Abstract: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a complex pathology diagnosed during the second part of the pregnancy. The clinical features of PE are hypertension and proteinuria. This syndrome occurs in 3–8 % of all pregnancies. The only cure for PE is delivery, and this syndrome is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The cause of PE is thought to originate from the placenta through the release of circulating factors that lead to a generalized systemic vascular endothelial dysfunction. The factors suspected include reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is strongly believed that ROS are major contributors of endothelial cell dysfunction leading to PE, since women affected by this syndrome show imbalanced ROS production, abnormal levels of antioxidant defenses, and increased blood and placental lipid peroxidation. Here, we discussed the rationale for the use of antioxidants during pregnancy to prevent PE. We will also review several approaches or trials involving antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, coenzyme Q10, N-acetylcysteine, carotenoids, and selenium (Se), a precursor of antioxidant enzymes.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-07-31
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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