Abstract:

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a multisystem pregnancy complication associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Abnormal remodeling of spiral arteries in placenta, placental defects, oxidative stress at maternal-fetal interface, inflammation in maternal circulation and disturbance of angiogenesis are the main causes of PE. These events lead to systemic diffuse endothelial cell dysfunction, which is the basic pathophysiological feature of PE. Microorganisms and their derivatives may trigger infection and inflammatory responses by producing antigens and other inflammatory factors. The bacterial community in the mouth, intestines, vagina, cervix and uterus of the mother, as well as the microflora of placenta and amniotic fluid may be related to the development of PE. We reviewed the mechanism and pathogenicity of bacteria and their derivatives in the development of PE and emphasized the effect of a group of maternal microbiota changes (flora imbalance) on the pathogenesis of PE.

Key words: Pre-eclampsia, Microbiota, Gastrointestinal microbiome, Helicobacter pylori, Inflammation