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Published on: January 26, 2024
Potential targets for the treatment of preeclampsia
Charlotte J Oyston1,2, Joanna L Stanley3,4, Philip N Baker5,6,7
1a 1 University of Auckland, Liggins Institute , Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
New therapeutic targets for preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder causing hypertension and proteinuria, are being investigated. These include angiogenic factors, vasodilators, anti-inflammatories, and statins to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks' gestation.
- It leads to significant maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, including fetal growth restriction and stillbirth.
- Current treatment is limited to delivery, posing risks of prematurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging therapeutic targets for preeclampsia.
- To discuss evidence supporting the investigation of novel treatment strategies.
- To highlight the need for continued research and rigorous clinical testing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in preeclampsia research.
- Detailed examination of evidence for specific therapeutic targets.
- Synthesis of information on potential pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Several promising therapeutic targets are under investigation.
- These include targeting angiogenic factors, vasodilation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and utilizing statins.
- Progress has been made in identifying potential new treatments.
Conclusions:
- New therapeutic targets offer significant potential to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
- Continued basic research is crucial for identifying new mechanisms and targets.
- Thorough testing of potential therapies is vital before clinical trials.
Introduction:
Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy, typically characterized by hypertension and proteinuria observed after the 20th week of gestation. Preeclampsia has dire consequences for both maternal and neonatal health: it is associated with 50,000 - 100,000 annual deaths globally, as well as serious fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, including increased risk of fetal growth restriction and still birth. Despite the severe health, social, and economic costs of preeclampsia, currently the only curative therapy is delivery of the baby and placenta, which itself carries the associated risks of premature birth. The lack of treatments for this condition is attributable to a number of causes, including but not limited to: a partial understanding of the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this complex disease; an inability to sensitively predict women who will go on to develop the disease; and a paucity of robust animal models with which to test new treatments.
Areas Covered:
Recently, progress has been made in identifying potential new therapeutic targets. This review will discuss in detail the evidence supporting further investigation of these targets, which include angiogenic factors, agents that increase vasodilation, anti-inflammatory drugs, substances that reduce oxidative stress, and statins.
Expert Opinion:
New therapeutic targets have the potential to make a significant positive impact on maternal and neonatal health. It is exciting that a number of potential therapies are currently being investigated; however, it is also vital that basic research continues to identify potential mechanisms and targets, and that any potential therapy is thoroughly tested before progression to clinical trial.
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