Role of ROS/RNS in Preeclampsia: Are Connexins the Missing Piece?

Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ISSN
1422-0067
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
María F. Rozas-Villanueva
Paola Casanello
MAURICIO ANTONIO RETAMAL LUCERO
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85087172792
WoS ID
WOS:000555521600001
DOI
URL
URL Institutional Repository
Abstract
<jats:p>Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that appears after 20 weeks of gestation and is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, affecting both mother and offspring. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that cause the development of preeclampsia are poorly understood. An important feature of preeclampsia is an increase in oxygen and nitrogen derived free radicals (reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), which seem to be central players setting the development and progression of preeclampsia. Cell-to-cell communication may be disrupted as well. Connexins (Cxs), a family of transmembrane proteins that form hemichannels and gap junction channels (GJCs), are essential in paracrine and autocrine cell communication, allowing the movement of signaling molecules between cells as well as between the cytoplasm and the extracellular media. GJCs and hemichannels are fundamental for communication between endothelial and smooth muscle cells and, therefore, in the control of vascular contraction and relaxation. In systemic vasculature, the activity of GJCs and hemichannels is modulated by ROS and RNS. Cxs participate in the development of the placenta and are expressed in placental vasculature. However, it is unknown whether Cxs are modulated by ROS/RNS in the placenta, or whether this potential modulation contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Our review addresses the possible role of Cxs in preeclampsia, and the plausible modulation of Cxs-formed channels by ROS and RNS. We suggest these factors may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.</jats:p>
Cite this document
Rozas-Villanueva, M. F., Casanello, P., & Retamal, M. A. (2020). Role of ros/rns in preeclampsia: Are connexins the missing piece? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(13), 4698. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21134698
Project(s)
Subjects
connexins

; 

free radicals

; 

gap junction channels

; 

hemichannels

; 

preeclampsia

; 

vasculature

; 

animals

; 

blood vessels

; 

connexins

; 

female

; 

humans

; 

inflammation

; 

placenta

; 

pre-eclampsia

; 

pregnancy

; 

reactive nitrogen species

; 

reactive oxygen species

; 

connexin 43

; 

cyclic gmp

; 

endothelium derived relaxing factor

; 

free radical

; 

gap junction protein

; 

microrna

; 

monocyte chemotactic protein 1

; 

nitric oxide

; 

reactive nitrogen species

; 

reactive oxygen metabolite

; 

gap junction protein

; 

reactive nitrogen species

; 

reactive oxygen metabolite

; 

amino acid sequence

; 

angiogenesis

; 

autocrine effect

; 

blood vessel reactivity

; 

bystander effect

; 

calcium signaling

; 

cataractogenesis

; 

cell communication

; 

cytotrophoblast

; 

disease exacerbation

; 

endothelium cell

; 

hexamerization

; 

human

; 

hyperpolarization

; 

hypertension

; 

hypoxia

; 

inflammation

; 

mesenchymal stem cell

; 

natural killer cell

; 

oxidation reduction state

; 

oxidative stress

; 

paracrine signaling

; 

preeclampsia

; 

pregnancy

; 

proteinuria

; 

review

; 

signal transduction

; 

smooth muscle cell

; 

syncytiotrophoblast

; 

trophoblast

; 

tumor associated leukocyte

; 

vascularization

; 

animal

; 

blood vessel

; 

female

; 

metabolism

; 

placenta

; 

preeclampsia