Abstract

The occurrence of hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy leads to high rates of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Amongst them, preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common. This review aims to describe the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in PE, aiming to reinforce its importance in the context of the disease and to discuss perspectives on clinical and nutritional treatment, in this line of research. Despite the still incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of PE, it is well accepted that there are placental changes in pregnancy, associated with an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defence system, characterizing the placental oxidative stress that leads to an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Hence, a generalized inflammatory process occurs, besides the presence of progressive vascular endothelial damage, leading to the dysfunction of the placenta. There is no consensus in the literature on the best strategies for prevention and treatment of the disease, especially for the control of oxidative stress and inflammation. In view of the above, it is evident the important connection between oxidative stress and inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of PE, being that this disease is capable of causing serious implications on both maternal and fetal health. Reports on the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds are analysed and still considered controversial. As such, the field is open for new basic and clinical research, aiming the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to prevent and to treat PE.

1. Introduction

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common gestational complications, being clinically characterized by a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, or both systolic and diastolic blood pressure above ≥140/90 mmHg, measured twice with a four-hour interval, with proteinuria in 24 h or protein/creatinine . In the absence of quantitative methods, a 1+ test tape in the urine proteins may be used [1–3]. However, in the absence of proteinuria, PE is diagnosed associated with elevated blood pressure levels, using the following criteria: thrombocytopenia (number of thrombocytosis less than 100,000/μL), renal insufficiency (serum creatinine above 97 μmol/L), reduced liver function (enzymatic activity AST and ALT two times higher than the reference range limit, being for and for ), and pulmonary edema, cerebral, or visual disturbances [4].

Although the pathophysiological mechanisms of PE remain obscure, it is known that placental changes occur early in pregnancy, associated with an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defence system, characterizing oxidative stress. There is also a generalized inflammatory process, as well as the presence of progressive vascular endothelial damage, which culminates in placental dysfunction [5]. Despite this, it is not well established if the oxidative stress is the result of generalized oxidative cellular damage, which can affect proteins, lipid membranes, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), caused by the disease already established, or if it precedes the clinical establishment of PE, being involved in its pathogenesis [6, 7].

Considering the above, this review aims to describe the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in PE, contributing to reinforce their importance in the context of the disease and to discuss perspectives on clinical and nutritional treatment in this research line.

2. Pathophysiology of PE

2.1. Trophoblastic and Placental Invasion: Normal Gestation vs. PE Gestation

The placenta, a highly complex membranous vascular organ, is developed during gestation and is responsible for the metabolic interaction between the mother and fetus, such as transport of oxygen and nutrients, fetal metabolite elimination and the production of hormones, as human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen [8, 9]. It has a diameter of 15 to 17 cm and an approximate weight of 500 g in a term gestation. Its growth is proportional to the gestational period; i.e., the placenta grows as the pregnancy progresses [10]. Some pathological conditions can trigger placental insufficiency, such as hypertension, diabetic vasculopathy, and anatomical disorders. Thus, changes in maternal homeostasis may modify placental structure and function and thereby affect fetal growth [10].

In the development of healthy gestation, the trophoblastic cells are assigned to invade the maternal endometrium and cause remodeling of the spiral arteries, aiming to increase their calibers and consequent supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients to the placenta [11, 12]. In women who develop PE, an abnormal trophoblastic invasion occurs early in pregnancy, which implies poor oxygenation of the intervillous space and persistence of the primary characteristics of the uterine spiral arteries, maintaining their high resistance. Thus, because there is no remodeling of these arteries, there is less oxygenated blood supply and nutrients, causing the placenta to be reduced in size. This process of hypoxia/reperfusion is always marked by an exacerbated production of ROS, when oxygen molecules are reintroduced into the tissue, after occurrence of hypoxia, leading to oxidative stress [13, 14].

