Macrophage and Preeclampsia: Macrophage Polarization Imbalance at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Abstract

Background

Preeclampsia (PE), as a pathological pregnancy process, is still unclear in its precise pathophysiology. The current consensus on PE pathogenesis is that it is an immune-inflammatory response due to placental dysfunction leading to multiorgan involvement in the mother. Macrophages can polarize into different phenotypes under the influence of distinct microenvironments, secreting various cytokines or chemokines with distinct functions. These phenotypes play roles in either promoting inflammation or facilitating tissue repair. Studies have observed the increase in M1 polarization of decidual macrophages during the occurrence of PE, with this polarization imbalance contributing to the immuno-inflammatory response involved in placental formation. Therefore, understanding the polarization characteristics of macrophages provides a valuable direction for research related to the prevention and treatment of PE.

Methods

Authors searched for related literature on PubMed using the professional terms “preeclampsia” and “macrophage polarization”. The obtained literature was categorized according to its research. Similar articles are summarized in the same sections, which are divided into different small sections according to their specific contents.

Results

Different studies have explored the metabolic characteristics, surface markers, secretions, signaling pathways, and functions of different macrophage polarization types, highlighting the critical role of polarization imbalance and excessive inflammatory responses in the development of PE. Intervening in inflammatory responses at the maternal-fetal interface holds significant value for the prevention and treatment of PE.

Conclusion

Understanding the metabolic characteristics of different macrophage polarization types, combined with their polarization imbalance during the development of PE, can facilitate targeted prevention of PE.