Figure 2.

Concept of association of NLRP3 inflammasome in pathogenesis of pregnancy complications. Maternal risk such as hypertension and obesity are associated with the elevation of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs activate NLRP3 inflammasome, accumulate immune cells, and induce inflammatory cytokine production and vascular dysfunction in placenta. These events result in placental inflammation and dysfunction, leading to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, and fetal growth restriction.