Shedding light on the function of autophagy in complicated pregnancies

Autophagy is a conserved degradation process in eukaryotic cells that is regulated by autophagy-related genes. During autophagy, lysosomes break down cytoplasmic proteins and damaged organelles. This process plays a pivotal role in cell growth and development, protection against metabolic stress and oxidative damage, and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis through the recycling of cellular components. Pregnancy encompasses crucial events such as decidualization, embryo implantation, and fetal growth. Abnormal autophagy has been implicated in several pregnancy complications and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the relationship between autophagy and complicated pregnancies could open new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. In this review, we summarize the intricate relationship between autophagy and pregnancy complications, elucidate the role of autophagy in gestation, and discuss the clinical significance of autophagy in mitigating or preventing pregnancy-related disorders.