Deficient detoxifying capacity in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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.
Roes
E M
EM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Raijmakers
M T
MT
Zusterzeel
P L
PL
Knapen
M C
MC
Peters
W H
WH
Steegers
E A
EA
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
D000975:Antioxidants; D000111:Acetylcysteine