Inhibition of autophagy via 3-methyladenine alleviates the progression of preeclampsia

• RNA-seq identified 218 differentially expressed genes in preeclamptic placentas, with significant enrichment in autophagy-related pathways (PI3K-Akt, AMPK, mTOR). • Autophagy is increased in preeclamptic placentas and hypoxic trophoblasts, suggesting a role in PE pathogenesis. • 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, alleviates PE-like symptoms in a rat model of reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). • Inhibiting autophagy may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for preeclampsia.