A study, led by Prof Ng Shyh-Chang, Prof Wang Yan-Ling and Prof Wang Hongmei from the Beijing Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and CAS Institute of Zoology, delved into the intricate workings of placental trophoblast stem cells. Researchers discovered that these cells require a precise amount of glucose for proper regulation. When glucose levels drop, even briefly, the placenta enters a "crisis mode" linked to inflammation and potential pregnancy complications. Remarkably, acetate supplementation, easily obtained from vinegar, could potentially prevent or alleviate these issues, supporting healthy placental development and fetal growth.

Prof Ng Shyh Chang explained, "We've uncovered a cellular mechanism that shows how glucose and acetate, can support placental health when metabolism is suboptimal."

Prof Wang Yan-Ling pointed out, “Our findings explain how nutrient is appropriately allocated between the mother and the fetus by the placenta through glucose metabolism-mediated epigenetic regulation.”

The research team found that placental stem cells prioritize fetal nutrition by reserving only a small portion of glucose for themselves. This limited glucose serves as a crucial regulatory signal for both placental and fetal development through epigenetic processes. When glucose levels fall too low, the placenta enters an inflammatory state that may be associated with serious complications such as pre-eclampsia and spontaneous abortion. The researchers found that acetate supplementation could potentially mitigate these risks.

While more research is needed before making broad dietary recommendations, this study opens up exciting new avenues for prenatal care and the prevention of pregnancy complications.

This research not only bridges traditional wisdom with cutting-edge science but also paves the way for novel, accessible interventions in prenatal care. Future studies will focus on translating these findings into clinical applications, potentially reducing the incidence of severe pregnancy complications and improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. The paper is published in Cell Stem Cell.