Nilhan Torlak, Marc Oria, Braxton Forde, Jose L. Peiro, Emrah Aydin
New York University Grossman School of Medicine. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Koç University. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
United States and Poland
Frontiers in Pediatrics
Front Pediatr 2026; 14:
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1783068
Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe congenital malformation resulting from incomplete diaphragm development, leading to abdominal organ herniation into the thoracic cavity. This disruption compromises pulmonary development, frequently resulting in lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. While the role of the placenta in congenital heart defects is well established, its involvement in congenital lung diseases, particularly CDH, remains unexplored. During the prenatal period, the placenta serves as a crucial site for nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the fetus, and given its functional connection to fetal development, it provides a compelling avenue for investigating the pathophysiology of CDH. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the placental contribution to CDH, with a focus on molecular pathways, particularly the retinoic acid pathway and placental abnormalities. Evidence from both animal models and human studies suggests a complex interplay between placental function and CDH pathogenesis. Further investigation is required to elucidate the placenta’s role in disease mechanisms, which may offer perspectives for future research, advances in prenatal diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies.
Category
Class III. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Lung Hypoplasia
Animal Models of Pulmonary Vascular Disease and Therapy
Vascular Cell Biology and Mechanisms of Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Review Articles Concerning Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes