Lhe pregnancy represents a special condition for every woman, who experiences a real visceral bond with her baby for 9 months. It is not just a question of the sense of affective belonging but of the constant organic exchange of cells from the fetus for 40 weeks, with particularly protective effects for your physical well-being. After the birth, they remain in the maternal bloodstream like an indelible “tattoo” and are integrated into the tissues. Hypothetically, a woman keeps fetal cells forever of any previous pregnancyeven those interrupted.
What cells are they?
It is about cells or cell fragments of the fetal compartment of placental origin. They are particularly evident in mothers with sons as these cells retain different chromosomes. During pregnancy the uterine vessels undergo notable transformations and thanks to estrogen the vascularization around the placenta increases: «Which is literally immersed» – he explains Lorenza Driuldirector of the Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic of the Udine Hospital – «in the maternal blood». Fragments of the placenta reach the vessels: “In this way particular signals reach the body of the pregnant woman»- he affirms -« they enter the circle of molecules that are messengers of precise actions to accomplish “. The presence of fetal cells in the maternal bloodstream allows moreover – for about 15 years – of carry out the DNA test embryo and check any chromosomal abnormalities.
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What instructions do these cells carry?
The body pregnant changes completely. Partly this transformation And predisposed by fetal cells. From the adipose tissue increase cytokines that stimulate appetite and favor the deposition of sugars and fats, even for women with eating disorders: “Another important function that these cells control is the preparation for breastfeeding»- she explains -« from the first months of pregnancy they send signals to mast cells for milk production. The breast is tighter and grows ».
Where are they located and what do they do?
Most frequently in the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys, but also in the thyroid, liver, bladder, colon and skin. «They are cells or fragments» – he affirms – «that they also affect the function of the immune system maternal “. Current scientific evidence shows that they play a favorable role for tissue repair and the thermoregulation maternal: «Some autoimmune disorders typically subside during pregnancy “- she says -” this beneficial effect is accentuated especially in the third quarter when the number of circulating cells is higher ».
What breaks is repaired?
Some experimental studies have shown the reparative capacity of the microchemical cells of the fetus on models of infarcted myocardial tissue, brain tissue in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease or the contrast to cell proliferation tumors: «It is possible that fetal stem cells move from the gravidic reservoir to reach the damaged area“- he explains -” and that the latter stimulates the differentiation of fetal cells into other specialized cells “. Essentially, the child helps to “fix” the mother while she takes care of her development and survival.
Pregnancy and tumors
There is one potential correlation between fetal cells and defense against the appearance of neoplasms solid and haematological: «In particular of the tumor to the breast»- he explains -« also del thyroid and lung cancer, where a group of fetal cells with probable protective action were observed “. The mechanisms of mutual protection between mother and child are a continuous discovery: “There are many hypotheses” – he concludes – “that the research will have to confirm in the coming years, with possible applications in the clinical setting“.
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