Environmental Pollution and Oxidative Stress: Health Effects During Pregnancy: A Review

Featured Application Potential application of the outcomes of the present study is feasible for the development of more targeted wellbeing measures in order to promote human health and prevent unfavorable pregnancy impacts related to increased oxidative stress due to pollution.Abstract Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defense that can lead to reproductive disorders and poor pregnancy outcomes. Environmental pollution under climate change is involved in reactive oxygen species formation and may cause various dysfunctions of the reproductive system. Oxidative stress is a widespread factor that affects the physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, leading to high levels of DNA damage and infertility. Miscarriage, preeclampsia, and premature birth are all linked to oxidative stress. Environmental pollution induces excesses of oxidative stress by expanding ROS generation or overwhelming the physiological responses of the antioxidant defense system. This increases cellular damage, inflammation, and the development of numerous diseases. Here, we present a brief outline of the physiological and developmental roles that oxidative stress plays during pregnancy. We also offer some insights into the underlying mechanisms that have been put forth, which culminate in a summary of the harmful effects of oxidative stress that have an environmental origin in pregnancy-related complications. The current work may motivate the design of more focused wellbeing measures in order to prevent and promote human health and anticipate unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.