Association between Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in Pre-eclampsia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder that is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria in women with no history of hypertension and proteinuria. It is mainly caused due to an imbalance between the physiological vasoconstrictor and vasodilator molecules. Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulphide are well established vasodilatory endogenous gasotransmitters that exhibit reduced production from intrauterine tissues during preeclampsia. Aims and objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide in preeclampsia cases compared with age matched controls and to rule out, whether there is a significant relationship if any, between these two gasotransmitters in preeclampsia. Materials and methods: Serum levels of NOx and H 2 S were measured in 100 pregnant women with preeclampsia and the values were matched with controls. Results: The mean serum NOx levels of preeclamptic patients was 45.88 ± 17.72 µmol/L which were significantly lower (p<0.001) than those observed in control with a values of 161.09 ± 27.46 µmol/L. The mean serum H 2 S level was 32.31 ± 12.62 µmol/L in patients which was significantly lower (p<0.001) when compared to control where mean we observed 114.50 ± 20.35 µmol/L. A positive correlation exists between serum NOx and H 2 S levels in preeclampsia (r=0.691, p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study has elucidated that the serum levels of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide decrease in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant women and these two molecules show a positive correlation in their levels in preeclampsia.