NAD+ depletion is central to placental dysfunction in an inflammatory subclass of preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and a major cause of maternal/perinatal adverse health outcomes with no effective therapeutic strategies. Our group previously identified distinct subclasses of PE, one of which exhibits heightened placental inflammation (inflammation-driven PE). In non-pregnant populations, chronic inflammation is associated with decreased levels of cellular NAD⁺, a vitamin B3 derivative involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Interestingly, specifically in placentas from women with inflammation-driven PE, we observed the increased activity of NAD⁺-consuming enzymes, decreased NAD⁺ content, decreased expression of mitochondrial proteins, and increased oxidative damage. HTR8 human trophoblasts likewise demonstrated increased NAD⁺-dependent ADP-ribosyltransferase (ART) activity, coupled with decreased mitochondrial respiration rates and invasive function under inflammatory conditions. Such adverse effects were attenuated by boosting cellular NAD⁺ levels with nicotinamide riboside (NR). Finally, in an LPS-induced rat model of inflammation-driven PE, NR administration (200 mg/kg/day) from gestational days 1-19 prevented maternal hypertension and fetal/placental growth restriction, improved placental mitochondrial function, and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. This study demonstrates the critical role of NAD⁺ in maintaining placental function and identifies NAD⁺ boosting as a promising preventative strategy for PE.