Placental microparticles, DNA, and RNA in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a common disorder of the second half of pregnancy that complicates 2% to 7% of all pregnancies worldwide and remains a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although the origin of the disease is still elusive, population-based studies have suggested that it might implicate genetic, immunologic, or physiologic factors. On the other hand, there is no doubt that the placenta plays an important role in its development. In preeclampsia, the shedding of placenta debris, such as syncytiotrophoblast microparticles (STBMs) and DNA and messenger RNA molecules, into the maternal peripheral blood is increased. The analysis of this material may give new insight into placentation and the underlying etiology of this disorder, as well as yield new tracks of research for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms, leading to the generation of the clinical symptoms.