Role of Progesterone Membrane Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder and remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although abnormal placentation, impaired trophoblast invasion, endothelial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation have been implicated in its pathogenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Progesterone plays a critical role in the maintenance of pregnancy through both classical nuclear receptors and membrane-associated progesterone receptors. Emerging evidence suggests that progesterone membrane receptors, including progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2), and members of the progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family, may regulate trophoblast invasion, placental development, and inflammatory responses. This study aims to compare the placental expression levels of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and PAQR family receptors between women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant controls and to investigate their potential role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.