Among the mechanisms proposed to explain the relationship between hypoxia and the ROS presence, problems during the aerobic cellular respiration are initially included. Thus, as oxygen (O2) concentration decreases within the cell, there is also a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation and lower formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which result in dysfunction on several intracellular systems [15]. Besides, an increase in the production of ROS occurs through mitochondria, which can lead to lesion and/or cell death [16, 17].

In addition, a possible rise in cytosolic calcium, caused probably by the ischemia/reperfusion process, leads to the activation of the protease calpain, responsible for promoting the breakdown of a peptide bridge of the enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase, leading to the formation of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which in turn, requires oxygen to perform the transformation of hypoxanthine into xanthine. In the ischemia stage, therefore, accumulation of these two substances occurs. With reperfusion, the hypoxanthine is oxidized to xanthine—which is increased in women with PE [16, 18, 19]—and subsequently in uric acid, generating as byproducts of this reaction the superoxide radical anion (O2•−)—which may be generated by electron capture in the mitochondrial transport system or via cyclooxygenase in the metabolism of arachidonic acid [20, 21]—hydrogen peroxide, and, in the presence of divalent ions, such as iron and copper, hydroxyl radicals (•OH) [16]. In this way, the activation of nonspecific proteases and phospholipases occurs, in response to the rise in intracellular calcium, during reperfusion, and results in the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators, such as platelet activating factor, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, and prostaglandins [22].

Thus, the presence of both trophoblast and placenta, and not necessarily the fetus, is essential for the PE development, since the disease also affects molar pregnancies (where genetically abnormal placental tissue proliferates in the absence of the fetus, giving rise to tumors and gestational trophoblastic disorders). In addition, the greater the placental mass, as in multiple pregnancies, the greater the risk of developing this disease, because the placenta is covered by a syncytiotrophoblast, a type of multinucleated cell with high invasive potential that will aid in the embryo implantation in the maternal endometrium. When there is some type of damage in these cells, trophoblastic fragments are released into the maternal circulation, with signaling to the endothelial cells, which phagocyte them in normal situations. However, in PE, there is also a compromise in the activity of endothelial cells, which makes it difficult to remove these fragments, and although it is not clear which placental factor is responsible for triggering PE, it is known that the increase of trophoblastic fragments in the circulation is related to the onset of the disease [23].

Regarding the changes in placental architecture, considering the morphological and functional characteristics, placentas from pregnant women with PE present diameter, thickness, weight, volume, cord size, and number of cotyledons smaller than usual. In addition, areas with bruise, infarction, and clot presence, with a marginal and paracentral cord insertion, in comparison with normal placentas, which present insertion of the central cord, are present [24–26].

2.2. PE vs. Oxidative Stress

Normal pregnancy is characterized as a prooxidant period, where ROS production occurs, characterizing oxidative stress, with reduced plasma levels of free antioxidants and increased purine catabolism. In many pregnancy-related disorders, including PE, this prooxidant characteristic is even more exacerbated [27].

Thus, scientific evidence suggests that reduced perfusion due to impaired trophoblastic invasion and aberrant placentation triggers a condition of oxidative stress in the placenta by the following mechanisms that increases O2•− formation: (a) perfusion that can lead to repeated hypoxia/reoxygenation, a potent stimulus for the activation of the xanthine oxidase and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase) [28–30]; (b) stimulation of the electron transport chain by the hypoxia/reperfusion and electron transport chain by the hypoxia/reperfusion, specifically complexes I and III [31]. Upon addition, in the mitochondrial matrix, of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) or copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) in the intermembrane space, the conversion of O2•− to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is catalyzed, followed by its reduction to water by glutathione peroxidase (GPx) or catalase (CAT) [32, 33].

Figure 1 illustrates this process in the mitochondria.


