American scientists from Carnegie Mellon University have created lipid nanoparticles to prevent complications during pregnancy. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Lipid nanoparticles are a class of nanoparticles used as carriers for drug delivery. They consist of a lipid membrane surrounding an internal cavity that may contain a drug substance. They are already used for gene therapy and the delivery of antiviral drugs.
The immune system and its normal response to all foreign bodies changes during pregnancy. Scientists noted that it is important to understand changes in the immune response to lipid nanoparticles due to potential toxicity and other concerns.
During the study, experts studied 260 different lipids. They found particles that penetrate the placenta during pregnancy but do not accumulate in the fetus.
According to scientists, due to this property, with the help of lipid nanoparticles, it is possible to combat such dangerous complications as preeclampsia – a sharp increase in blood pressure and protein levels of a pregnant woman, which can lead to a delay in its development. embryo and even premature birth.
happened before knownThe dangers of obesity in late pregnancy.