Autophagy in PE: Dispute, Role and Potential Target

PE is a life-threatening pregnancy disorder that can lead to adverse events for both the fetus and the mother. Autophagy is a cellular process involved in cellular renovation and maintaining homeostasis. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that autophagy in trophoblasts plays a significant role in the development and pathogenesis of PE. However, the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This article provides an overview of recent evidence regarding the role of autophagy in trophoblast invasion, vascular remodelling, inflammation, immune response, and maternal factors in the context of PE. It is believed that impaired or excessive autophagy can contribute to placental ischaemia and hypoxia, thereby exacerbating PE progression. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate autophagy in PE is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions in the future.