Low-dose aspirin reduces placental inflammation and restores angiogenic balance in a rat model of excessive hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Amanda A. de Oliveira, Anita Quon, Angie Stokes, Floor Spaans, Murilo E. Graton, Christy‐Lynn M. Cooke, Sandra Thomas Davidge
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00098.2026
Cited by: 1
References: 67

Abstract

This study demonstrates that pregnancies complicated by excessive hypercholesterolemia have a higher maternal plasma sFlt-1/PlGF ratio driven by increased sFlt-1 levels, indicating an angiogenic imbalance. Importantly, this imbalance can be prevented with low-dose aspirin, an actionable therapeutic option during pregnancy. Low-dose aspirin suppressed placental inflammation (evidenced by decreased NLRP3 levels) and lowered placental-derived sFlt-1 via sex-specific mechanisms.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies Birth Development and Health Reproductive Physiology in Livestock

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
6
Pages
H1972–H1984
Publication date
13 May 2026
Language
EN