Exploring the role of tacrolimus in the development of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex pregnancy disorder characterized by maternal hypertension, proteinuria and widespread endothelial dysfunction leading to end organ damage. Tacrolimus is a mainstay of immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. Endothelial dysfunction is a common pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both preeclampsia and chronic tacrolimus use. It is possible that the observed high prevalence of preeclampsia seen in kidney transplantation, may be driven in part by exposure to tacrolimus during pregnancy. Robust data on the potential impact of tacrolimus on the development of preeclampsia is currently lacking. This thesis investigates the role tacrolimus has in the development of preeclampsia.