Changes in Gene Expression May Help Explain High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Researchers in Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have maybe found a treatment for blood pressure and blood clots in pregnant women with preeclampsia. They believe that epigenetic mechanisms, "changes in gene expression that are mediated through mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence," (VCU), may be playing a role in this. They found an inflammatory enzyme called thromboxane synthase which synthesizes thromboxane, increasing blood vessels and cause blood clots in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Also, another main epigenetic mechanism is methylation of DNA which controls the expression of genes. For example, if the enzyme thromboxane was to increase then it would reduce DNA methylation and passing of white blood cells (which help fight infections) which would cause blood clots. Some of the treatments for preeclampsia are inhibition of thromboxane synthase, blockade of thromboxane receptors, and dietary supplements that have folate in it. Folate helps stop the changes in DNA methylation. In my opinion this is a really important discovery since its about babies they are our future and they shouldn't nor should the mothers have to deal with such a thing......i am glad they found something to prevent blood clots happening .