Figure 1 
Mitochondrial production of some reactive oxygen species. The reduced perfusion due to impaired trophoblastic invasion triggers a condition of oxidative stress in the placenta by some mechanisms: (a) perfusion that can lead to repeated hypoxia/reoxygenation, a potent stimulus for the activation of the xanthine oxidase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase), enzymes that are important precursors in the formation of O2•− [28–30]; (b) the hypoxia/reperfusion also stimulates the electron transport chain, specifically complexes I and III [31], which increases the O2•− production [28]. In the mitochondrial matrix, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) or copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) in the intermembrane space catalyzes the conversion of O2•− to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). H2O2 can then be completely reduced to water by antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) or catalase (CAT) [32, 33]. Adapted from Yiyenoğlu et al. [28], Redman [29], Poston et al. [30], Chamy et al. [32], and Raijmakers et al. [33].

The increase of oxidative stress in PE may also occur due to the increase in the circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which, indirectly, may be able to regulate, in a positive way, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1). This regulation results in increased uptake of oxidized LDL, leading to increased O2•− production, via activation of NADPH oxidase. Several compounds present in the plasma of women with PE can also activate LOX-1, such as phospholipids, platelets, cytokines, and apoptotic cell fragments, resulting in increased oxidative stress, confirmed by increased expression of O2•− and peroxynitrite (ONOO−); this last one is able to upregulate the LOX-1 expression, suggesting the presence of a feedback mechanism, in which LOX-1 activation induces oxidative stress, which in turn induces LOX-1 [34, 35].

2.3. PE vs. Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction

With the increase of oxidative stress in PE, a concomitant increase of the inflammatory response occurs, through the cytokines’ production, such as TNF-α and interleukin- (IL-) 6, which led to a reduction in the anti-inflammatory cytokine production, such as IL-10, with consequent cell damage [14, 36]. Additionally, the process of hypoxia/reperfusion culminates with greater production of ROS, reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and lipid peroxides, while the antioxidant defence is reduced, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT), leading to an increased systemic oxidative stress condition, also including damaged DNA, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and reduction in melatonin production [37].

In the inflammatory response, there is involvement of genes related to oxidative stress, especially the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), located in the cellular cytoplasm. ROS are able to oxidize the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, leading to the release of NF-κB, which is formed by p50 and p65 subunits. As it is a nuclear factor, the NF-κB molecule enters the cell nucleus and promotes the transcription of several proinflammatory mediators, such as the intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), along with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. This process occurs naturally during gestation, but in the PE, its action is exacerbated [38, 39] (Figure 2).


Figure 2 
Mechanisms suggested in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The process of abnormal trophoblastic invasion, which culminates in repeated episodes of hypoxia/reperfusion, leads to the oxidative stress in PE. In turn, the process of hypoxia/reperfusion culminates with greater production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and lipid peroxides, while the antioxidant defence is reduced, including SOD, GPx, and CAT, leading to an increased systemic oxidative stress condition, besides other factors resulting from oxidative stress, including damaged DNA, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and reduction in melatonin production [37]. Thus, there is a concomitant increase of the inflammatory response, through the cytokine production, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin- (IL-) 6, which led to a reduction in the anti-inflammatory cytokine production, such as IL-10, and, consequently, cell damage [14, 36]. In the inflammatory response, there is the involvement of genes related to oxidative stress, especially the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), located in the cellular cytoplasm. ROS are able to oxidize the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, leading to the release of NF-κB, which is formed by p50 and p65 subunits. Because it is a nuclear factor, the NF-κB molecule enters the cell nucleus and promotes the transcription of several proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. This process occurs naturally during gestation, but in the PE, its action is exacerbated [39, 96]. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), resulting from the glycation of proteins or other biomolecules, interact with their receptors (RAGEs) located in a wide variety of tissues. Such interaction is responsible for triggering the activation of several signaling pathways, culminating with the activation of NF-κB, leading to an inflammatory process [52, 53]. Beyond the inflammatory process, PE also results in endothelial dysfunction due to reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO•) and increased production of placental antiangiogenic factors, such as dimethylarginine (ADMA), sEndoglin (soluble endoglin), and Fms-like receptor tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1). The association of these changes leads to health consequences, such as cardiovascular-, endothelial-, renal-, and fetal-related complications [38]. Legend: ADMA: dimethylarginine; AGE: advanced glycation end products; CAT: catalase; GPx: glutathione peroxidase; IL: interleukin; LP: lipid peroxides; NADPH oxidase: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa B; ONOO−: peroxynitrite; PIGF: placental growth factor; RAGE: advanced glycation end product receptors; RNS: reactive nitrogen species; ROS: reactive oxygen species; sFlt-1: soluble Fms-like receptor tyrosine kinase; SOD: superoxide dismutase; TGFB1: transforming growth factor beta; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor alpha; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth. Adapted from Sanchéz-Araguren et al. [14], Harmon et al. [36], Chiarello et al. [37], Cheng et al. [38], Striz et al. [39], Rayman et al. [96], Sargent et al. [52], and Guedes-Martins et al. [53].

