ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the serum levels of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenic factor and a soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 (sTie-2) in patients with essential hypertension. Methods: In the present study 90 individuals (56 males and 34 females, mean age 48 ± 7 years) have been divided into 3 groups: 30 patients with hypertension, 30 healthy individuals with a family history of hypertension and 30 healthy individuals with no family history of hypertension. All individuals have been evaluated in terms of blood pressure and biochemical parameters. The levels of VEGF and Tie-2 receptor have been evaluated by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: The findings suggested that the serum VEGF, sTie-2 receptor, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides levels in the hypertensive patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). However, the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the patients was significantly lower than in those in the control group (p < 0.05). In correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found statistically significant between the values of VEGF and sTie-2 (r = 0.405, p = 0.026). Conclusion: As a result of this study, our data indicate that serum levels of VEGF and Tie-2 receptor may be related to the primary hypertension. This study could inspire to further studies to explore the roles of VEGF and Tie-2 receptor in essential hypertension.
ABSTRACT
Endocannabinoids are a group of endogenous lipid mediators that act as ligands of cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors, activating multiple signal transduction pathways. Together with enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation, these compounds constitute the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in different physiological processes in reproduction. The placenta, which is essential for the success of gestation and optimal fetal growth, undergoes constant tissue remodeling. ECS members are expressed in trophoblast cells, and current evidence suggests that this system is involved in placental development, apoptosis, and syncytialization. Impairment of endocannabinoid signaling has been associated with several pathological conditions such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. Both clinical entities are characterized by dysregulation on vascular perfusion where nitrergic system performs a pivotal role. Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent local vasodepressor that exerts a critical role in the regulation of hemodynamic flow, contributing to the maintenance of low vascular resistance in the feto-placental circulation. NO production could be affected by different factors and growing evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid mediators may regulate nitrergic signaling. Herein, we review emerging knowledge supporting ECS-mediated regulation of NO production in normal placentation. Finally, we discuss how alterations in these systems could affect homoeostasis and contribute to the occurrence of placental-mediated pregnancy complications. Given the impact on women and perinatal heath, we will focus on current knowledge regarding the effects of ECS on nitrergic system in normal and pathological placentation.