Eclamptic Pregnancies Research Articles

Investigation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-1, and Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-2 levels in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancy

Investigation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-1, and Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-2 levels in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancy

Association of oxidative DNA damage, protein oxidation and antioxidant function with oxidative stress induced cellular injury in pre-eclamptic/eclamptic mothers during fetal circulation

Pre-eclampsia is a devastating multi system syndrome and a major cause of maternal, fetal, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pre-eclampsia is associated with oxidative stress in the maternal circulation. To have an insight on the effect of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia on the neonates, the study was made to explore the oxidative status by quantification of byproducts generated during protein oxidation and oxidative DNA damage and deficient antioxidant activity in umbilical cord blood of pre-eclamptic/eclamptic mothers during fetal circulation. Umbilical cord blood during delivery from neonates born to 19 pre-eclamptic mothers, 14 eclamptic mothers and 18 normotensive mothers (uncomplicated pregnancy) as control cases was collected. 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine), protein carbonyl, nitrite, catalase, non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin A, E, C), total antioxidant status and iron status were determined. Significant elevation in the levels of 8-OHdG, protein carbonyl, nitrite and iron along with decreased levels of catalase, vitamin A, E, C, total antioxidant status were observed in the umbilical cord blood of pre-eclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies. These parameters might be influential variables for the risk of free radical damage in infants born to pre-eclamptic/eclamptic pregnancies. Increased oxidative stress causes oxidation of DNA and protein which alters antioxidant function. Excess iron level and decreased unsaturated iron binding capacity may be the important factor associated with oxidative stress and contribute in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia which is reflected in fetal circulation.

Trace elements and antioxidant enzymes associated with oxidative stress in the pre-eclamptic/eclamptic mothers during fetal circulation

Pre-eclampsia is associated with oxidative stress in the maternal circulation. The aim of the study was to access the oxidative stress status by quantification of byproducts generated during lipid peroxidation; deficient antioxidant activity and inadequate trace elements during oxidative damage in the umbilical cord blood of pre-eclamptic/eclamptic mothers and its effect on the fetal outcome. In a case control study umbilical cord blood samples were collected during delivery from cases of pre-eclamptic/eclamptic mothers and from normotensive (uncomplicated pregnancy) subjects as controls. Concentrations of malondialdehyde, trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se, Mg) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx) were determined. Decreased levels of Zinc (p<0.001), Copper (p<0.001), Selenium (p<0.005), Magnesium (p<0.05), Superoxide dismutase (p<0.001), Glutathione Peroxidase (p<0.001) and elevated levels of malondialdehyde (marker of lipid peroxidation) in the umbilical cord blood of pre-eclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies were observed. Positive correlation between Zn and SOD (Pearson r=0.581, p<0.001), Cu and SOD (Pearson r=0.576, p<0.001) and Se and GPx (Pearson r=0.445, p<0.005) was also observed. The reduced levels of trace elements associated with inadequate amount of antioxidant enzymes may be important contributing factor associated with oxidative stress leading to endothelial dysfunction in pre-eclamptic/eclamptic mothers.

Effect of normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies on plasma cholinesterase in Nigerian women

