Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
Pyroptosis as a therapeutic target in preeclampsia: current research and future directions
Yongchun Zhu1, Yuting Xiang2,3, Sathiskumar Swamiappan1
1School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China.
Insights
Preeclampsia (PE) involves new hypertension and proteinuria in pregnancy. Trophoblast pyroptosis, a cell death process, is linked to PE
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy disorder affecting millions globally, causing significant maternal and infant mortality.
- Its exact causes are unknown but linked to factors like obesity and diabetes.
- Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, is implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of trophoblast pyroptosis in preeclampsia pathogenesis.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms regulating trophoblast pyroptosis in PE.
- To identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for PE.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on trophoblast pyroptosis and PE.
- Analysis of the roles of key regulatory factors in trophoblast pyroptosis.
- Synthesis of findings to understand the correlation between pyroptosis and PE development.
Main Results:
- Trophoblast pyroptosis is closely associated with PE development.
- Pyroptosis may impede trophoblast invasion and uterine artery remodeling.
- It contributes to systemic inflammation seen in PE.
- NLRP3 Inflammasome, oxidative stress, Th1/Th2 imbalance, and microRNAs are key regulators.
Conclusions:
- Trophoblast pyroptosis is a significant factor in preeclampsia pathogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers potential for novel diagnostic biomarkers and treatments for PE.
- Further research into these pathways is crucial for improving maternal and infant outcomes.
Abstract:
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation, posing significant threats to maternal and fetal health. Globally, approximately 4 million women are diagnosed with PE annually, resulting in over 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths. The exact pathogenesis of PE remains unclear and is associated with multiple factors, including obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, is characterized by plasma membrane rupture and the release of numerous inflammatory mediators. Studies have shown that trophoblast pyroptosis is closely related to PE, potentially hindering trophoblast invasion, causing abnormal remodeling of uterine spiral arteries, and inducing systemic inflammatory responses. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the correlation between trophoblast pyroptosis and the pathogenesis of PE. It explores the regulatory roles of NLRP3 Inflammasome,oxidative stress, T helper type 1 (Th1)/T helper type 2 (Th2) cell imbalance, microRNAs and other factors in trophoblast pyroptosis, providing potential targets for the development of early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for PE.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...