Statins block 1 cause of pregnancy loss in mice

In women, the inflammatory condition antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) often causes pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal death. It is caused by molecules known as antiphospholipid antibodies, which are made by cells of the immune system. Using a mouse model of the pregnancy-related complications of APS, in which human antiphospholipid antibodies are infused into pregnant mice, Guillermina Girardi and colleagues, at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, have delineated a central mechanism by which antiphospholipid antibodies induce fetal loss. As two distinct statins were found to affect the molecular pathway identified and prevent pregnancy loss, the authors suggest that statins may be a good treatment for women with pregnancy complications caused by APS.

In an accompanying commentary, Hartmut Weiler, at the BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, provides more insight into the mechanistic pathways uncovered, which are distinct from those many thought were likely to be involved.

TITLE: Neutrophil activation by tissue factor/Factor VIIa/PAR2 axis mediates fetal death in a mouse model of antiphospholipid syndrome

AUTHOR CONTACT:
Guillermina Girardi
Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA.
Phone: (212) 774-2187; Fax: (212) 717-1192; E-mail: girardig@hss.edu.

View the PDF of this article at: https://www.the-jci.org/article.php?id=36089

ACCOMPANYING COMMENTARY TITLE: Tracing the molecular pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome

AUTHOR CONTACT:
Hartmut Weiler
Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Phone: (414) 937-3813; Fax: (414) 937-6284; E-mail: hartmut.weiler@bcw.edu.

View the PDF of this article at: https://www.the-jci.org/article.php?id=37243