Implication of apolipoprotein E and the L-arginine-nitric oxide system in preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
During pregnancy, Apolipoprotein (Apo) E is synthesized in the placenta to facilitate the uptake of maternal lipoproteins. Preeclampsia is associated with an abnormal lipid profile. Apo E levels may affect the production of nitric oxide. We investigated whether Apo E variations could be related to the high lipid levels and nitric oxide secretion in preeclamptic women.


METHODS
Blood samples from 15 normotensive women and 12 mild and 23 severe cases of preeclampsia were assayed for standard lipid profile, Apo E, and nitrate. Urine samples were analyzed for nitrate and cyclic GMP.


RESULTS
In women with mild preeclampsia, the triglyceride concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in normotensive women (3.30 +/- 1.38 versus 2.31 +/- 0.92 g/L) and associated with a higher (p < 0.01) triglyceride/Apo E ratio (0.71; range = 0.40-1.70). In women with severe preeclampsia, the triglyceride/Apo E ratio was similar to normotensive women [0.39 (range = 0.18-1.19) versus 0.41 (range = 0.18-0.79)] associated with a normal triglyceride level and a twofold higher serum nitrate level [36 (range = 1-63 mumol/L) versus 14 (range = 1-37 mumol/L)].


CONCLUSIONS
The triglyceride/Apo E ratio is significantly higher in mild preeclampsia. In the severe form, this ratio is similar to that of normotensive pregnant women, probably due to a better uptake of triglyceride. Moreover, in the severe form, it is associated with a twofold normal serum nitrate level. Thus, Apo E and the nitric oxide status may be implicated in preeclampsia.
Francoual
J
J
Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France.
Audibert
F
F
Claise
C
C
Chalas
J
J
Trioche
P
P
Frydman
R
R
Lindenbaum
A
A
D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000097:blood*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D009566:Nitrates; D014280:Triglycerides; D009569:Nitric Oxide