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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
05:31
Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
922
Relationships Between H2S and OT/OTR Systems in Preeclampsia
Tamara Merz1,2, Sarah Ecker1,2,3, Nicole Denoix1
1Institute for Anesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
This study suggests the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxytocin (OT) systems interact in pre-eclampsia (PE) pathophysiology. Findings indicate altered H2S and OT receptor expression in the placenta may contribute to PE, potentially via impaired antioxidant defense.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive disorder in pregnancy.
- Oxidative stress is a suspected contributor to PE development.
- Both hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxytocin (OT) systems possess antioxidant and hypotensive properties, suggesting a potential role in PE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between the OT and H2S systems in the context of pre-eclampsia.
- To compare uncomplicated pregnancies with early-onset PE (ePE) and late-onset PE (lPE).
Main Methods:
- The NU-HOPE clinical case-control study collected routine data, serum H2S and homocysteine levels.
- Placental tissue protein expression of H2S enzymes and OT receptor, and myometrial nitrotyrosine formation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Plasma sulfide levels remained unchanged across groups.
- Homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in ePE but not lPE.
- Placental expression of H2S enzymes and OT receptor was significantly increased in lPE.
- Nitrotyrosine formation was significantly elevated in the lPE myometrium.
Conclusions:
- The interaction of endogenous H2S and OT/OTR systems plays a role in PE pathophysiology.
- Impaired antioxidant protection may be a key mechanism linking these systems to PE.
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