Scientists have taken an important step towards identifying the trigger for a common blood pressure disorder that is a leading cause of death for pregnant women and their babies. Women who developed pre-eclampsia were found to have lower than average levels of a protective molecule called HLA-G.The finding will help researchers identify the mechanisms in the immune system that cause the condition and could lead to a treatment.The HLA-G molecule, which is secreted by the placenta, disguises the baby’s genetic material so that the mother’s immune system does not reject the developing child.Pre-eclampsia occurs from the 20th week of about one in 12 pregnancies, with expectant mothers suffering rapid rises in blood pressure that can cause seizures, strokes and liver complications.
