Preeclampsiaand Sterile Inflammatory Molecules

Preeclampsia (PE), as a pregnancy-specific diseases, has become one of the main causes of maternal and fetal morbidity & mortality worldwide. It is also one of the major risk factor for pre term birth. PE is typically characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and an excessive maternal systemic inflammatory response. Recent evidences suggests the notion that natural killer T (NKT) cells (a small, but significant immunoregulatory T cell subset of human peripheral blood lymphocytes) play pivotal roles in pregnancy. NKTcells with unique transcriptional and cytokine profiles exist in different peripheral tissues acting as mediators between the innate and adaptive immune systems. NKT cells secrete Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) which might regulate the balance between Type 1 T helper (Th1) and Type 2 T helper (Th2) responses. Sterile inflammatory molecule and damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) released from various cells during stress has been implicated in inflammation. Studies showed that there is a direct relationship between inflammation and preeclampsia. Here, we intend to summarize the concept of the emerging link between sterile inflammatory molecules and PE. Further more, we will discuss the possible therapeutic strategies that target sterile inflammatory molecules for the PE.