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FSP1 and CoQ10 have the potential to serve as biomarkers for severe preeclampsia
Peishan Li1, Yunyun Liu1, Juan Liao1
1Department of Obstetrics, the Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Shengli Rd, Yongchuan District, Chongqing, 402160, China.
Insights
Severe preeclampsia involves ferroptosis, with reduced levels of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) and ubiquinone 10 (CoQ10) in maternal and fetal blood. These molecules may serve as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Pathology
Background:
- Severe preeclampsia presents significant risks to both pregnant individuals and fetuses, necessitating timely medical intervention.
- The ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)-ubiquinone 10 (CoQ10)-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) pathway is a newly discovered ferroptosis inhibitor, distinct from the cystine/glutathione (GSH)/GPX4 pathway.
- The role of the FSP1/CoQ10/NADPH pathway in severe preeclampsia has not been previously explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and role of the FSP1/CoQ10/NADPH pathway in severe preeclampsia.
- To determine if ferroptosis occurs in the placenta of women with severe preeclampsia.
- To evaluate FSP1 and CoQ10 as potential biomarkers for severe preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 198 pregnant women, including those with severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancies, was studied.
- Levels of FSP1, CoQ10, NADPH, and related molecules were measured in placental tissue, maternal blood, and umbilical arterial blood.
- mRNA and protein expression associated with the FSP1/CoQ10/NADPH pathway were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Severe preeclampsia is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and placental ferroptosis.
- FSP1 and CoQ10 levels were significantly decreased in the placenta, maternal blood, and umbilical arterial blood of women with severe preeclampsia.
- Reduced utilization of NADPH was observed in severe preeclampsia placentas.
Conclusions:
- The FSP1/CoQ10/NADPH pathway is dysregulated in severe preeclampsia.
- FSP1 and CoQ10 show potential as novel biomarkers for monitoring severe preeclampsia progression.
- FSP1 and CoQ10 may represent new therapeutic targets for managing severe preeclampsia.
Background:
Severe preeclampsia is a condition that poses a threat to pregnant women and fetuses, which requires prompt treatment and intervention. The ferroapoptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1)-ubiquinone10 (CoQ10)-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH) pathway, a recently identified pathway that inhibits ferroptosis, is parallel to the cystine/glutathione (GSH) /GPX4 pathway. However, its expression in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia has not yet been investigated.
Methods:
A total of 198 pregnant women were enrolled in the baseline characterization study, and we measure the levels of chemicals, proteins, and mRNAs associated with the FSP1/CoQ10/NADPH pathway in the placenta, umbilical arterial blood, and maternal blood of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and normal pregnant women.
Results:
The results indicate that severe preeclampsia has more serious adverse pregnancy outcomes, and ferroptosis does occur in its placenta. In addition, FSP1 and CoQ10 showed a downward trend in the placenta of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, and the utilization rate of NADPH was also reduced. This study also found that the expression levels of FSP1 and CoQ10 were downregulated in both maternal blood and umbilical artery blood.
Conclusions:
Based on observations. results of this study, we suggest that FSP1 and CoQ10 can be used in the future as new biomarkers for monitoring the progression of severe preeclampsia, and that they may become new targets for the treatment of severe preeclampsia.
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