Preeclampsia and Oxidative Stress: A Review

Abstract

This chapter is aimed to review the mechanisms and biomarkers for oxidative stress development in preeclampsia. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their complications are one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In normal pregnancy, optimum invasion of trophoblast in uterine spiral arterioles is achieved leading to vasodilation of these arterioles. This process is necessary for placental and fetal growth and well-being. Impaired trophoblastic invasion is noted in mothers with preeclampsia (PE) which causes placental hypoxia and hypoperfusion. Placental hypoperfusion and hypoxia lead to the development of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidate stress in mothers with PE. Researchers have identified various markers to estimate the level of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. Further studies are needed to establish the utility of these markers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of PE.