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.