STUDY OF PLASMA ENDOTHELIN-1 IN PRE-ECLAMPTIC AND GESTATIONAL DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes 1s a pregnancy specific disorder and a major cause of m<; ternal, fetal and neonatal 1i1ortality and morbidity . its prevention requires not only knowledge of pathophysiologic mechanism of dis­ ease but also avalability of methods of early detection .

The clinical signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and G.D supported by experimental evidence , indicate that ma­ ternal vascular endothelial cell dysfunction IS an important feattTi"e of preeclampsia and G.D

There is an evidence that endothelial cell injury is a basic pathogenic mechanism in G.D and preeclampsia resulting in impaired synthesis of vasodilators aBd a possible increase in the production of vasoconstrictores .

Endothelin -1 , a recently discovered endothelium­ derived peptide has potent vasoactive properties . its plasma levels rises in response to endothelial cell damage . there are few preliminary studies suggesting that plasma and serum endothelin-1 concentration among preeclampi.ic and diabetic patients are statistically higher than Iiormally pregnant and non pregnant womeris, also our study suggesting this. Therefore, ET-1 peptide l11ay be play an important role in the pathophy­ siologic composition of pre-eclamptic toxaemia and G.D .