Pregnancy and Childbirth Current Topics in Pregnancy

Pollutants May Help Women with Preeclampsia

(HealthCentersOnline) - Nitric oxide, an air pollutant associated with automobile emissions, may play a vital role in preventing preeclampsia in expectant mothers. These findings are the result of a study conducted by British researchers published in Trends of Molecular Medicine.

Although nitric oxide (NO) is best known as an air pollutant, it is also a signaling molecule in the body. NO helps control blood pressure by allowing blood vessels to open and blood to flow freely.

During pregnancy, NO helps maintain blood flow to the fetus. When nitric oxide levels in the placenta are compromised, preeclampsia can result. In this new study, researchers have determined a number of factors that may affect the production of NO in pregnant women.

Expectant mothers who develop pregnancy complications can cause the placenta to release a hormone called "corticotropin releasing hormone." This "stress" hormone can directly affect the level of NO production.

In preeclampsia, however, there is an error that prevents this hormone from being released. Without the hormone, nitric oxide may not be produced in sufficient amounts to protect the health of mother and baby.

Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure and excessive amounts of protein in the urine. It typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby. Women who develop preeclampsia also appear to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

The authors suggest this study provides valuable information about one of the possible causes for preeclampsia. They recommend continued research that can focus on methods to facilitate the production of NO in pregnant women and to further analyze its role in pregnancy.

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