Oxidative and nitrosative stress in human placenta in Preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy specific disorder characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and edema after 20 weeks of gestation. There is a profound effect on the fetus, often resulting in intrauterine growth retardation or perinatal death. Oxidative stress is the biggest contributor to endothelial dysfunction in PE. It causes an increased sensitivity to constriction of blood vessel endothelial affecting endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation. In addition, several studies suggest that nitric oxide (NO) levels increase leading to increased protein nitration, which may lead to the development of PE. The increased oxidative and nitrosative damages are due in part to the decreased expression and activity of antioxidant systems. The aim of this work was to determine the status of oxidative and nitrosative stress in human placenta in PE. In homogenates of umbilical cordon, vein, artery and cotyledons of human preeclamptic placenta we determinate the oxidative stress measuring the levels of lipoperoxidation, and nitrosative stress by measuring the concentrations of NO, profiles of nitrosylation, and the levels of the nitric oxide synthases (NOS). The data obtained shown a significant increase in the levels of TBARS and NO, and a decrease in the levels of nitrosylation and NOS's in preeclamptic placenta.