Placental Exosomes Trigger Maternal Inflammation and Vascular Dysfunction in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease associated with inadequate placental formation, chronic inflammation, and maternal vascular dysfunction. Preeclampsia affects about 5-8% of pregnant women and it is a prevalent cause of maternal mortality. The level and composition of exosomes in the maternal circulation are altered in preeclampsia, and studies have shown that the major source of this greater level of exosomes is the placenta. We propose that exosomal contents from the placenta trigger maternal inflammation and vascular dysfunction, thereby exacerbating the disease progression. This mini-review will focus on the content of placental exosomes and how they could contribute to the development of preeclampsia.