The NF-κB pathway in inflammatory responses in preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder associated with systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway has been implicated in inflammatory activation, but its role in preeclampsia remains incompletely defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between NF-κB pathway activation and inflammatory responses in preeclampsia. Methods: This meta-analysis reviewed 15 peer-reviewed articles focusing on the involvement of the NF-κB pathway in preeclampsia. Quantitative assessments included changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and levels of key inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and NF-κB. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly elevated in patients with preeclampsia. TNF-α and NF-κB levels were also significantly increased, indicating enhanced inflammatory activation associated with the disease. In contrast, interleukin-1 beta and IL-6 levels did not differ significantly, although IL-6 showed a nonsignificant trend toward increased levels. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that NF-κB activation, together with increased TNF-α levels, may contribute to the inflammatory pathophysiology of preeclampsia. These findings support further investigation of NF-κB-related pathways, including Sirtuin 1–mediated regulation, as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Medicine, 2026 · DOI ↗