Vitamin C Induces the Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Paradoxically Stimulates the Apoptotic Gene Expression in Extravillous Trophoblasts Derived From First-Trimester Tissue

Aim: To investigate the effects of vitamin C on the expression of the genes related to apoptosis in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in the first trimester. Methods: Extravillous trophoblasts were cultured under 2% O 2 followed by 2% O 2 or 8% O 2 with or without vitamin C. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cultured medium was estimated using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The expression levels of the genes TP53, BCL2, and BAX were quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Reactive oxygen species were found to be decreased after adding vitamin C under increasing oxygen concentrations. In addition, the ratio of BAX/BCL2 also increased after adding vitamin C under conditions of 2% O 2 , while the gene expression level of BCL2 increased after adding vitamin C under increasing oxygen concentrations. In contrast, the gene expression level of TP53 and the ratio of BAX/BCL2 both decreased. Conclusion: We have revealed that vitamin C reduces ROS and may promote the apoptosis of EVTs under conditions of 2% O 2 while paradoxically preventing apoptosis under increasing oxygen concentrations.