Background: Pre-eclampsia can be devastating and life-threatening for both mother and baby, particularly in developing countries. It is a major cause of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis and management are very important to the reduction of mortality and morbidity. A sensitive diagnostic and prognostic marker will therefore be of great value. There is paucity of data on the effect of pre-eclamptic pregnancy on plasma cholinesterase activity especially in Nigerians. Objective: Our aim was to determine the changes in plasma cholinesterase concentration in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies in Nigerians. Setting: Antenatal Clinic and Prenatal Diagnostic and Therapy Centre in a Tertiary University Teaching Hospital in Lagos. Patients and Methods: Plasma cholinesterase concentration was determined using a colorimetric method in 30 healthy non-pregnant, 30 healthy pregnant, 30 and 27 pregnant women with mild and severe pre-eclampsia, respectively, between 28 and 41 weeks of gestation. Cholinesterase activity was re-assessed 6 weeks postpartum. Results: The mean plasma cholinesterase levels in healthy non-pregnant women, women with normal pregnancy, pregnant women with mild pre-eclampsia and those with severe pre-eclampsia were 3594±1042, 2135±422, 1781±330 and 1630±326 (m/L), respectively. Six weeks postpartum, the mean cholinesterase levels in the normal pregnant, mild eclamptic and severe eclamptic groups were 3212±346, 3157±750 and 2864±700 (/L), respectively. Conclusions: Our study suggests that normal pregnancy, mild and severe pre-eclampsia cause a significant (p< 0.01) reduction in plasma cholinesterase activity compared to non-pregnant state, with the greatest decrease in severe pre-eclamptic pregnancy. This decline does not return to normal non-pregnant state in subjects with severe pre-clampsia within six weeks postpartum. The place of plasma cholinesterase concentration as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in pre-eclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies should be further explored. Keywords: Cholinesterase, Eclampsia, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy, Succinylcholine.

C-Reactive Protein Is Elevated 30 Years After Eclamptic Pregnancy

Women with a history of preeclampsia or eclampsia (seizure during preeclamptic pregnancy) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease after pregnancy for reasons that remain unclear. Prospective studies during pregnancy suggest that inflammation, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance are associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. Elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP >3 mg/L) is an indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. We hypothesized that Icelandic postmenopausal women with a history of eclampsia would manifest higher concentrations of serum CRP than Icelandic postmenopausal controls with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies. We also asked whether elevated CRP is associated with the dyslipidemia and insulin resistance previously identified in this cohort. CRP, measured by high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunoassay, was higher in women with prior eclampsia (n=25) than controls (n=28) (median mg/L [interquartile range]: 9.0 [0.9 to 13.2] versus 2.0 [0.3 to 5.1]; P<0.03). This difference remained significant after adjustment for body mass index, smoking, hormone replacement, and current age. Women with prior eclampsia clustered into either high CRP (range 8.97 to 40.6 mg/L, n=13) or lower CRP (median 1.0, range 0.05 to 3.77, n=12) subsets. The prior eclampsia/high CRP subset displayed significantly elevated systolic blood pressures, lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, higher apolipoprotein B, and higher fasting insulin and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA) values compared to controls, whereas the prior eclampsia/low CRP subset differed from controls only by marginally increased apolipoprotein B. The triad of inflammation, low HDL, and insulin resistance may elevate risk for both preeclampsia/eclampsia and cardiovascular disease in later life.

Self-reported cognitive functioning in formerly eclamptic women

Recently, persistent brain white matter lesions were demonstrated in eclamptic women when imaged 6 weeks after delivery. Moreover, many of these women complain about cognitive limitations years after the eclamptic pregnancy. Therefore, in a cohort of such women, we assessed cognitive failures in daily life. Thirty formerly eclamptic women completed the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. Scores were compared with scores of formerly preeclamptic (n = 31) and healthy parous control participants (n = 30) with the use of a priori Student t test. Groups were matched in terms of current age and years elapsed since index pregnancy. Women who have had eclampsia scored significantly higher on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, compared with healthy parous control subjects (43.5 +/- 14.6 vs 36.1 +/- 13.9, respectively; P < .05). Women who have had eclampsia reported significantly more cognitive failures years after the index pregnancy. It is hypothesized that this might be due to some degree of cerebral white matter damage. This subjective assessment of cognitive function must be confirmed with objective neurocognitive testing and related to neuroimaging findings.

