Grant: Project Grant

Pre-eclampsia is a complex pathology diagnosed during the second part of the pregnancy. This disorder is characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure), proteinuria (high protein levels in urine). This disorder occurs in 3 to 8% of all pregnancies. The only cure for preeclampsia is premature delivery, and this disorder is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal deaths. There are many evidences to support that oxidative stress plays an important role in pre-eclampsia. Oxidative stress is characterized by an excessive production of reactive oxygen derivatives that various antioxidant systems cannot eliminate, therefore leading to cell and tissue injuries. We have uncovered that fat oxidation is associated with pre-eclampsia in blood. The rate of production and elimination of oxidized fat will be investigated in blood and the placenta. In conclusion, this research project will improve our knowledge of the disease and determine the potential role of oxidized lipids as biochemical markers for the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. This study will also help us to design new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies.