Correlation of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities with serum trace elements in preeclampsia

ABSTRACT

Background

Preeclampsia is a dangerous disease of pregnancy with symptoms such as high blood pressure and proteinuria. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme produces nitric oxide (NO) as a mediator of vasodilation and need to calcium and zinc ions for activity. The thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) as an enzyme containing selenium has been neutralized the damaging effects of oxidants. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the activity of eNOS and TrxR enzymes and the amounts of calcium, zinc, and selenium elements in serum of women with preeclampsia.

Material and Methods

Thirty preeclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in the study after clinical examination and confirmation by Obstetrician-Gynecologist. Venous blood samples were collected and the activity of NOS, TrxR enzymes, and the concentration of zinc, calcium, and selenium elements were measured in serum.

Results

The results of NOS and TrxR activities showed significant decreases in preeclampsia compared with control group (p < .05). In addition, concentrations of zinc, calcium, and selenium were markedly lower in preeclampsia compared to the healthy control group (p < .05).

Conclusion

This study identified the role of the NOS and TrxR activities in preeclampsia disorder and may be one of the ways to prevent and reduce the risks of preeclampsia in high-risk women using diet control and stress reduction.

KEYWORDS:

• Nitric oxide synthase
• thioredoxin reductase
• trace elements
• hypertension
• preeclampsia

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge Hamadan University of Medical Sciences for financial support (Project NO: 970121118).

Conflicts of interest

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.