KADAR MDA DAN RASIO GSH/GSSH PADA KEHAMILAN NORMAL,PREEKLAMPSIA BERAT DAN EKLAMPSIA DI MALANG

Preeclampsia is marked by vasospasme, increasing peripheral vascular resistance and permeability, endothelial cell and reducing organ perfusion. It occurs because of the increasing of lipid hydroperoxides. The uncontrolled production of lipid hydroperoxides causes oxidative stress and destroyscell integrity. Oxidative stress condition expressthe increasing oxidant and decreasing antioxidant. One of the antioxidant is GSH that is used to neutralize the increasing of Malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The objective of this study was to see the difference of MDA content and GSH. GSSG ratio between the normal pregnancy, preeclamsia and eclampsia. This study was cross sectional study. The samples were 36 blood plasma consisted of 12 normal pregnancy, 12 preeclampsia and 12 eclampsia before birth. The bloodplasma, was measured for its MDA level and the GSH/GSSH ratio.The result showed that the level of MDA of plasma in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancy were higher than normal pregnancy p=0.000, due to lipid peroxidation resulted  from increased production of lipid hydroperoxides on preeclamptic  and eclamptic pregnancy.

Successful outcome after hepatic rupture in previous eclamptic pregnancy

Spontaneous liver rupture mostly occurs in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and its complications. It is extremely rare. The estimated incidence is between 0.4 and 2.2/100,000 pregnancies [1, 2]. We report a case of successful pregnancy outcome after initial pregnancy complicated by eclampsia and hepatic rupture. To our knowledge, only seven such cases have been reported in the literature to date.

Rho A/Rho kinase: human umbilical artery mRNA expression in normal and pre eclamptic pregnancies and functional role in isoprostane-induced vasoconstriction

Pre eclampsia represents a state of increased or prolonged vasoconstriction, partially linked to the potent vasocontractile effect of isoprostanes. The process of Rho A-mediated calcium sensitisation is inherent to a state of prolonged contractility in many smooth muscle types. The aim of this study was (1) to investigate mRNA expression levels of Rho A and Rho kinase isoforms (I and II) in the umbilical artery from normotensive and pre eclamptic women and (2) to determine whether the effects of two isoprostanes, 8-iso prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso PGF2alpha) and 8-iso prostaglandin E(2) (8-iso PGE(2)), on umbilical artery tone, were mediated via the Rho kinase pathway. Real-time RT-PCR using primers for Rho A, ROCK I and ROCK II was performed on total RNA isolated from umbilical artery specimens obtained from normotensive and pre eclamptic women. The effects of both isoprostanes (n = 6) (in the absence and presence of the specific Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632), on umbilical artery tone were measured, and compared with control recordings. Rho A mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in umbilical artery samples obtained from pre eclamptic women (n = 4) in comparison to those from normotensive women (n = 6) (P < 0.05). ROCK I and ROCK II mRNA levels were similar in both vessel types (P > 0.05). Both isoprostanes exerted a significant concentration-dependent vasocontractile effect (n = 7) (P < 0.001) on umbilical artery. For 8-iso PGE(2), this effect was antagonised by Y-27632 (n = 6) (P < 0.01). The significant reduction of Rho A mRNA levels in umbilical arteries from pregnancies complicated by pre eclampsia may serve to counteract the diminished perfusion associated with the pathophysiology of pre eclampsia. The vasocontractile effect of 8-iso PGE(2) in pre eclampsia may in part be mediated via the Rho kinase pathway.

1α,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 as new immunotherapy in treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is serious health problem affecting 2–5% of reproducing couples worldwide. It has long been suspected that nearly 80% of the unexplained RSAs are due to immunologic causes. Although the major tissue confronting the mother's immune system is the placental villous trophoblast, the immunological risk to the developing embryo is not great until the time of implantation. In addition, trophoblast is not sensible to lysis by NK cells, TNF-α or macrophages, but may be killed by lymphokine activated NK cells (LAK) and may undergo apoptosis in response to TNF-α and/or IFN-γ in vitro. The two most commonly used treatments for RSA are intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and alloimmunization with partner's leukocytes (LIT). We promote vitamin D3 as new immunomodulatory agent in treatment of RSA. Different mechanisms have been proposed to account for the immunosuppressive effect of 1α, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 (VD3). Portion of the VD3 activity involves the downregulation of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α genes transcription. Because immunomodulatory effects of VD3 are very similar to IL-10 effects, acting of VD3 in immunotherapy of RSA syndrome, preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancy, as well as PIH syndrome, is very reasonable. We propose using of VD3 as immunotherapy or adjuvant therapy in combination with classic immunotherapies of endangered pregnancies.

Systemic inflammatory indices in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that TNF- f , TNFp55 receptor and sICAM-1 are markers of immune activation, protective response to concentrations of TNF- f and endothelial cell activation, respectively, in pre-eclampsia. In addition, MPO and sL-selectin were selected as blood discriminators of neutrophil activation. This was a cross-sectional study comparing 21 non-pregnant controls, 29 normal pregnant controls, 21 pre-eclamptic and six eclamptic women. Blood concentrations of TNF- f , sTNFp55 receptor, sICAM-1, sL-selectin, myeloperoxidase, leucocyte count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein and n -glutamyl transferase were estimated. The neutrophil count was significantly decreased in pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy (9·12 - 0·95 vs. 12·52 - 0·80 2 10 9 /l, P <0·01). Serum concentrations of sL-selectin were significantly higher in non-pregnant controls compared with pregnant controls ( P <0·0001), pre-eclampsia ( P <0·0001) and eclampsia ( P <0·0001). Serum concentrations of TNF- f , sTNFp55 receptor, sICAM-1, sL-selectin and MPO were not significantly different in women with pre-eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. Serum concentrations of TNF- f, sTNFp55, sICAM-1, sL-selectin and MPO did not discriminate between normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. The high neutrophil count in normal and eclamptic pregnancies and the lack of shedded L-selectin suggests that neutrophil exudation to inflammatory sites was increased in women with an accompanying inflammatory response.

Selective Deficit of Angiogenic Growth Factors Characterises Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia

Objective To compare serum levels of angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PIGF) and angiogenin in pre–eclamptic women and matched controls. Design Retrospective analysis of −70°C stored serum of women who developed pre-eclampsia and matched controls. Setting Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, St Elisabeth Hospital, Curaqao, Netherlands Antilles. Sample Thirty women with pre-eclampsia and 30 normotensive controls matched for age and gestation. Results VEGF and PIGF serum levels were significantly lower in pre–eclamptic pregnancies, compared with controls (VEGF 0.31 ± 1.20 vs 18.30 ± 24.97 pg/mL, P= 0.0004; PIGF 54.19 ± 32.05 vs 497.95 ± 340.51 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). Matched couple analysis showed VEGF serum concentrations to be lower in the majority of pre–eclamptic women and PIGF concentrations to be lower in all pre–eclamptic women. Angiogenin serum levels showed no statistical significant difference between pre–eclamptic pregnancies and controls (523.68 ± 367.55 vs 670.41 ± 251.54 ng/mL, P= 0.058), with matched couple analysis showing no clear pattern. Conclusions Decreased serum levels of VEGF and PIGF characterise, and therefore seem to be of importance during (the development of), pre-eclampsia. This selective deficit of angiogenic growth factors might in part explain the shallow placentation found in this pregnancy complication.

In-utero and early life exposures in relation to risk of breast cancer.

