Assessment of the effects of tumor growth on fetal resorption rate and placental damage in Pregnant Wistar rats bearing the Walker 256 carcinoma

Abstract

The study of foetal development aims to understand better the proper growth and fetal health avoiding the possibility of alterations and pathologies, especially when these may be associated with conditions that can cause damages to the foetus welfare. Considering the placenta as the main communication between the mother and foetus, and it is responsible especially for nutrition, gas exchange, and other functions, which are essential to ensure the successful development and maintenance of the foetus. Therefore, many physiological parameters are involved in this process, and any uncontrolled changes can cause irreparable damage. One of the factors responsible for causing changes in the placenta and, consequently, harming the foetus, is the association between of cancer and pregnancy. In this situation, the prognosis is even more delicate, because besides being two patients, the procedures for treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy become limited due to the harmful effects to the foetus. Therefore, this study aims to identify the Walker 256 tumour-induced changes in the placenta in Wistar rats. This work will evaluate the time-course to establish the relationship between foetal growth and tumour growth, and check the correlation among the levels of alpha-fetoprotein protein, kinase-like ativin 4 receptor for the nodal type 1, and mTOR, and also study the retionship between in placental development and activity.