Autophagy and cell-death balance in placenta-related pregnancy complications
Study of the Autophagy/Apoptosis Balance in Placental Vascular Pathologies
This observational project will test whether changes in autophagy and apoptosis in the placenta are linked to pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women delivering at Nîmes University Hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nîmes) |
| Trial ID | NCT06779916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational study of pregnant women who develop placental vascular complications such as pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction and deliver at Nîmes University Hospital. The team will collect blood and urine specimens (and correlate with clinical data at delivery) to measure markers related to autophagy and apoptosis in trophoblasts. The study seeks patterns in the autophagy–apoptosis balance that distinguish affected pregnancies and relate to maternal-fetal outcomes. Findings aim to identify candidate molecular markers that could inform future screening or preventive strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant women hospitalized at and delivering in Nîmes University Hospital who develop pre-eclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction, can give informed consent, and have health insurance are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women with multiple pregnancies, preexisting hypertension or proteinuria before pregnancy, those unable to consent, or those enrolled in interventional drug studies are excluded and would not benefit from participation in this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify new markers that help detect women at higher risk of placenta-mediated complications and guide earlier monitoring or targeted prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational work, including the GrossAuTop-1 project, documented variability in autophagy and apoptosis during pregnancy but direct links to placental vascular complications remain preliminary and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women developing a placental vascular complication (preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth retardation), hospitalized and delivering at Nimes University Hospital. * Pregnant woman with free and informed consent. * Pregnant woman affiliated with and/or benefiting from a health insurance scheme. Exclusion criteria: * Multiple pregnancy. * Presence of hypertension and/or proteinuria prior to pregnancy. * Participant in an interventional drug study. * Persons in a period of exclusion determined by another study. * Persons under court protection, guardianship or curatorship. * Persons unable to give consent. * Persons for whom it is impossible to give informed information.
Where this trial is running
Nîmes
- Nimes University Hospital — Nîmes, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marie PORTES, Dr. — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes
- Study coordinator: Sylvie BOUVIER, Dr.
- Email: sylvie.bouvier@chu-nimes.fr
- Phone: +334.66.68.32.11
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.