The role of Serotonin and the effect of SSRIs on the placental iron transport system

Depression affects up to 20% of pregnancy. If left untreated, antenatal depression increases the risk of complicated pregnancy and abnormal fetal development. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used treatment method for perinatal depression, while the risk of the drug on the placental function and fetal development remains controversial. Iron deficiency is common in patients treated with SSRIs, and the iron deficiency during the pregnancy entails placental diseases such as preeclampsia and the poor development of a child. The proposed research will address the effect of the SSRIs and altered serotonin availability on iron metabolism and the transport in the placenta. Researchers will identify the potential risk of SSRIs treatment associated with altered placental iron metabolism and transporters through the analysis of the gene and protein expressions and the activity of the iron transporters and the enzymes in the human placental cell line.

Faculty Supervisor:

Cathy Vaillancourt

Student:

Partner:

University of Bern

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: