ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), which affect 8% to 15% of pregnancies, are associated with nitric oxide dysfunction and hyperlipidemia, but their precise role in HDP remains controversial. In order to gain more insight into the mechanisms underlying HDP, we evaluated some indicators common to the diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from 47 normotensive women (control group) and from 27 women with HDP (experimental group). All women were 7 months pregnant. Body mass index as well as triglycerides, nitrite concentrations, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were determined. RESULTS: Our results showed significant differences in body mass index (30.4 +/- 1.3 vs 28.3 +/- 0.6 kg/m(2), p < 0.05), triglycerides (363 +/- 137 vs. 263 +/- 80 mg/dL, p < 0.01), nitrites (19.6 +/- 5.2 vs. 15.2 +/- 5.0 micromol/L, p < 0.01), and glucose (92 +/- 25 vs. 81 +/- 10.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05) in women from the experimental group compared with the control group. Interestingly, nitric oxide synthesis was significantly reduced when triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations were increased (p < 0.018 and p < 0.002, respectively). Moreover, there was a strong association (odds ratio, 3.5) between a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the development of HDP, especially preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS: It may be useful to screen pregnant women for plasma nitrites and serum triglycerides to identify those at risk of developing HDP, especially in women with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