In addition to the aforementioned mechanism, during the trophoblastic invasion itself, the decidua, which is the lining of the uterus responsible for the formation of the maternal placenta portion, contains a large number of immune cells, such as macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and regulatory T cells (Treg), necessary to promote trophoblast migration. In PE, an immunological imbalance is observed, which results in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and decrease of Treg cells, this imbalance being responsible for the activation of a chronic inflammatory response in the immune system [36, 40].

During the PE, cells of the immune system (T-helper cells) are in high levels and secrete IL-17, which in turn stimulates TNF-α and IL-6, which induce the macrophage and neutrophil secretion. Macrophages, neutrophils, and proinflammatory T cells are also able to convert molecular oxygen into O2•− by the phagocyte oxidase system, catalyzed by NADPH oxidase. Once activated, neutrophils can cause placental damage by the release of lysosomal enzymes and ROS. Thus, the activation of NADPH oxidase can be induced by lipoproteins and cytokines, such as proinflammatory interleukins and TNF-α [41].

PE also results in endothelial dysfunction due to reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO•) and increased production of placental antiangiogenic factors, such as dimethylarginine (ADMA), sEndoglin (soluble endoglin), and Fms-like receptor tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), a soluble receptor formed by an alternative splicing, leading to the loss of the transmembrane portion of Flt-1, a common receptor for angiogenic factors [42]. NO• is a vasodilator agent capable of promoting smooth muscle relaxation, regulating endothelial function, platelet aggregation, and the development of muscle cells [43]. Figure 3 shows three pathways capable of explaining the lower bioavailability of NO• in the PE.


Figure 3 
Routes through which the bioavailability of nitric oxide decreases in preeclampsia. Some pathways can contribute to the lower bioavailability of NO• in the PE. The first one involves ROS, where it is suggested that O2•− captures NO• for the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO−), which has a high redox potential [13]. In addition, ONOO− reacts with lipids, leading to lipid peroxidation (LP) and generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and its conjugates [97]. The second path involves the increase in the production of the enzyme arginase, responsible for catalyzing the conversion of L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea [98]. Therefore, the bioavailability of arginine for NO• formation is compromised [99, 100]. The last one involves the presence of ADMA, an endogenous inhibitor of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is increased in PE and is able to decrease the synthesis of NO• [14]. Legend: ADMA: dimethylarginine; NOS: nitric oxide synthase. Adapted from Sanchéz-Araguren et al. [14], Sankaralingam et al. [13], Takacs et al. [97], Rabelo et al. [98], Coman et al. [99], and Morris Jr. [100].

It is noteworthy that pilot studies, such as by Groten et al. [44], where, in a clinical trial, the NO• donor drug penterythriltetranitrat (PETN) was supplemented to assess its prophylactic role in abnormal placentation. Significant improvement in uteroplacental perfusion was observed compared with the placebo (mean 1, vs. ; ). In addition, a reduction in the frequency of preterm births, PE, and intrauterine growth restriction was observed, showing the beneficial action of this compound in preventing adverse outcomes of pregnancies in these cases.

