Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in Pre-eclampsia

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Preeclampsia is a human pregnancy specific multisystem disease of unknown etiology that is defined by the onset of hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) and newly detected proteinuria (≥300 mg in 24 hours urinary collection), at a period of >20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive and non proteinuric women. Preeclampsia is an important public health problem both in developing and developed countries contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Preeclampsia occurs mainly due to the abnormal cytotrophoblastic invasion into the spiral arteries, uteroplacental hypoperfusion, an imbalance between increased synthesis of vasoconstrictors and decreased production of vasodilators, increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.

Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulphide are well established vasodilatory endogenous gasotransmitters that exhibit reduced production from intrauterine tissues during preeclampsia. The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in preeclampsia cases compared with age matched controls and to rule out, whether there is a significant relationship if any, between these two gasotransmitters in preeclampsia. Materials and methods: Serum levels of NOx and H2S were measured in 100 pregnant women with preeclampsia and the values were matched with controls. Results: The mean serum NOx levels of preeclamptic patients was 45.88 ± 17.72 µmol/L which were significantly lower (p<0.001) than those observed in control with a values of 161.09 ± 27.46 µmol/L. The mean serum H2S level was 32.31 ± 12.62 µmol/L in patients which was significantly lower (p<0.001) when compared to control where mean we observed 114.50 ± 20.35 µmol/L. A positive correlation exists between serum NOx and H2S levels in preeclampsia (r=0.691, p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study has elucidated that the serum levels of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide decrease in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant women and these two molecules show a positive correlation in their levels in preeclampsia.

Regards,

Author-Chaudhuri S, Banerjee S, Kumar A and Biswas UK*
Editor-Valentina Rose
Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry
ISSN: 2161-1009
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E-mail: biochemistry@peerreviewjournal.org