The Role of Endogenous Vascular Protection Factors in Preeclampsia

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Preeclampsia is the most common of the serious complications of pregnancy. It is caused by a defect in the placenta and is symptomless in the early stages. It is currently only detectable by regular antenatal checks on the mother s blood pressure and urine. In its widest forms, preeclampsia affects about 1 in 10 pregnancies overall and 1 in 50 pregnancies severely. It is potentially life-threatening to mother and baby if allowed to develop and progress undetected. Preeclampsia is curable only by delivery, which puts some babies at risk if they have to be delivered prematurely. Recently, scientists have identified chemicals in the blood (anti-angiogenic factors) that appear to be associated with the onset of preeclampsia. However, it is not known what regulate these anti-angiogenic factors. If we can identify novel mechanisms to inhibit these factors, we could provide preventative treatment.