Additionally, the endothelial dysfunction that exists in the PE is probably due to hypoxia/reperfusion, which causes oxidative stress that provokes placental production of a large number of antiangiogenic factors, such as sFlt-1 and sEndoglin, and reduction of angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PIGF). Thus, sFlt-1 binds to these circulating molecules and prevents these angiogenic factors from connecting to their common receptors on the cell membrane, causing dysfunction in vascular endothelial repair [45].

Additionally, the endothelial dysfunction also occurs due to an increase in endothelin-1 [46] expression and stimulation of the expression of autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA). Differently from what occurs in a normal pregnancy, where there is a reduced sensitivity of the endothelium to angiotensin II (Ang II), in pregnant women with PE, due to genetic, immunological, and external factors, there is an excessive sensitivity to Ang II. Thus, AT1 receptor stimulation is also elevated in disease. In addition, women with PE produce autoantibodies to the AT1 receptor (AT1-AA), and the scientific literature suggests that the increase of such antibodies leads to hypertension, from complement activation, proteinuria, and increased levels of antiangiogenic factors [47].

In this context, Lei et al. [48] evaluated the association between AT1-AA and hypertension using meta-analysis, as well as the prognosis of AT1-AA for hypertensive diseases, and confirmed that elevated levels of AT1-AA in the serum of women are significantly associated with hypertensive disorder, especially PE. In turn, Szpera-Gozdziewicz et al. [49] investigated AT1-AA levels in pregnant women with chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and PE compared with healthy pregnant women, showing that women with gestational hypertension and PE presented higher levels than the others.

It is noteworthy that AT1-AA are detectable in animal models of PE and are responsible for elevation of sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin, oxidative stress, and endothelin-1, all of which are enhanced in preeclamptic women [47]. Inhibition of AT1-AA, using the inhibitory peptide n7AAc, prevents the increase in maternal blood pressure and several pathophysiological factors associated with PE in rats, being recognised as a potential therapy for PE [50].

Considering the occurrence of hypoxia/reperfusion in the pathophysiology of PE, which leads to increased oxidative stress, as well as the role of oxidative stress in triggering the inflammatory process observed in the disease, the stimulus that AT1-AA exerts on smooth vascular muscle cells with the consequent activation of NF-κB generates a vicious cycle between oxidative stress and inflammation [47, 51].

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), resulting from the glycation of proteins or other biomolecules, interact with their receptors (RAGEs) located in a wide variety of tissues. Such interaction is responsible for triggering the activation of several signaling pathways, culminating with the activation of NF-κB, leading to an inflammatory process. In the PE, considering the ongoing inflammatory process, the possible increase in the AGE/RAGE expression culminates with a higher production of ROS, through the activity of NADPH oxidase, increased stimulation of NF-κB, with consequent release of O2•− and its effect on NO•, resulting in the formation ONOO−, which worsens, even more, the existing oxidative stress. Although the data are insufficient to affirm, it is suggested that in PE, RAGEs may be increased, thus bringing more complications to the diseased women [52, 53].

Table 1 summarizes the main inflammatory factors involved in the pathophysiology of PE, as well as their forms of action.

Table 1 
Inflammatory factors involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

3. PE vs. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

Some oxidative stress biomarkers are commonly evaluated in studies involving pregnant women with PE, including antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GPx), antioxidant compounds (reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamins C and E), and products derived from the activity of ROS, mainly through lipid peroxidation (LP) (such as malondialdehyde, MDA) [54] and oxidation of DNA and proteins [55].

Table 2 presents the main oxidative stress markers, enzymes, and antioxidants, involved in the pathophysiology of this disease.

