Evaluation of the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in hypertension in pregnancy

Abstract

Under gestation period, several cardiovascular adaptations must occur to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder that occurs during pregnancy that is characterized by elevated maternal blood pressure (140x90mmHg) accompanied by proteinuria in 24-hour urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. Its pathogenesis is still unclear; however, the placenta seems to play a key role. PE leads to increased oxidative stress, increased anti-angiogenic factors and decreased vasodilators factors. Recent reports have revealed hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as an important substance in the control of many physiological functions, with great participation on the cardiovascular system, including the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. The experimental model of hypertension in pregnancy and PE, Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) has been quite promising for simulating many of the responses found in human PE. The present project has the objective to evaluate the role of H2S in the experimental model of hypertension in pregnancy induced by RUPP. It will be evaluate the antiangiogenic factors soluble endoglin and fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and the angiogenic factors Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), the expression of the H2S producing enzymes - cystathionine-³-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-²-synthase (CBS), the biomarker of oxidative stress 8-isoprostane and changes in blood pressure caused by a treatment with H2S donors and inhibitors of enzymes CSE and CBS in this model. These studies seek to evaluate the importance of H2S in the pathogenesis of PE, as well as assist in developing appropriate therapies for cardiovascular diseases resulting from these conditions. (AU)