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Oxidative stress in pregnancy and fertility pathologies

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Abstract

Oxidative stress designates the state of imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant levels. In a healthy placenta, there is an increase in ROS production, due to formation of new tissues and inherent metabolism, but this is balanced by higher levels of antioxidants. However, this balance is lost in some situations, with a consequent increase in oxidative stress levels. Oxidative stress has been implicated in several placental disorders and pregnancy pathologies. The present review intends to summarize what is known about the relationship between oxidative stress and well-known pregnancy disorders.

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  1. Unit of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (CISA) and Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESTSP-IPP), Porto, Portugal

    Ana C. Pereira

  2. Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal

    Ana C. Pereira & Fátima Martel

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Pereira, A.C., Martel, F. Oxidative stress in pregnancy and fertility pathologies. Cell Biol Toxicol 30, 301–312 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10565-014-9285-2

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