratio of LC3II/I, an index of autophagy, was higher in female AFCs, while LC3 gene was similar in both sexes. No significant sex differences were found in the expression of the lysosomal protein LAMP1, while p62 was higher in male AFCs. LAMP1 gene was upregulated in male AFCs, while p62 gene was upregulated in female ones. Finally, caspase 9 activity and senescence linked to telomeres were higher in female AFCs, while caspase 3 and β-galactosidase activities were similar. This study supports the idea that sex differences start very early in prenatal life and influence specific parameters, suggesting that it may be relevant to appreciate sex differences to cover knowledge gaps. This might lead to improving the diagnosis of risk prediction for pregnancy complications and achieving a more satisfactory monitoring of fetus health, even preventing future diseases in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal pregnancy relies on inflammation for implantation, placentation, and parturition, but uncontrolled inflammation can lead to poor maternal and infant outcomes. Maternal diet is one modifiable factor that can impact inflammation. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids obtained through the diet are metabolized into bioactive compounds that effect inflammation. Recent evidence has shown that the downstream products of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids may influence physiology during pregnancy. In this review, the current knowledge relating to omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites during pregnancy will be summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal pregnancy relies on inflammation for implantation, placentation, and parturition, but uncontrolled inflammation can lead to poor maternal and infant outcomes. Maternal diet is one modifiable factor that can impact inflammation. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids obtained through the diet are metabolized into bioactive compounds that effect inflammation. Recent evidence has shown that the downstream products of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids may influence physiology during pregnancy. In this review, the current knowledge relating to omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites during pregnancy will be summarized.