Can mice help us understand preeclampsia? This breakthrough report details the discovery of a spontaneous genetic mouse model for preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity. BPH/5 mice, with mildly elevated blood pressure, develop a pregnancy-induced hypertensive syndrome closely resembling preeclampsia in humans, opening new avenues for research. Before pregnancy, the BPH/5 strain had elevated baseline MAP compared with the C57BL/6 strain, but both strains had similar total urinary protein levels and renal histology. The MAP began to rise further in the BPH/5 mice during the last trimester. Accompanied by late-gestational proteinuria and progressive glomerulosclerosis, this new spontaneous genetic mouse model could greatly improve our understanding of preeclampsia. This novel model spontaneously develops a syndrome closely resembling preeclampsia. This represents a significant advance in understanding the pathophysiology of this disorder, offering a platform for testing potential therapies and improving outcomes for pregnant women.
Published in Hypertension, a top journal focused on hypertension and related cardiovascular issues, this study on a mouse model of preeclampsia is highly relevant. By exploring the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying preeclampsia, the paper contributes to the journal's goal of advancing knowledge and improving treatment strategies for hypertensive disorders.