Table 2 
Principal biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant compounds involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

An extensively evaluated oxidative damage is LP, which plays an important role in the pathophysiology of PE. Oxidized lipids (LP products such as TBARS and F2-isoprostane) affect the functionality of antioxidant enzymes (GPx and SOD) as well as nonenzymatic antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) causing oxidative damage [56].

The relationship of PE and its outcomes with some oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes is summarized in Table 3. The results have shown that women with PE, compared to controls, present higher levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation biomarkers, besides lower levels of antioxidant compounds.

Table 3 
Association studies of preeclampsia and its outcomes with levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes, associated or not associated with the analysis of other biomarkers.

It is worth mentioning that a relevant review on oxidative stress biomarkers was published in 2017 [57], aimed at discussing the detection of these markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, GPx, NO•, TBARS, and vitamins C and E) in biological fluids and at highlighting the need for further studies to validate their use in the prediction or diagnosis of pregnancy-related diseases, including PE. The authors concluded that the oxidative stress markers are promising for the identification of some complications of gestation; in addition, each one alone may have limitations, but when associated, they may help in the diagnosis of adverse conditions in pregnancy [57].

4. PE vs. Inflammatory Biomarkers

Several studies have reported higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and plasma of PE women, compared with those with normal pregnancies [36, 58–60]. Although the literature provides wide and comprehensive reports related to this subject, the present review does not pretend to be exhaustive, considering that the key point of this study is to emphasize the interaction between the factors suggested as being involved in the pathophysiology of PE, and not only the inflammatory process [61] (Table 4). We are reporting only selected inflammatory markers, as there are several other cytokines and chemokines that have been studied in PE. The cytokines more widely studied and with a well-established knowledge of their mechanisms, in relation to PE, were chosen.

Table 4 
Studies associating preeclampsia and its outcomes with levels of inflammatory markers in humans and animals.

Table 4 shows that several studies have been conducted in humans and animals, especially in recent years, in order to clarify the role of inflammatory cytokines in PE. The inclusion or exclusion criteria were added. From these findings, it is clear their involvement in the pathophysiology of the disease and that their levels increase according to the severity of PE. In addition, experimental studies [40, 62, 63] also show an increase in levels of inflammatory factors in PE, which is associated with endothelial dysfunction, also observed, as well as the protective role of IL-10, when administered in an appropriate dose/time [64, 65].

5. PE vs. Antioxidant Therapy

The use of supplementation with antioxidant compounds in several clinical and pathological contexts has been widely discussed and performed; however, in the PE, their uses present controversial results both in prevention and in treatment [66].

Table 5 lists the majority of the reported studies on humans, involving oral antioxidant supplementation for the prevention and treatment of PE. The inclusion or exclusion criteria were added. The included studies were carried out with different antioxidant compounds, being the first reported in 2003. It is possible to observe that there is no consensus about the dosages and times of administration of the supplementation, corroborating with controversial findings in relation to the outcomes of pregnancy. However, among the natural antioxidants tested in PE, lycopene appears to play a crucial role in neonatal outcomes, including increased mean birth weight, reduced rates of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and PE [67, 68].

Table 5 
Human research involving oral antioxidant supplementation for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.

Other antioxidant compounds such as selenium [69], allicin [70], coenzyme Q10 [71], N-acetylcysteine [72], L-arginine [73, 74], and vitamins C and E [75] have also been tested for the prevention and/or treatment of PE. However, the results are controversial, with evidence of null influence [70, 72, 75] and beneficial action [69, 71, 73, 74] of antioxidants (Table 5). However, there is still insufficient evidence to recommend their use [76, 77]. In addition, a meta-analysis conducted by Tenório et al. [78] aimed to determine whether oral antioxidant therapies, of various types and doses, were able to prevent or treat women with preeclampsia. In this study, antioxidant therapy had no effects in the prevention of PE but did show beneficial effects in intrauterine growth restriction, when used in the treatment of this condition.

