Genetic factors in the risk assessment of preeclampsia: a review of recent findings

Abstract

Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria and organ dysfunction in severe cases is a hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. There is strong evidence that this disease, whose etiology remains unclear, is a complex condition involving programming changes at the levels of DNA, epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteins, and metabolites. Clinically, understanding how each of these elements influences the disease state can provide valuable insights into treatment and prevention strategies. Despite significant advancements in the diagnosis and management of preeclampsia, the syndrome remains a leading cause of maternal mortality, lifelong morbidity, and adverse fetal outcomes. Recent genetic studies offer new insights into the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia and opens up exciting possibilities for early risk assessment and personalized medical interventions. This article reviews the latest findings on genetic susceptibility to preeclampsia and explores the integration of genetic data into clinical practice.