Treating normal early gestation placentae with preeclamptic sera produces extracellular micro and nano vesicles that activate endothelial cells

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder that can lead to multiorgan failure and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally (Sibai et al., 2005). The aetiology of preeclampsia is unknown and the clinical signs become apparent only after 20 weeks of gestation or, more rarely, within the first 4 –6 weeks postpartum (Staff et al., 2013). Although the pathogenic processes leading to preeclampsia are still unclear, it is well-known that the condition is triggered by a toxic factor from the placenta and extracellular vesicles (EVs) extruded, from the placental syncytiotrophoblast, into matern al circulation are associated with this disease (Colombo et al., 2014).

Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - April 14, 2017 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Xirong Xiao, Fengyi Xiao, Mingzhi Zhao, Mancy Tong, Michelle R. Wise, Peter R. Stone, Lawrence W. Chamley, Qi Chen Source Type: research