Unraveling the gut microbiota-SCFAs-cathepsin C pathway in preeclampsia: a novel therapeutic target.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe obstetric syndrome linked to impaired maternal-fetal immune tolerance, placental insufficiency, and systemic inflammatory activation. Emerging studies suggest that gut microbiota and its metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PE. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which SCFAs influence maternal-fetal immune interactions remain poorly understood.

Methods

This study combined clinical data and experimental models to explore the role of SCFAs in regulating cathepsin C expression, a key protease involved in immune modulation, and its impact on immune disturbances in PE. We analyzed the gut microbiota composition and serum SCFA levels in PE patients, and used an L

SUBMITTER: Lu F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12665775 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature