Syncytiotrophoblast Functions and Fetal Growth Restriction during Placental Malaria: Updates and Implication for Future Interventions

Figure 2

Model explaining biological mechanisms associated with the development of fetal growth restriction as a result of placental malaria. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have documented dysregulation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in placental malaria. Moreover, the IGF-1 and mTOR growth pathways that link maternal nutrients to fetal nutrient availability are downregulated. In addition, nutrient transporters, particularly system A amino acid transporters, are downregulated during placental malaria and therefore limit amino acid uptake. Interestingly, epidemiological studies indicate nourishment or food availability during pregnancy significantly override the effect of placental malaria on neonatal outcome (FGR). We hypothesize that supplementing pregnant women with allowable level of amino acids may override the effect of malaria on neonatal outcome ( downregulate).