Assessment of Tissue Expression of the Oxytocin–Vasopressin Pathway in the Placenta of Women with a First-Episode Psychosis during Pregnancy

Abstract

Psychosis refers to a mental health condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality, comprising delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, catatonia, and negative symptoms. A first-episode psychosis (FEP) is a rare condition that can trigger adverse outcomes both for the mother and newborn. Previously, we demonstrated the existence of histopathological changes in the placenta of pregnant women who suffer an FEP in pregnancy. Altered levels of oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been detected in patients who manifested an FEP, whereas abnormal placental expression of these hormones and their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1A) has been proven in different obstetric complications. However, the precise role and expression of these components in the placenta of women after an FEP have not been studied yet. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the gene and protein expression, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), of OXT, OXTR, AVP, and AVPR1a in the placental tissue of pregnant women after an FEP in comparison to pregnant women without any health complication (HC-PW). Our results showed increased gene and protein expression of OXT, AVP, OXTR, and AVPR1A in the placental tissue of pregnant women who suffer an FEP. Therefore, our study suggests that an FEP during pregnancy may be associated with an abnormal paracrine/endocrine activity of the placenta, which can negatively affect the maternofetal wellbeing. Nevertheless, additional research is required to validate our findings and ascertain any potential implications of the observed alterations.

Exploring the Role of Mediterranean and Westernized Diets and Their Main Nutrients in the Modulation of Oxidative Stress in the Placenta: A Narrative Review

“…However, the origin and role of OS are not clear. A possible link could be the different changes occurring in this organ, such as hypoxia, as previously mentioned, together with exacerbated oxytocin expression in this tissue observed in pregnant women [109]. Further studies are needed to deepen understanding of this complex association.…”

Elevated expression of glycolytic genes as a prominent feature of early-onset preeclampsia: insights from integrative transcriptomic analysis

“…Normal development and proper functioning of the placenta are essential prerequisites for a healthy pregnancy ( Ortega et al, 2022 ). Abnormalities in the placenta can lead to damage in multiple systems, including the heart, brain, and vasculature ( Ortega et al, 2023a ; 2023b ). Among these, vascular damage is a primary mechanism underlying the onset of PE.…”

Special Issue of Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Related Complications, 2023

“…Ortega et al [ 8 ] present their analysis of gene and protein expression in placental tissues of women after first-episode psychosis (FEP) during pregnancy. They observed increased gene and protein expression of OXT, AVP, OXTR, and AVPR1A and suggested that FEP during pregnancy might lead to abnormalities in the paracrine and endocrine activity of the placenta.…”