Vascular biology of pregnancy: a study of endothelial markers in hypertension in pregnancy

Karthikeyan, Vellore J (2012). Vascular biology of pregnancy: a study of endothelial markers in hypertension in pregnancy. University of Birmingham. M.D.

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Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most common medical conditions complicating pregnancy, with significant implications on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Abnormalities in placentation have been implicated as the primary pathology responsible for the development of hypertension during pregnancy and its effects such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. With advancing research, the focus is now gradually shifting towards abnormalities in the maternal vasculature, including endothelial damage/dysfunction and impaired repair as a probable cause for this, with the latter also being implicated in the development of cardiovascular disorders in later life in these women.

Hypertensive disorders occur in 6-8% of pregnancies. They also determine and influence the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the mother in later life.
Hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome and CVD are commoner in women with pre-eclampsia and preterm deliveries, whereas the risk of cerebrovascular disease is much higher in those with recurrent spontaneous abortions.

This research thesis is a study of the various processes occurring in the maternal vasculature, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, endothelial damage and regeneration/repair, the extra-cellular matrix and the haem oxygenase systems, the abnormalities that occur in them and their associations with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their complications.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Higher Doctorates > M.D.)

Award Type:

Higher Doctorates > M.D.

Supervisor(s):