Title:Shedding Light on the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia-Syndrome in the
Era of Cardio-Obstetrics: Role of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): María M. Pereira, Juan Torrado, Claudio Sosa, Yanina Zócalo and Daniel Bia*
Affiliation:
- Centro Universitario de Investigación, Innovación y Diagnóstico Arterial, Department of Physiology,
School of Medicine, Republic University, Montevideo, Uruguay
Keywords:
Preeclampsia, risk factors, cardiovascular system, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, inflammasome.
Abstract:
Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication with serious maternal and
neonatal consequences worldwide. Our understanding of PE pathophysiology has significantly
evolved over the last decades by recognizing that endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation,
with an associated angiogenic imbalance, are key pieces of this incomplete puzzle. In the present
era, where no single treatment to cure or treat this obstetric condition has been developed so
far, PE prevention and early prediction are the most useful clinical approach to reduce the PE burden.
Introduction: Although most PE episodes occur in healthy nulliparous women, the identification
of specific clinical conditions that increase the risk of PE dramatically provides a critical opportunity
to improve outcomes by acting on potentially reversible factors, and also contributes to better understand
this pathophysiologic enigma.
Methods: Pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar (updated August
2020) using common keywords applied in the field of preeclampsia, inflammation and endothelial
dysfunction. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for
study selection or appraisal were utilized.
Conclusion: In this review, we highlight major clinical contributors of PE and shed light on their
potential link with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
