Unusual behavior in the cells of mothers and babies with preeclampsia may provide new therapeutic targets for the condition, a UCL-led study announced on July 24. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality, affecting 2 to 4% of pregnancies globally. The condition causes high blood pressure in the mother, which can affect blood flow to the baby and result in symptoms such as swelling, headaches, blurred vision, and pain under the ribs. If untreated, it can harm both mother and baby or become life-threatening. Currently, there is no cure.
The study published in Science Advances involved scientists from University College London and University College London Hospitals who discovered that stressed placental cells, poorly functioning blood vessels, and an overactive immune response all contribute to preeclampsia. Previous research had focused mainly on the placenta itself rather than surrounding tissues.
Senior author Professor Sara Hillman said, "We studied individual cells from both the mother and the baby to see how their activity changes in healthy pregnancies compared with preeclampsia. This helped us to confirm some changes already suspected in the condition and also discover new ones." The team studied 20 pregnant women—10 with severe preeclampsia and 10 without—using genomic testing on placenta tissue as well as myometrium and chorioamniotic membranes where maternal and fetal cells meet.
They found that placental cells from preeclamptic pregnancies showed signs of stress, low oxygen levels, and abnormal energy use during premature births before 37 weeks gestation. Some cells responsible for reshaping maternal blood vessels were not working properly; there were also signs of an overactive immune response not only in placental tissue but nearby tissues and even the mother's blood.
Co-lead author Dr. Yara Sanchez Corrales said, "These findings point to specific biological processes that could be targeted with treatments. Acting early in pregnancy, especially in more severe early-onset cases, could help improve outcomes and reduce the high risks associated with severe preeclampsia." Co-lead Mr. Theodoros Xenakis added, "Future studies may provide an even clearer picture of the biological changes linked to the disease by including more participants and using even more precise methods." Both researchers are part of Professor Sergi Castellano's lab at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.
The research was funded by Medical Research Council (MRC), NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), with support from UCLH BRC. Researchers noted limitations due to small donor numbers when studying rare cell types but hope future larger studies will reveal further insights.
