title: Endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Increased homocysteine and decreased nitric oxide levels.
abstract: Endothelial dysfunction underlies the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, but its mechanism has not yet been completely understood. Elevated oxygen free radicals may partially explain the endothelial cell damage. In this study, we have aimed to measure homocysteine (Hcy) and nitric oxide (NO) levels as endothelial dysfunction markers in preeclamptic women. Nineteen preeclamptic (33.9 +/- 1.4 weeks) and 15 gestational-age-matched normal pregnant women (35.5 +/- 0.7 weeks) were included in the study. Mean NO level was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and mean Hcy level was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the preeclamptic group. Elevated Hcy and oxygen free radical levels could decrease NO levels due to the reaction with each other and reduced NO may increase blood pressure and ischemia in preeclamptic patients. We have concluded that increased Hcy and oxygen free radical levels, and decreased NO levels are closely associated with preeclampsia-related endothelial dysfunction.
authors: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey. ahmet.var@bayar.edu.tr
authors: Ahmet
authors: A
authors: Var
authors: Yasemin
authors: Y
authors: Yildirim
authors: Ece
authors: E
authors: Onur
authors: N Kemal
authors: NK
authors: Kuscu
authors: B Sami
authors: BS
authors: Uyanik
authors: Kayhan
authors: K
authors: Goktalay
authors: Yesim
authors: Y
authors: Guvenc
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011507:Proteinuria
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D006710:Homocysteine; D009569:Nitric Oxide