Deficient detoxifying capacity in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia

Abstract 

An imbalance between oxidative stress and maternal detoxification or antioxidant capacity may explain the symptoms of preeclampsia and the haemolysis–elevated liver enzymes–low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. Oxidative stress is known to induce damage of the endothelium, which is one of the pathophysiological features of preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome. Administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant itself and a precursor of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione, might stabilize or even partly recover the process of endothelial damage and may lead to prolongation of pregnancy.

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