Oxidative Stress as a Key Signaling Pathway in Placental Angiogenesis Changes

What is it about?

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterised by proteinuria and high blood pressure noticeable after 20 weeks gestation. Increased free radical production as known as oxidative stress is one the contributing factors associated with PE. Angiogenesis is the production of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This process is important in placental vascular development and is stimulated by optimal reactive oxygen species production. However, previous study have indicated that PE women tends to present with an imbalance in markers of placental angiogenesis also known as angiogenic growth mediators or factors along with markers of oxidative stress. Meanwhile the two factors, placental angiogenesis and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PE has not been studied together. This review aimed at elucidating this link and presenting the fact that oxidative stress can directly or indirectly influence changes in placental angiogenesis.

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Why is it important?

This review is important because it has generated a generic or universal combined marker of oxidative stress and angiogenic factors aimed at helping develop therapeutic option to curb the multi systemic effect of PE and its adverse pregnant events.

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