In response to a hypothesis by Trichopoulos that risk of adult breast cancer is related to high estrogen exposure in utero, studies have been undertaken using proxy indicators of prenatal estrogens. The epidemiologic studies addressing these early factors will be reviewed, consistency with proposed biologic mechanisms will be addressed and recommendations for future research will be presented. All studies identified in the literature addressing these in utero and early life factors related to adult breast cancer will be included in the review. The study results will be summarized by risk factor, followed by commentary on the findings. Review of epidemiologic studies suggests strong risks related to having been born of a twin pregnancy and reduced risks from a preeclamptic or eclamptic pregnancy. Birthweights greater than 4,000 grams have been associated with relative risks of 1.5-1.7 for breast cancer compared with normal birthweights (2,500-2,999 grams). Having been breastfed as an infant has been associated with a 20-35% reduction in risk of premenopausal breast cancer in four of six studies evaluating this factor. Some studies suggest an influence of older maternal age, perhaps only for firstborn offspring, but the data are not consistent. Smoking during the pregnancy does not seem to impart any risk for the daughter, severe nausea for two or three trimesters may be related to increased risk, and results are inconsistent for birth length, placental weight and gestational age. Although the results from epidemiologic studies assessing prenatal exposures are consistent with the hypothesis concerning estrogen exposure, the specific biologic mechanisms remain largely unknown. Relatively few epidemiologic studies have been published addressing these novel hypotheses; more studies with innovative research methods and analytic approaches are warranted to evaluate these exposures in the distant past.

Lipid peroxidation in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies

Preeclampsia and eclampsia remain one of the most serious complications of pregnancy, and the pathophysiology of the diseases is not fully understood. To investigate lipid peroxidation status in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies, we measured the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, a product of lipid peroxide, in pregnant women with or without preeclampsia or eclampsia. Serum MDA levels were raised in women with preeclamptic (4.5 ± 0.6 μmol/L) ( P < 0.005) or eclamptic (4.9 ± 0.8 μmol/L) ( P < 0.005) pregnancies compared with uncomplicated pregnancy (3.3 ± 0.7 μmol/L). An increased MDA level was also present in uncomplicated pregnancy compared to non-pregnant women (2.6 ± 0.4 μmol/L) ( P < 0.05). Serum MDA levels were significantly decreased at the third day post-delivery in either uncomplicated pregnancy ( P < 0.05), preeclamptic pregnancy ( P < 0.005) or eclamptic pregnancy ( P < 0.005). A positive correlation was seen between MDA level and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies. These results provide further evidence that excessive lipid peroxidation may contribute to the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies.

Plasma P selectin (GMP-140) and glycocalicin are elevated in preeclampsia and eclampsia: Their significances

OBJECTIVE: We measured the concentrations of plasma P selectin (or GMP-140) and glycocalicin in preeclamptic and eclamptic women. Correlations between these two parameters and blood pressures, platelet counts, or plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex values were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: By use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays we measured the plasma GMP-140 and glycocalicin levels in normal pregnancies ( n = 10) and preeclamptic ( n = 10) and eclamptic ( n = 20) pregnancies. The glycocalicin index was calculated as follows: (glycocalicin × [250 × 10 6/ml])/(Individual platelet counts). Correlations between plasma GMP-140, glycocalicin, glycocalicin index values, blood pressures, platelet counts, and plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex values were analyzed. RESULTS: Plasma GMP-140 levels were found to be significantly elevated in preeclamptic ( p < 0.0005) and eclamptic cases ( p < 0.0001) compared with normotensive controls. Plasma glycocalicin ( p = 0.01, 0.007) and glycocalicin index ( p = 0.005, 0.002) values were also markedly elevated in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients compared with normal pregnant patients. Significant correlations between platelet counts or plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex levels and their corresponding plasma GMP-140 and glycocalicin and glycocalicin index values have been found in preeclamptic and eclamptic cases. However, blood pressures had correlations with GMP-140, glycocalicin, and glycocalicin index values in eclamptic cases. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated an elevation of plasma GMP-140 and platelet glycocalicin in preeclampsia and eclampsia. This study also reflects the usefulness of glycocalicin as a marker of platelet activation or turnover and endothelial dysfunction in these diseases. (A M J O BSTET G YNECOL 1996;174:272-7.)

The interrelationship of eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and prematurity: cofactors for significant maternal and perinatal risk.

