Neurotrophic factors and inflammatory cytokines in the mother-placenta-fetus system in experimental hyperhomocysteinemia

An essential aspect of metabolic imbalance of L-homocysteine and its accumulation in blood (hyperhomocysteinemia) is its aggravating effect in pregnancy. However, little is known about the effects of maternal increased L-homocysteine levels on brain development of fetuses. In the development of the fetus, accompanied by changes in metabolism in the placenta, an important role belongs to neurotrophic factors and apoptosis. This study investigated the effects of chronic L-methionine administration on some parameters of inflammation and on neurotrophic factor levels in the brain of embryos, as well as in the placenta and serum of pregnant rats. The observed disturbances can be resulted from both a direct impact of L-homocysteine and its metabolites on the fetal CNS, and hyperhomocysteinemia-caused changes in normal state of the placenta.