Study of the role of L-arginine in the diagnosis of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Abstract

Background Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a significant health issue in pregnancy, complicating 7–10% of pregnancies. L-arginine is an important mediator of vasodilation with a potential preventative role in pregnancy-related hypertensive diseases.

Aim of the study The aim of the present study was to assess the differences in plasma L-arginine concentrations in physiological pregnancies and pregnancies complicated with hypertension in the third trimester.

Material and methods Plasma concentration of L-arginine was determined by ion-exchange chromatography in 210 pregnant women (25–41 weeks of gestation). Plasma L-arginine concentration was expressed in μmol/cm³.

Results The mean L-arginine concentration was significantly higher in physiological pregnancy (0.102) than in the PIH group (0.034). The analysis of plasma L-arginine concentration in the subgroups of third trimester showed that L-arginine concentration in the PIH group decreased with increasing stage of pregnancy (25–34 hbd — 0.051; 35–38 hbd — 0.03; 39–41 hbd — 0.02). L-arginine concentration in physiological pregnancies was the same in all subgroups (0.1).

Conclusions L-arginine may have a role in the prevention and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Further well-designed and adequately powered research is warranted.