Irisin Improves Preeclampsia by Promoting Embryo Implantation and Vascular Remodeling

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder with unclear pathogenesis. Irisin, a recently identified exercise-induced factor, significantly influences lipid metabolism and cardiovascular function. Nonetheless, its role in trophoblast development during human placentation and the related intracellular signaling pathways remain poorly understood.

Methods: We assessed peripheral blood irisin expression in early pregnancy among patients with preeclampsia and its correlation with key clinical indicators. In trophoblast cell lines and mice, we used exogenous irisin and viral knockdown to investigate functional changes. Phosphorylation-specific antibody arrays and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to explore downstream molecular mechanisms, which were subsequently validated in trophoblast cell lines and relevant gene knockout mice.

Results: In early pregnancy, patients with preeclampsia exhibit decreased peripheral blood irisin levels, occurring earlier than traditional predictive markers, such as PLGF (placental growth factor) and sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1). Furthermore, irisin concentration is positively correlated with proteinuria and abnormal blood pressure during pregnancy. Exogenous irisin significantly enhanced trophoblast cell migration, invasion, and proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis. It also increased STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) 4 phosphorylation and its binding to the GLUT (glucose transporter)-3 promoter, resulting in elevated GLUT-3 expression and glucose uptake in trophoblast cells. In vivo, increased peripheral irisin promoted embryo implantation, vascular remodeling, and enhanced glucose uptake, whereas reduced irisin resulted in a preeclampsia-like phenotype characterized by elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, renal-placental dysfunction, adipose accumulation, and restricted fetal growth.

Conclusions: Peripheral irisin improves preeclampsia by promoting embryo implantation and vascular remodeling through the activation of the STAT4/GLUT-3 pathway. Reduced peripheral irisin may contribute to preeclampsia-like pathologies. This study supports the advocacy for appropriate exercise during early pregnancy and provides new insights for preeclampsia prevention.