Exploring the Role of Mediterranean and Westernized Diets and Their Main Nutrients in the Modulation of Oxidative Stress in the Placenta: A Narrative Review
Cielo García-Montero,
Oscar Fraile-Martinez,
Diego De Leon-Oliva,
Diego Liviu Boaru,
Luis M. Garcia-Puente,
Juan A. De León-Luis,
Coral Bravo,
Raul Diaz-Pedrero,
Laura Lopez-Gonzalez,
Melchor Álvarez-Mon,
Natalio García-Honduvilla,
Miguel A. Saez,
Miguel A. Ortega
Affiliations
Cielo García-Montero
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Oscar Fraile-Martinez
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Diego De Leon-Oliva
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Diego Liviu Boaru
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Luis M. Garcia-Puente
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Juan A. De León-Luis
Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Coral Bravo
Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Raul Diaz-Pedrero
Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
Laura Lopez-Gonzalez
Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
Melchor Álvarez-Mon
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Natalio García-Honduvilla
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Miguel A. Saez
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Miguel A. Ortega
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Oxidative stress is a major cellular event that occurs in the placenta, fulfilling critical physiological roles in non-pathological pregnancies. However, exacerbated oxidative stress is a pivotal feature of different obstetric complications, like pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and other diseases. Compelling evidence supports the relevant role of diet during pregnancy, with pleiotropic consequences for maternal well-being. The present review aims to examine the complex background between oxidative stress and placental development and function in physiological conditions, also intending to understand the relationship between different dietary patterns and the human placenta, particularly how this could influence oxidative stress processes. The effects of Westernized diets (WDs) and high-fat diets (HFDs) rich in ultra-processed foods and different additives are compared with healthy patterns such as a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) abundant in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Although multiple studies have focused on the role of specific nutrients, mostly in animal models and in vitro, further observational and intervention studies focusing on the placental structure and function in women with different dietary patterns should be conducted to understand the precise influence of diet on this organ.