Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025

Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
Decrease in Nitric Oxide Production as a Key Mediator in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and a Potential Therapeutic
Maciej W Socha1,2, Martyna Stankiewicz1, Krzysztof Żołnieżewicz1
1Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Łukasiewicza 1, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (GH) complicates 6−10% of all pregnancies and, in 2019, was responsible for approximately 28,000 deaths. The most common cause of gestational hypertension is pre-eclampsia (PE), which afflicts 2−8% of all pregnancies and is one of the three leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to clarify how NO metabolism changes during the course of PE. Due to the short half-life of NO, we measured the concentrations of its stable metabolites, nitrite and nitrate (NOx). Out of 100 enrolled patients: 58 pregnant women with a diagnosed early form of PE formed a study group, and 42 healthy pregnant women formed a control group. NOx concentrations were significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group, with mean values of 5.33 and 27.64 μmol/L, respectively (p < 0.0001). The decrease in NO is most likely the result and mediator of systemic endothelial dysfunction. The impairment of NO metabolism in PE appears to play an important role in its pathogenesis. Therefore, it is a potential therapeutic target.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (GH) complicates 6−10% of all pregnancies and, in 2019, was responsible for approximately 28,000 deaths. The most common cause of gestational hypertension is pre-eclampsia (PE), which afflicts 2−8% of all pregnancies and is one of the three leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to clarify how NO metabolism changes during the course of PE. Due to the short half-life of NO, we measured the concentrations of its stable metabolites, nitrite and nitrate (NOx). Out of 100 enrolled patients: 58 pregnant women with a diagnosed early form of PE formed a study group, and 42 healthy pregnant women formed a control group. NOx concentrations were significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group, with mean values of 5.33 and 27.64 μmol/L, respectively (p < 0.0001). The decrease in NO is most likely the result and mediator of systemic endothelial dysfunction. The impairment of NO metabolism in PE appears to play an important role in its pathogenesis. Therefore, it is a potential therapeutic target.
More Related Videos
12:02Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
Published on: July 30, 2016
08:23Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow....
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies