Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences
Vol 57 No 2 (2025)

Secondhand smoke exposure and its role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia: a narrative review of molecular and epidemiological perspectives

Yenny Febriany (Unknown)
Irfannuddin (Unknown)
Mohammad Zulkarnain (Unknown)
Yusuf Effendi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2025

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension after 20 wk of gestation, often accompanied by proteinuria or organ dysfunction. This condition is linked to genetic, environmental factors, and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). This study explores the relationship between SHS exposure and PE risk through a narrative literature review. Epidemiological and molecular studies data demonstrate that SHS exposure increases PE risk via oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenic disruptions. The analysis reveals that SHS exposure enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, triggers systemic inflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and impairs angiogenic function by lowering the PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio. The risk significantly increases with exposures ≥2 hr/d or weekly frequencies ≥4 d, particularly in poorly ventilated domestic and occupational settings. Biomarkers such as cotinine and carbon monoxide (CO) are employed to assess exposure levels, providing robust evidence that duration and intensity of exposure are pivotal in PE pathogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies, including smoking bans, public health education, and integration of biomarker-based assessments into prenatal care. Future research should aim to clarify the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms involved and explore therapeutic interventions to mitigate SHS-induced damage.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

InaJBCS

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences (InaJBCS) aims to promote the translational of basic research into clinical studies and of clinical evidence into practice. InaJBCS publishes studies that substantially enhance our standing of disease etiology and physiology; the development of ...