Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
Published on: July 30, 2016
Trophoblast cell response to periodontal pathogens unveils oxidative stress networks between periodontitis and
1Department of Maternal Health Care, Xinyu Municipal Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Laodong South Road No. 292, Xinyu, 338025, Jiangxi Province, China.
Background:
Periodontitis has been associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, but the underlying mechanisms and causal relationship remain unclear. Oxidative stress has been implicated in both conditions, suggesting a potential mechanistic link.
Objectives:
To investigate the causal relationship between periodontitis and pre-eclampsia and elucidate shared molecular pathways, with a focus on oxidative stress-related mechanisms.
Methods:
We employed a multi-faceted approach combining Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, transcriptomic data mining, and in vitro experiments. MR analysis used genome-wide association study data to assess causality. Transcriptomic analysis of public data sets identified cross-talk genes and oxidative stress markers. In vitro experiments using HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells treated with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) validated key findings.
Results:
MR analysis revealed no significant causal relationship between periodontitis and pre-eclampsia. Transcriptomic analysis identified 31 cross-talk genes, including 10 periodontitis and pre-eclampsia (PD&PE) marker genes and 5 oxidative stress (OS) marker genes. In vitro experiments showed increased expression of OS marker genes (ARG1, FZD1, GCLC, NQO1, and TP53INP1) and elevated reactive oxygen species levels in Pg-LPS-treated trophoblast cells. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, Nrf2, and HO-1) and oxidase (NOX2) were also upregulated, indicating oxidative stress response.
Conclusions:
While no direct causal relationship was found, this study reveals shared molecular pathways between periodontitis and pre-eclampsia, particularly through oxidative stress mechanisms. These findings provide new insights into the periodontitis-pre-eclampsia relationship and identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions and biomarker development.
