Objective: The purpose of this review is to provide information detailing the existing evidence with regard to the hypothesis that marinobufagenin (MBG) is an important etiologic and predictive factor in preeclampsia (PE). In addition, evidence describing the role of the antagonist to MBG, resibufogenin (RBG), in the prevention and/or treatment of this disorder is provided.
Study design: The studies outlined were performed in an animal model of PE, in in vitro experiments, and in human studies.
Results: Data have been obtained that strongly support the hypothesis that ~60 to 70% of PE patients demonstrate elevations in urinary and serum MBG levels. In the animal model, the entire syndrome can be prevented by the administration of RBG beginning early in pregnancy.
Conclusion: Expanded human trials of MBG as a predictor of the later development of PE are warranted as are studies of the efficacy and safety of RBG as a preventative/therapy.
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