title: Deficient detoxifying capacity in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
abstract: An imbalance between oxidative stress and maternal detoxification or antioxidant capacity may explain the symptoms of preeclampsia and the haemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. Oxidative stress is known to induce damage of the endothelium, which is one of the pathophysiological features of preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome. Administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant itself and a precursor of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione, might stabilize or even partly recover the process of endothelial damage and may lead to prolongation of pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Roes
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Raijmakers
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Zusterzeel
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Knapen
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Steegers
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D000111:Acetylcysteine