| Background Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most serious pregnancy-related disease. The worldwide prevalence of PE ranges from 3 to 15% of pregnancies, affecting a total of 8.5 millions women worldwide. PE is responsible for about 18 % of the maternal and 40% of the fetal mortality. PE still lacks, a safe and effective therapy, as well as a reliable, early means of diagnosis. Results from our recent gene profiling and proteomic studies have independently shown increased production and accumulation of free fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in the placenta. This study aims to decipher the pathophysiological mechanisms of HbF in PE. Specific aims -To evaluate the hemodynamic changes induced by free HbF in animal and ex-vivo placenta models. -To study the micro RNA and protein content of placental derived microparticles in respons to free Hb. -To study the inflammatory response in PE using a new antibody array technology. Significance Deeper understanding of the underlying patho-physiological mechanisms opens up for improvement of new diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the understanding is crucial for development of a new specific, rather than symptomatic, treatment. Today the only curative intervention is to induce delivery. It is estimated that US$30 billion is spent worldwide per year in health care costs to treat women with PE. A new treatment for PE would therefore have a tremendous impact on women?s health worldwide. |
