Evaluation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nitric Oxide Levels in Preeclamptic and Normotensive Pregnant Women

• Main Authors: Rajeev Gandham, CD. Dayanand, SR. Sheela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University 2021-01-01
• Series: Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University
• Subjects: endothelial dysfunction; normotensive pregnant women; preeclampsia; vasoconstriction
• Online Access: https://www.jkimsu.com/jkimsu-vol10no1/JKIMSU,%20Vol.%2010,%20No.%201,%20January-March%202021%20Page%2027-36.pdf
• ISSN: 2231-4261; 2231-4261

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disease, causes maternal, fetal morbidity and mortality. The exact cause of preeclampsia is not clearly known. However, endothelial dysfunction contributes significantly to the preeclampsia pathophysiology. Aim and Objectives: To measure maternal serum endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) and Nitric Oxide (NO) concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women and their correlation with blood pressure. Materials and Methods: Prospective case control study conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of RL Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Karnataka, India. Normotensive (n=120) and preeclamptic (n=120) women were included in this study. Based on preeclampsia severity, subjects were divided into mild (n=44) and severe preeclampsia (n=76). Blood samples collected from the study subjects allowed to obtain clear serum, stored at -80°C and processed. EDTA blood used to measure hemoglobin and platelet count. Routine parameters such as Random Blood Sugar (RBS), urea, creatinine, uric acid, Asparatate Transaminase (AST), Alamine Transaminase (ALT) and NO, eNOS concentrations were estimated. Corresponding urine samples tested for protein by dipstick. Results: Low gestational age (36.89 ± 3.27 weeks) and increased Body Mass Index (BMI)(27.28 ± 3.85 kg/m2) were recorded. Elevated blood pressure [systolic (157.3 ± 15.06 mmHg), diastolic (101.31 ± 10.67 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (120.08 ± 11.18 mmHg)], pulse rate (88.00 ± 5.65 bpm), serum uric acid (5.83 ± 1.86 mg/dL), AST (25.04 ± 11.61 IU/L), ALT (18.92 ± 10.16 IU/L) levels were observed in preeclampsia than healthy pregnant women. eNOS (4.89 ± 2.18 ng/mL) and NO (5.93 ± 2.25 μmoles/L) levels were decreased significantly in preeclampsia than healthy pregnant women. eNOS levels were significantly different between mild (5.80 ± 2.15 ng/mL) and severe preeclampsia (4.33 ± 2.03 ng/mL). eNOS has negative correlation with blood pressure [systolic (r=-0.229), diastolic (r=-0.178) and mean arterial pressure (r=-0.197)]. NO levels were negatively correlated with systolic (r=-0.250), diastolic (r=-0.208) and mean arterial pressure (r =-0.229). Conclusion: Study concludes that reduced eNOS and nitric oxide, negative correlation with blood pressure in preeclampsia indicated altered endothelial function.