Additionally, in vitro studies have been developed with other antioxidant compounds, such as resveratrol and melatonin, from cells involved in the pathogenesis of PE. The results were positive, suggesting their potential therapeutic use in the prevention and/or treatment of the disease [79–82]. The review of Kerleya et al. [83] discusses the use of ergothioneine as a possible mitochondrial target antioxidant, focusing on its physical properties, potential mechanisms of action, safety profile, and administration in relation to pregnancies complicated by PE.

Magnesium sulphate, widely used in clinical practice for the prevention of seizures in women with PE, has been studied in diseases involving the increase of oxidative stress by its potential action as an antioxidant, especially at the cellular and molecular levels, in addition to studies in animals and humans, with positive results. Thus, with further investigation, this compound may also be a preventive and/or therapeutic option for PE [84, 85].

In addition, other studies have evaluated the role of a mix of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants, administered as enriched foods such as milk and bars, to prevent the onset of PE in women at high risk or with low concentration of these compounds. Wibowo et al. [86] and Vadillo-Ortega et al. [87] found positive results. That is, there was a decrease in the risk of PE in the supplemented women. However, it must be taken into account that such mix contained nutrients that do not play antioxidant roles, being difficult to judge the real effect of the antioxidant content.

Finally, despite the relationship mentioned between AGEs, inflammation, and oxidative stress in PE, there are few studies that used antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in an associated way to prevent/minimize the adverse consequences to mother and fetus health. Stupakova et al. [88], in turn, aimed to evaluate the inhibition of platelet aggregation and the possibility of correction with resveratrol and nicorandil, in a rat model with PE induced by L-NAME. The findings were positive in relation to the drugs tested in order to aid in the homeostasis of the affected animals.

6. PE vs Therapy with Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

The oral use of anti-inflammatory nutrients in the prevention and treatment of PE has been addressed by the scientific community [66] (Table 6), with emphasis on omega-3. However, systematic reviews have concluded that omega-3 supplementation in PE pregnancy does not present beneficial effects either in the prevention or in the control of the pressure levels in the disease [89, 90]. It is worth mentioning that PE has its origin in the initial period of pregnancy, even during the placentation process, and therefore, its prevention must be performed even before pregnancy has been established, which could justify the scarce results found in the literature [8, 15].

Table 6 
Human research involving the oral supplementation of anti-inflammatory nutrients for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.

Currently, aspirin has been increasingly used to prevent PE. Although it consists of an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and a vasodilator, it also exerts an important anti-inflammatory action, acting in the reduction of prostaglandins and eicosanoids, thus reducing the inflammatory response [12, 91]. A meta-analysis performed by Askie et al. [92] evaluated the use of antiplatelet agents in the primary prevention of PE and observed an association of these with a moderate but consistent reduction in the relative risk of PE, as well as the occurrence of adverse effects.

Some studies are being conducted on aspirin and PE, many of which are reported on ClinicalTrials.gov. However, the results are still scarce and conflicting [93–95].

7. Conclusions

The supplementation with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and nutrients has been considered in order to minimize the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation present in PE’s pathophysiology. The results are still controversial. There is still no consensus on the best strategies for prevention and treatment of the disease, especially for the treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation, which are characteristics of the disease.

In view of the above, it is possible to establish an important relationship between oxidative stress and inflammatory process in the PE pathogenesis, considering that they are interconnected, acting on the various mechanisms involved in the disease. On the other hand, despite their relationship, the clinical and nutritional treatments described in the literature have not presented, so far, an effect, since they do not act on the cause of the disease, but in the sense of mitigating its consequences, not enough to prevent its progression. Thus, further research is urgently needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of this disease, in order to help health professionals, from the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to prevent and to treat PE, and to contribute to reduce the serious health effects of the mother-fetus binomial.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Health Ministry of Brazil; the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Alagoas (FAPEAL), through the SUS Research Program (PPSUS); and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), for grants and fellowships.