To determine if there are differences between mothers and fetuses in eclamptic pregnancies with or without concurrent HELLP syndrome. Retrospective review. A single tertiary perinatal centre, the University of Mississippi Medical Center. All eclamptic pregnancies treated during a 141 month period from 1980 until the end of 1991. Pregnancies were grouped according to the presence or absence of HELLP syndrome subclassified as class 1 = platelet nadir < or = 50,000/microliters, class 2 = platelet nadir > 50,000 to < or = 100,000/microliters, and class 3 = platelet nadir > 100,000 to < or = 150,000/microliters. Among 49,782 live births, there were 117 women with eclampsia prior to delivery (incidence 1:425), 62 of which had HELLP syndrome. The group with HELLP syndrome were delivered significantly earlier (32.1 vs 36.4 weeks), and had lower birthweights (1821 vs 2550 grams) and higher perinatal mortality (113 vs 18:100). They were also transfused more frequently (65% vs 35%), and suffered greater overall serious maternal morbidity and mortality. Eclampsia is more likely to be associated with the HELLP syndrome at early gestations. Although eclamptic patients are already at risk, the presence of HELLP syndrome accentuates the risk for adverse maternal-perinatal outcome.

In vitro activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide- and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenases in placentas from normotensive and preeclamptic/eclamptic pregnancies.

Concentrations of prostaglandins E2 and I2 may be decreased in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancies. Because these prostaglandins produce vasodilation and inhibit platelet aggregation it has been suggested that a reduction in their biosynthesis might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the hypertension and coagulation abnormalities associated with preeclampsia. Placental tissue is an extremely rich source of several enzymes that catalyze the catabolism of prostaglandins. The present study was initiated to determine whether one of these catabolic enzymes might be increased in preeclamptic/eclamptic pregnancies. The activities of the NAD- and the NADP-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenases were measured in 16 preeclamptics (mean diastolic pressure, 108 +/- 13 mmHg) and compared with 16 normotensive controls matched for age (20.8 +/- 5.43 vs. 20.6 +/- 5.16) and gestational week of delivery (34.6 +/- 5.40 vs. 35.0 +/- 5.06). These results indicate that the activity of the placental NAD-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase is elevated in preeclampsia (40.1 +/- 31.3 vs. 14.9 +/- 8.30 mU/g tissue, P less than 0.01). If this increase were also expressed in vivo, its effect on prostaglandin metabolism could be mistaken for impaired prostacyclin biosynthesis unless both the 6-keto- and 6,15-diketo-metabolites of prostacyclin were measured.

The ultrastructural demonstration of placental phospholipids in preterm, term and eclamptic pregnancies

Using a technique for the retention and visualization of aqueously soluble phospholipids the localization of phospholipids has been studied in placentae from preterm, term, and eclamptic pregnancies. Phospholipid accumulations at 32 weeks appear solely in the syncytiotrophoblast but as gestation increases phospholipids are found in an increased number of tissue compartments. By term, granules are seen in syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, capillary endothelium, and the subtrophoblastic stroma. Two placentae from eclamptic pregnancies at 32-weeks demonstrate phospholipid localizations very similar to those found in the normal placenta at term. Additional non-straining lipid inclusions are seen within vascular pericytes in placentae from patients with eclampsia. The findings observed in the 32-week placentae from eclamptic pregnancies may be due to accelerated phospholipid metabolism, synthesis, or storage.

Placental phospholipid patterns in normal and eclamptic pregnancies

Placental phospholipids have been fractionated and quantitated in normal and eclamptic patients. Placental phosphatides, as determined by thin-layer chromatography, include: lysolecithin, sphingomyelin, lecithin, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and a solvent front. Normal and eclamptic placentas are similar in content of each individual phospholipid fraction, total phospholipid content, and percentage composition of the phospholipid fractions. In the placentas from eclamptic patients the total lipid content is greater and the total phospholipid/total lipid ratio is less than in normal placentas. This is most probably due to the higher triglyceride content of the eclamptic placentas.

Respiration of human placental tissue from normal and eclamptic pregnancies

Respiration of human placental tissue from normal and eclamptic pregnancies