Changes in gene expression of key enzyme could explain high blood pressure in pregnant women

A research team from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine has found that changes in the expression of a key inflammatory enzyme called thromboxane synthase are increased in the blood vessels of pregnant women with preeclampsia. The enzyme results in the synthesis of thromboxane, which increases blood pressure and can cause blood clots. According to corresponding author Scott W. Walsh, the increase of this enzyme is related to a reduction in the methylation of DNA, which controls the expression of genes. “The present work is unique because it opens up a new concept as to the cause and subsequent consequences of preeclampsia relating to epigenetics,” Walsh said. In the future, potential treatment for preeclampsia could include inhibition of thromboxane synthase, blockade of thromboxane receptors or dietary supplements with folate, which could protect against changes in DNA methylation that affect the expression of the enzyme.