Placental membrane transport under oxidative stress

Placental membrane transport is essential to maternal–fetal exchange and depends on the coordinated function of pores, ion channels, and solute transporters in the syncytiotrophoblast and related barriers. Oxidative stress caused by hypoxia–reoxygenation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or impaired antioxidant defenses may disrupt membrane integrity and transport activity, contributing to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes. Key questions remain about which transport pathways are most vulnerable, how redox changes alter their function, and whether these effects are causes or consequences of placental dysfunction. Experimental studies have examined ion-channel activity, water and solute movement, calcium signaling, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial injury, but findings across models and pregnancy disorders are not yet fully integrated. A clearer account of the mechanisms linking oxidative stress to placental transport—and of their relevance to maternal–fetal physiology—is needed.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of how oxidative stress affects placental membrane pores, channels, and transporters, and how these changes contribute to healthy or complicated pregnancies. It will bring together mechanistic, physiological, and translational research to identify vulnerable transport pathways, clarify their redox-sensitive regulation, and assess potential strategies for preserving placental function.To gather further insights into placental membrane transport under oxidative stress, from molecular and biophysical mechanisms to maternal–fetal and translational implications, we welcome contributions using in vitro, ex vivo, animal, clinical, or computational approaches. Studies may emphasize either the biophysical and molecular mechanisms of transport or the endocrine, clinical, and reproductive-physiology context. Themes include, but are not limited to:Ion-channel function and electrophysiologyAquaporins and placental water transportCalcium and magnesium transport and signalingRedox-sensitive regulation of transportersLipid peroxidation, membrane integrity, and fluidityMitochondrial dysfunction and permeability transitionLinks between altered placental transport and pregnancy complicationsTranslational or therapeutic approaches, including antioxidant and mineral supplementationComputational and biophysical modeling of placental transport Topic editors: Reinaldo Marín, Mariana Farina, Cilia Abad, Alicia E Damiano Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85675/placental-membrane-transport-under-oxidative-stress