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Published on: January 26, 2024
Exploring the Relevance of S100A8 and S100A9 Proteins in Preeclampsia: A Narrative Review
Melinda-Ildiko Mitranovici1, Laura Caravia2, Ioan Emilian Oală1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital Hunedoara, 14 Victoriei Street, 331057 Hunedoara, Romania.
Insights
S100A8/A9 proteins show potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication affecting maternal and fetal health. Further research is needed to explore their role in diagnosis and treatment, especially concerning fetal safety.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a significant pregnancy complication with severe risks for both mother and fetus, including intrauterine growth restriction and future cardiovascular disease.
- Current diagnostic approaches for preeclampsia often rely on multiple biomarkers, but novel markers are continuously being investigated.
- S100A8 and S100A9, known inflammatory markers, are emerging as key players in preeclampsia research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an integrated overview of the role of S100A8/A9 in the physiopathology of preeclampsia.
- To explore the potential of S100A8/A9 as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for preeclampsia.
- To assess the current understanding and future directions for S100A8/A9 in managing preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on S100A8/A9 in preeclampsia.
- It analyzes their involvement in the pathological mechanisms of the condition.
- It evaluates their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic agents based on current research.
Main Results:
- S100A8/A9 proteins are implicated in the inflammatory processes underlying preeclampsia.
- Their potential as prognostic biomarkers for placental dysfunction due to malperfusion requires further investigation.
- S100A8/A9 blockers have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting therapeutic potential, though fetal safety is a concern.
Conclusions:
- S100A8/A9 represent a promising area for understanding preeclampsia's pathology and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is crucial to validate their role as biomarkers and to establish the safety and efficacy of S100A8/A9-targeted therapies in pregnancy.
- Understanding calprotectin's role could revolutionize preeclampsia management beyond the current sole treatment of birth.
Abstract:
Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication that may threaten the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. Intrauterine growth restriction is the most serious complication in fetal development observed in preeclampsia. In their later years, women with preeclampsia are at risk of cardiovascular disease. The use of multiple biomarkers can usually improve diagnostic performance. Currently, S100A8 and S100A9 are gaining increased attention as inflammatory markers of preeclampsia. Our review aims to present an integrated view of the potential role of S100A8/A9 in the physiopathology of preeclampsia. We also explored the potential role as biomarker or in targeted treatment. At the moment, there is no efficient treatment for PE other than birth. Understanding the pathological mechanisms and the importance of calprotectin can shape a new strategy for large-scale approaches to change diagnostic and therapeutic management. The value of the calcium binding proteins S100A8/A9 as a potential prognostic biomarker in placental disfunctions based on malperfusion has not yet been investigated. Encouraging results have been obtained in experimental and clinical interventional studies with S100A8/A9 blockers as a form of therapeutic management for autoimmune disease and cancer. It may also be limited because of safety issues for the fetus. However, future investigations can emerge.

