Pathogenesis and promising non-invasive markers for preeclampsia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal mortality and preterm birth, affecting 3-5% of pregnancies globally.
• Its pathophysiology involves placental abnormalities leading to hypoperfusion, hypoxia, and ischemia, triggering systemic maternal symptoms.
• Current understanding includes theories on angiogenic imbalance, specific circulating factors, and renin-angiotensin system activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore novel non-invasive diagnostic markers for preeclampsia.
• To investigate the potential of epigenetically-modified cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) in preeclampsia diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current hypotheses on preeclampsia pathogenesis.
• Exploration of circulating cell-free nucleic acids as potential biomarkers.
• Discussion of non-invasive diagnostic applications.

Main Results:

• Abnormal placental development is central to preeclampsia pathogenesis.
• Epigenetically-modified cfNAs circulating in maternal plasma/serum are identified as potential novel markers.
• These markers may offer promising non-invasive clinical applications.

Conclusions:

• Preeclampsia pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving placental and maternal factors.
• Epigenetically-modified cfNAs represent a promising avenue for non-invasive preeclampsia diagnosis.
• Further research into cfNAs could revolutionize early detection and management of preeclampsia.