Isolated mononuclear leukocytes, when incubated with purified haemoglobin Ao (HbAo), release the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?). Thus, inflammation is believed to play a role in preeclampsia. Leukocytes increase due to inflammatory response. There is also increased hemoglobin production in the PE placenta. The hemoglobin may be released into the placenta blood vessel lumen. In addition, Gene and protein profilingstudies have shown increased expression and accumulation of free fetal hemoglobinin the preeclamptic placenta. Predominantly due to oxidative damage to the placentalbarrier, fetal hemoglobin leaks over to the maternal circulation. Oxidative stress in general, and more specifically fetal hemoglobin-inducedoxidative stress, could play a key role in the pathology of preeclampsia seen both in theplacenta and ultimately in the maternal endothelium.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Uganda.
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