Parallels between cancer and preeclampsia: functional mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

Stanciu, Ilinka (2021) Parallels between cancer and preeclampsia: functional mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication arising from multiple etiologies, one of its causes being abnormal placentation. Successful embryo implantation and development rely on processes such as tightly controlled transcription regulation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which are frequently associated with the behavior of malignant cells. A better understanding of the molecular pathways that are shared between preeclampsia and cancer can provide insight into the mechanisms that lie at their foundation and give rise to new therapeutic strategies. The present study aims to draw a parallel between the two conditions, in terms of functional mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. This paper focuses on 5 processes and 3 therapeutic strategies that have been demonstrated to be relevant in these conditions. Studies offer contradicting conclusions on the nature of the associations between preeclampsia and cancer, but a clear connection exists between the molecular mechanisms of placental growth and metastasis. Statins, beta-blockers, and PARP inhibitors have all demonstrated beneficial effects on both pathologies, although they may be not be acting through the same mechanisms in both diseases. Further research is required for a better understanding of the underlying causes of preeclampsia and placental dysfunction, as uncovering novel origins of the disease would provide a new appreciation for the reasons behind malignant transformation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Elliot, M.G.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2021 06:32
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2021 06:32
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/25653

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