Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. It has been classified in early or late according to gestational age at the onset of disease. Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial part in its pathogenesis. NO is a potent vasodilator and ADMA is its endogenous inhibitor. We have assessed maternal ADMA levels. ADMA were increased in early [0.66 μmol/L] versus late sPE [0.47 μmol/L] (P=0.001) and versus normotensive pregnant [0.48 μmol/L] (P=0.001). Our findings suggest that high ADMA levels in early sPE could compromise NO synthesis contributing to endothelial dysfunction, leading to impaired placentation and the onset of this disease.
Keywords: ADMA; Nitric oxide; Nitric oxide synthase; Preeclampsia.
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