Oxidative and antioxidant systems in the placental arterioles of pregnant women with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation in human placental arterioles from women with preeclampsia, and to assess antioxidant enzyme levels.

METHODS

Maternal placental arterioles were collected at delivery from women with preeclampsia and normotensive controls. ROS and NO were measured using in situ fluorescence, and levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD 2), and catalase were determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

Placental arterioles from preeclamptic women exhibited significantly higher ROS formation compared with normotensive controls. NO production and the levels of all antioxidant enzymes evaluated (SOD 1, SOD 2, catalase) were unchanged.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate increased oxidative stress in placental arteries in preeclampsia, without compensatory changes in NO production or antioxidant enzyme levels, highlighting mechanistic alterations underlying preeclampsia.