Pregnancy induced hypertension often requires selenium

Pregnancy induced hypertension can be caused by increased oxidative stress (OS) associated with rapid growth of the fetus. A paper published in Clinical Laboratory details the importance of the antioxidant activity of selenium (Se) in reducing the oxidative stress of pregnancy that provokes hypertension. The authors state:

"The first line of defence against oxidative stress (OS) are the endogenous antioxidants, such as the Se containing compounds. During pregnancy, OS is caused by the intense growth activity of the fetus; therefore, the placenta is a key place for the activity of many seleno-compounds such as glutathione-peroxidase and thioredoxinreductase."

Selenium in pregnancy

Suboptimal selenium can result in numerous undesirable outcomes:

"Selenium deficiency in the pregnant woman's body is considered a risk factor for immune deficiency, PIH [pregnancy-induced hypertension], spontaneous abortions, and premature birth. In regard to the fetus, while there seems to be a certain protection against selenium-induced toxicity, studies have shown that selenium deficiency leads to IUGR [intrauterine growth restriction] and SGA [small for gestational age] newborns. Also, combined deficiency of selenium and iodine has been linked to endemic cretinism in newborns."

Selenium, oxidative stress and hypertension

Compounds that require selenium are crucial agents in regulating oxidation and the containment of reactive oxygen species.

"A review of current literature establishes that Se containing compounds have a strong antioxidant effect...It is well known that oxidative stress, namely the increase in the concentration of reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen (ROS and RNS) and the disruption of cellular redox homeostasis, are responsible for a number of inflammatory, degenerative, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases."

On investigating the link between the selenium-containing compounds, metabolic pathways and their role in normal and abnormal function during gestation, the authors conclude:

"The antioxidant role that selenium performs through selenoproteins is major. Selenium-containing proteins, especially glutathione peroxidase, as antioxidant enzymes, are involved in regulating the ROS and RNS levels and redox balancing in almost all tissues. Among the multiple benefits of selenium in optimal concentrations in the body are stimulation and support of female fertility, as well as good development of the fetus. Hypertensive pathologies that occur in one of ten pregnant women, especially during the second part of the gestation period, are largely due to selenium deficiency."

Readers may also be interested in Iodine deficiency, pregnancy, and autoimmunity.