Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in identifying the primary cause and potential treatment for preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication. Experts pinpointed a toxic protein named cis P-tau in the blood and placenta of individuals with preeclampsia. The study describes cis P-tau as a pivotal circulating instigator of preeclampsia. An antibody developed in 2012 to target only the toxic protein while leaving its healthy counterpart unscathed is currently undergoing clinical trials in human patients suffering from traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's Disease. The antibody has shown promising results in animal models and human cell cultures in treating the brain conditions. Upon testing this antibody in mice, the researchers found the all symptoms associated with preeclampsia were corrected.

The tragic death of American track and field champion Tori Bowie earlier this year put the spotlight on preeclampsia, which disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic women.

Researchers from Western and Brown University have made groundbreaking progress towards identifying the root cause and potential therapy for preeclampsia.

  • over_clox@lemmy.world
    51·
    1 year ago

    I’m sorry, but can someone explain to me how Alzheimer’s and pregnancy have much of anything to do with each other?

    As far as I’m aware, the vast majority of women prone to Alzheimer’s are well beyond menopause, meaning they’re not even fertile anymore.

    Please, someone explain how these two things are correlated in any significant way…

    • nolefan33@sh.itjust.works
      16·
      1 year ago

      This new research has shown a specific protein is present in the blood and placenta in individuals with preeclampsia. That protein is also being investigated as a cause (or at least indicator) of Alzheimer’s and lasting damage from traumatic brain injuries. Seemingly that’s the only link so far, this particular protein. Assuming all this is repeatable and there’s causation, the protein is probably a step along the way to a root cause.