Pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia (PE), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm labor (PTL), (i.e. the major part of complications in pregnancy) are related to an impaired endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction accounts for altered vascular reactivity, activation of the coagulation cascade and loss of vascular integrity. Nitric oxide (NO), a free radical molecule derived from L-Arginine by NOS (Nitric Oxide Synthase), is an endogenous endothelium-derived relaxing factor influencing endothelial function. In the placental circulation, endothelial release of NO dilates the fetal placental vascular bed and thus ensures feto-maternal exchange. The impaired endothelial function in pregnancy complications originates from production of inflammatory and cytotoxic factors by the ischemic placenta and results in oxidative stress and an altered bioavailability of NO. Measurement of endothelial function using peripheral artery tonometry and determination of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) gives an idea of the oxidative stress that took place and the degree of endothelial dysfunction that occurred during pregnancy.
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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Oxidative stress. Measurement of nitric oxide and eNOS in placental tissue and superoxide in maternal serum using EPR and western blotting.
Timeframe: Pregnancy - 6 months postpartum