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Open AccessArticle
Alteration of Trophoblast Syncytialization by Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes
by
Carolina López-Guzmán
Carolina López-Guzmán 1
,
Ana María García
Ana María García 1
and
Ana María Vásquez
Ana María Vásquez 1,2,*
1
Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 62 #52-59 Torre 1, Laboratorio 610, Medellin 050001, Colombia
2
Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 #53-108, Bloque 5, Oficina 5-135, Medellin 050001, Colombia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1640; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081640 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 27 June 2024
/
Revised: 2 August 2024
/
Accepted: 8 August 2024
/
Published: 10 August 2024
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy has been associated with significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, leading to complications such as anemia, low birth weight, and increased infant mortality. The trophoblast cells, a key component of the placenta, are crucial for nutrient and oxygen exchange between mother and fetus. The differentiation of cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) into syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) is critical for proper pregnancy development. These cells form the bi-stratified epithelium surrounding the placental villi. While previous studies have described an inflammatory activation of STB cells exposed to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (P. falciparum-IE) or components such as hemozoin (HZ), little is known about the direct effect this parasite may have on the epithelial turnover and function of trophoblast cells. This study aims to contribute to understanding mechanisms leading to placental damage during placental malaria using a BeWo cell line as a differentiation model. It was found that P. falciparum-IE interferes with the fusion of BeWo cells, affecting the differentiation process of trophoblast. A reduction in syncytialization could be associated with the adverse effects of infection in fetal health, altering the remodeling of the trophoblast epithelial barrier and reducing their capacity to exchange substances. However, further studies are necessary to assess alterations in the functionality of this epithelium.
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MDPI and ACS Style
López-Guzmán, C.; García, A.M.; Vásquez, A.M.
Alteration of Trophoblast Syncytialization by Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes. Microorganisms 2024, 12, 1640.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081640
AMA Style
López-Guzmán C, García AM, Vásquez AM.
Alteration of Trophoblast Syncytialization by Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes. Microorganisms. 2024; 12(8):1640.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081640
Chicago/Turabian Style
López-Guzmán, Carolina, Ana María García, and Ana María Vásquez.
2024. "Alteration of Trophoblast Syncytialization by Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes" Microorganisms 12, no. 8: 1640.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081640
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