New Research Links Mitochondrial Gene Expression to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
High blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy poses severe risks to the pregnant and fetus. A recent study sheds light on potential contributing factors to these dangerous disorders, focusing on changes in mitochondrial gene expression. The research offers valuable insights into understanding and potentially addressing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Examining Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, are leading causes of pregnancy-related fatalities.
Researchers from Loma Linda University in California and the University of North Texas Health Science Center analyzed two gene expression data sets from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus to gain deeper insights into these conditions.
These data sets comprised samples from pregnant individuals at different stages of gestation, some with pregnancy-induced hypertension and others without.
Unveiling Mitochondrial Gene Expression Changes
The research team delved into changes in mitochondrial gene expression over time in both parent and placenta tissues by analyzing their transcriptomes—the complete set of RNA in a cell or tissue. By studying transcriptome changes under various conditions, the researchers gained insights into the activity of different genes.
Differential Expression of Mitochondrial Genes
The study revealed 30 parental and nine placental mitochondrial genes that showed distinct expression patterns in the hypertensive groups. Interestingly, these gene expression differences varied between the parent and placental tissues.
The differentially expressed genes were associated with inflammation, cell death, and placental development in the parental set. In contrast, in the placenta, the genes were linked to increased extracellular vesicles—membrane-bound particles released from cells.
Notably, both increased placental extracellular vesicles and inflammation have been documented in cases of preeclampsia.
Implications for Understanding Hypertensive Disorders
This research suggests that mitochondrial dysregulation might play a role in developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. It also raises the possibility that mitochondria may mediate maternal-fetal interactions during healthy pregnancies.
While this study provides crucial evidence, further research is warranted to delve deeper into the converging or common mitochondria-mediated pathways underlying the development of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Understanding these pathways could pave the way for potential interventions and improved management of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The researchers emphasize the need for additional investigations in this important study area.
Read the original article on Medical Xpress.
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