Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have identified a previously unknown mechanism in pre-eclampsia, offering new insights into its causes and potential treatments
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Medical University of Vienna have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism contributing to the development of pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Published in Nature Communications, the research reveals how the interaction between the amino acid transporter LAT1 and the transcription factor NRF2 regulates oxidative stress and angiogenesis. This discovery challenges existing beliefs and paves the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve maternal and fetal health.
Pre-eclampsia: Risks, symptoms, and lasting effects
Pre-eclampsia is a significant and alarming complication that can arise during pregnancy, impacting millions of women and their newborns around the globe each year. Despite the wealth of research into this condition, the exact biological mechanisms that trigger its onset remain largely a mystery.
This condition usually manifests during the second or third trimester, marked by dangerously elevated blood pressure and a notable increase in protein levels found in the urine. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to severe complications for both the mother and her child, including organ damage and life-threatening situations.
The standard course of action when pre-eclampsia is diagnosed often involves the necessity of early delivery, prioritising the health of both mother and baby. Unfortunately, the ramifications of pre-eclampsia extend beyond pregnancy; women who have experienced this condition are at a heightened risk for developing cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders later in life. The long-term implications underscore the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and intervention in managing pre-eclampsia effectively.
Uncovering the mechanism behind pre-eclampsia and oxidative stress
A dedicated research team at the Medical University of Vienna has uncovered a novel mechanism that significantly influences the onset of pre-eclampsia. This serious condition can occur during pregnancy. This groundbreaking discovery not only enhances our understanding of the disease but also paves the way for innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, offering hope for better management of this potentially life-threatening condition.
The research led by Claudia Gundacker, Sebastian Granitzer, and Raimund Widhalm investigated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, a blood value that is considered the most important indicator of impending pre-eclampsia. They found that two proteins, the amino acid transporter LAT1 and the transcription factor NRF2, play a central role.
The two molecules work together to control angiogenesis, protecting cells from oxidative stress. If this interaction is disrupted, the imbalance that is typical of pre-eclampsia occurs.
The researchers showed that increased oxidative stress is not the cause of the disease, as once assumed, but a consequence of it.
“We have found a mechanism that regulates oxidative stress in a cell. Even more significant is the finding that this mechanism is dysregulated in pre-eclampsia,” explained study leader Claudia Gundacker. “A better understanding of these mechanisms opens up new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia – and thus for the health of mothers and children.”
