{
  "abstract": "Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy, with vascular endothelial dysfunction being a core pathological feature. This study aimed to investigate whether L-(+)-ergothioneine (LET) ameliorates PE-associated endothelial dysfunction by regulating the Nrf2-PPARγ-sFlt-1 axis. Methods: A LPS-induced trophoblast dysfunction model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo). Techniques including CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, ELISA, qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were employed to assess the effects of LET on cell viability, apoptosis, invasion, inflammatory cytokine levels, and the expression of key molecules in the signaling pathway. Results: LET significantly increased the viability of LPS-induced trophoblasts, promoted migration, inhibited apoptosis, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and endothelial dysfunction markers (sFlt-1, ET-1, PAI-1), while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and plasminogen activators (tPA, uPA). Mechanistically, LET inhibited Nrf2 nuclear translocation and promoted PPARγ expression, consequently reducing sFlt-1 levels. The protective effects of LET were mimicked by the PPARγ activator pioglitazone and reversed by the inhibitor FX-909. Furthermore, the supernatant from LET-treated trophoblasts promoted the viability and invasion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Conclusions: L-(+)-Ergothioneine improves trophoblast function and indirectly promotes endothelial recovery by modulating the Nrf2-PPARγ-sFlt-1 axis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preeclampsia.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Obstetrics Department, Affiliated Hospital Group of Guangdong Medical University Panyu He Xian Memorial Hospital/Panyu Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangdong Medical University (Guangzhou Panyu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China",
    "Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China"
  ],
  "article_type": "Research Article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 8,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Jingjin Gong"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Yan Liu"
    },
    {
      "name": "Qingju Meng"
    },
    {
      "name": "Junwei Wu"
    },
    {
      "name": "Fang Chen"
    },
    {
      "name": "Yanwen Xu"
    },
    {
      "name": "Yanqiu Li"
    },
    {
      "name": "Qiwei Luo"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/06zjne7wa6hkt.bib",
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  "doi": "10.1371/journal.pone.0358574",
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  "id": "06zjne7wa6hkt",
  "issns": [
    "1932-6203"
  ],
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  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "journal",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
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      "2729|Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Biology and life sciences/Anatomy/Biological tissue/Epithelium/Epithelial cells/Endothelial cells"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Biology and life sciences/Cell biology/Cell processes/Cell death/Apoptosis"
    ],
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      "/Biology and life sciences/Cell biology/Cellular types/Animal cells/Epithelial cells/Endothelial cells"
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      "plos",
      "/Biology and life sciences/Physiology/Physiological processes/Tissue repair/Wound healing"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Anatomy/Biological tissue/Epithelium/Epithelial cells/Endothelial cells"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Immunology/Immune system/Innate immune system/Cytokines"
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    [
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      "/Medicine and health sciences/Pathology and laboratory medicine/Pathogenesis"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Women's health/Maternal health/Pregnancy/Pregnancy complications/Preeclampsia"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Women's health/Obstetrics and gynecology/Pregnancy/Pregnancy complications/Preeclampsia"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Research and analysis methods/Bioassays and physiological analysis/Cell analysis/Cell viability testing"
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  "pdf_url": "https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0358574&type=printable",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-18",
  "publisher": "Public Library of Science",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/06zjne7wa6hkt.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:17:49Z",
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  "subjects": [
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      "subfield": "cell-biology"
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  "title": "L-(+)-Ergothioneine ameliorates preeclampsia-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction by modulating the Nrf2-PPARγ-sFlt-1 axis",
  "title_text": "L-(+)-Ergothioneine ameliorates preeclampsia-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction by modulating the Nrf2-PPARγ-sFlt-1 axis",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:17:49Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/06zjne7wa6hkt",
  "venue": "PLOS One",
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