Preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect a significant percentage of births in the United States, posing serious risks such as rapid elevation in maternal blood pressure and severe symptoms that can lead to complications like seizures, strokes, and organ failure, endangering both mother and fetus. Currently, the only effective treatment for severe cases involves inducing preterm birth, which carries significant short- and long-term risks for the infant.
Recent decades have seen a concerning 25 percent rise in preeclampsia rates in the United States, contributing to alarming trends in maternal and infant mortality. Addressing these challenges, Dr. Rachel Riley, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, is pioneering novel approaches to studying and treating pregnancy-related diseases using nanoparticles—microscopic particles capable of delivering therapeutic drugs or nucleic acids to targeted tissues.
According to Dr. Mary Staehle, interim head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Riley’s research represents a cutting-edge intersection of engineering and translational medicine, holding immense promise for advancing women’s health.
Riley’s efforts have been recognized with the 2024 Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grant from the Preeclampsia Foundation, awarded at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine 44th Annual Pregnancy Meeting. Her project, titled “Elucidating the Mechanisms of Immune Dysregulation in the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia using Nanotechnology,” secured $99,997 to advance the development of nanoparticles designed to target specific placental cells. The placenta, critical for oxygen and nutrient transfer to the fetus via the umbilical cord, undergoes abnormal development in preeclampsia, contributing to restricted blood flow and maternal hypertension.
“In preeclampsia, early gestational placental development is compromised,” explains Riley. “Our goal is to engineer nanoparticles that can deliver therapeutic agents to the placenta, aiming to regulate its function and promote a healthier pregnancy.”
Collaborating closely with Samuel Hofbauer, an M.D./Ph.D. trainee in her lab, Riley aims to unravel the pathology of preeclampsia and develop therapies that can safely prolong pregnancy and enhance outcomes for both mothers and infants.
“Understanding the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia is crucial,” states Riley. “By intervening early and effectively, we hope to significantly improve health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their babies.”
The initiative underscores a pivotal step toward leveraging advanced nanotechnology to tackle complex pregnancy-related disorders. Riley’s research not only aims to alleviate the burden of preeclampsia but also holds promise for transforming the landscape of maternal healthcare through innovative therapeutic strategies.
In conclusion, the pursuit of nanoparticle-based treatments represents a hopeful frontier in addressing the escalating challenges posed by pregnancy complications, offering renewed prospects for safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for expectant mothers worldwide.
