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- Bergman, Lina, et al.
(author)
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Preeclampsia and Increased Permeability Over the Blood–Brain Barrier : A Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Receptor 2
- 2021
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In: American Journal of Hypertension. - : Oxford University Press. - 0895-7061 .- 1941-7225. ; 34:1, s. 73-81
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Cerebral complications in preeclampsia are leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide but the underlying pathophysiology is largely unknown and a challenge to study. Using an in vitro model of the human blood brain barrier (BBB), we explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in preeclampsia.METHODS: The human brain endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3) cultured on Tranwells insert were exposed (12 h) to plasma from women with preeclampsia (n=28), normal pregnancy (n=28) and non-pregnant (n=16) controls. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability to 70 kDa FITC-dextran were measured for assessment of BBB integrity. We explored possible underlying mechanisms, with focus on expression of tight junction proteins and phosphorylation of two tyrosine residues of VEGFR2, associated with vascular permeability and migration (pY951) and cell proliferation (pY1175). Plasma concentrations of soluble FMS like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured in order to establish correlations with in vitro results.RESULTS: hCMEC/D3 exposed to plasma from women with preeclampsia exhibited reduced TEER and increased permeability to 70 kDa FITC-dextran. Further, these cells up-regulated the mRNA levels of VEGFR2, as well as pY951-VEGFR2; but reduced pY1175-VEGFR2 (p&0.05 in all cases). No difference in mRNA expression of tight junction protein was observed between gruops. There was no correlation between angiogenic biomarkers and BBB permeability.CONCLUSION: We present a promising in vitro model of the BBB in preeclampsia. Selective tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR2 may participate in the increased BBB permeability in preeclampsia irrespective of plasma concentrations of angiogenic biomarkers.
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| 2. |
- Nelander, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Cerebral Magnesium Levels in Preeclampsia; A Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
- 2017
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In: American Journal of Hypertension. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0895-7061 .- 1941-7225. ; 30:7, s. 667-672
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is used as a prophylaxis for eclamptic seizures. The exact mechanism of action is not fully established. We used phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) to investigate if cerebral magnesium (Mg2+) levels differ between women with preeclampsia, normal pregnant, and nonpregnant women.METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 28 women with preeclampsia, 30 women with normal pregnancies in corresponding gestational week (range: 23-41 weeks) and 11 nonpregnant healthy controls. All women underwent 31P-MRS from the parieto-occipital region of the brain and were interviewed about cerebral symptoms. Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test. Correlations between Mg2+ levels and specific neurological symptoms were estimated with Spearman's rank test.RESULTS: Mean maternal cerebral Mg2+ levels were lower in women with preeclampsia (0.12 mM ± 0.02) compared to normal pregnant controls (0.14 mM ± 0.03) (P = 0.04). Nonpregnant and normal pregnant women did not differ in Mg2+ levels. Among women with preeclampsia, lower Mg2+ levels correlated with presence of visual disturbances (P = 0.04). Plasma levels of Mg2+ did not differ between preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.CONCLUSIONS: Women with preeclampsia have reduced cerebral Mg2+ levels, which could explain the potent antiseizure prophylactic properties of MgSO4. Within the preeclampsia group, women with visual disturbances have lower levels of Mg2+ than those without such symptoms.
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| 3. |
- Nelander, Maria, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Cerebral osmolytes and plasma osmolality in pregnancy and preeclampsia : a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
- 2018
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In: American Journal of Hypertension. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0895-7061 .- 1941-7225. ; 31:7, s. 847-853
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Cerebral complications contribute substantially to mortality in preeclampsia. Pregnancy calls for extensive maternal adaptations, some associated with increased propensity for seizures, but the pathophysiology behind the eclamptic seizures is not fully understood. Plasma osmolality and sodium levels are lowered in pregnancy. This could result in extrusion of cerebral organic osmolytes, including the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, but this remains to be determined. The hypothesis of this study was that cerebral levels of organic osmolytes are decreased during pregnancy, and that this decrease is even more pronounced in women with preeclampsia.Method: We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare levels of cerebral organic osmolytes, in women with preeclampsia (n=30), normal pregnancy (n=32) and non-pregnant controls (n=16). Cerebral levels organic osmolytes were further correlated to plasma osmolality, and plasma levels of glutamate and sodium.Results: Compared to non-pregnant women, women with normal pregnancy and preeclampsia had lower levels of the cerebral osmolytes myo-inositol, choline and creatine (p=0.001 or less), and all these metabolites correlated with each other (p<0.05). Women with normal pregnancies and preeclampsia had similar levels of osmolytes, except for glutamate, which was significantly lower in preeclampsia. Cerebral and plasma glutamate levels were negatively correlated with each other (p<0.008), and cerebral myo-inositol, choline and creatine levels were all positively correlated with both plasma osmolality and sodium levels (p<0.05).Conclusion: Our results indicate that pregnancy is associated with extrusion of cerebral organic osmolytes. This includes the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which may be involved in the pathophysiology of seizures in preeclampsia.
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| 4. |
- Nylander, Ruta, et al.
(author)
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Relation between cardiovascular disease risk markers and brain infarcts detected by magnetic resonance imaging in an elderly population
- 2015
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In: Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases. - : Elsevier BV. - 1052-3057 .- 1532-8511. ; 24:2, s. 312-318
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Established cardiovascular risk markers, such as hypertension, are associated with increased risk of brain infarcts. The newer markers N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, troponin I, C-reactive protein, and cystatin C may affect the risk of cardiovascular events and potentially, thereby, also stroke. We investigated the association between established and new risk markers for cardiovascular disease and brain infarcts detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at age 75.METHODS: Four hundred six randomly selected subjects from the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors study were examined with MRI of the brain at age 75. Blood samples, measurements, and dedicated questionnaires at age 70 were used for analysis of risk markers. A history of diseases had been obtained at age 70 and 75. MRI was evaluated regarding lacunar and cortical infarcts. Univariate associations between outcomes and risk markers were assessed with logistic regression models.RESULTS: One or more infarcts were seen in 23% of the subjects (20% had only lacunar infarcts, 1% had only cortical infarcts, and 2% had both). Hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4, 4.7) and obesity (OR 1.3; CI 1.0, 1.8) were significantly associated with increased risk of brain infarction. The newer risk markers were not significantly associated with the brain infarcts.CONCLUSIONS: The new markers were not associated with the predominantly lacunar infarcts in our 75-year-old population, why troponin I and NT-proBNP may be associated mainly with cardioembolic infarcts as shown recently.
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