Prorenin periconceptionally and in pregnancy: Does it have a physiological role?

摘要

Pregnancy demands major cardiovascular, renal and endocrine changes to provide an adequate blood supply for the growing fetus. The renin-angiotensin-aldostemne system plays a key role in this adaptation process. One of its components, prorenin, is released in significant amounts from the ovary and uteroplacental unit. This review describes the sources of prorenin in the periconception period and in pregnancy, including its modulation by invitro fertilization protocols, and discusses its potential effects, among others focusing on preeclampsia. It ends with discussing the long-term consequences, even in later life, of inappropriate renin-angiotensin-aldostemne system activity in pregnancy and offers directions for future research. Ultimately, a full understanding of the role of prorenin periconceptionally and during pregnancy will help to develop tools to diagnose and/or prevent reproductive complications.