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Scientists have identified an enzyme that could lead to new treatments for preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition of pregnancy, according to a study in the journal Hypertension. Preeclampsia develops in about 7% of U.S. pregnancies. Dangerously high blood pressure, high urinary protein and increased blood-clot formation are common symptoms.
Researchers in Virginia conducted genetic tests on blood-vessel tissue from 16 healthy pregnant women and 22 with preeclampsia, all between 28 and 38 weeks gestation. Compared with the healthy pregnant women, preeclampsia subjects had significantly increased levels of thromboxane synthase, an enzyme associated with increased blood pressure and clot formation. Examination of dyed enzyme antibodies showed the enzyme was present in 95% of blood-vessel samples from the preeclampsia patients and 25% of non-preeclampsia samples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303592404577361942093394590.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Researchers in Virginia conducted genetic tests on blood-vessel tissue from 16 healthy pregnant women and 22 with preeclampsia, all between 28 and 38 weeks gestation. Compared with the healthy pregnant women, preeclampsia subjects had significantly increased levels of thromboxane synthase, an enzyme associated with increased blood pressure and clot formation. Examination of dyed enzyme antibodies showed the enzyme was present in 95% of blood-vessel samples from the preeclampsia patients and 25% of non-preeclampsia samples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303592404577361942093394590.html?mod=googlenews_wsj