Oxidant stress in pre-eclampsia and essential hypertension.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell dysfunction may play a role in the pathobiology of pre-eclampsia and human essential hypertension. Vasodilators and platelet anti-aggregators such as prostacyclin and nitric oxide are produced by endothelial cells. The half-life of prostacyclin and nitric oxide are reduced by superoxide anion, whereas superoxide dismutase antagonizes its action. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the plasma concentrations of nitric oxide and lipid peroxides and those of catalase and superoxide dismutase in patients with pre-eclampsia and essential hypertension. METHODS: Patients of essential hypertension and pre-eclampsia were selected for the study. Nitric oxide and lipid peroxides were estimated in the plasma and anti-oxidants catalase and superoxide dismutase were estimated in the RBC membranes. RESULTS: The ratio between lipid peroxides and nitric oxide was elevated and the activity of superoxide dismutase reduced in patients with pre-eclampsia and uncontrolled essential hypertension. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that oxidants and anti-oxidants are altered in human essential hypertension and pre-eclampsia.