Tocotrienol in Pre-Eclampsia Prevention: A Mechanistic Analysis in Relation to the Pathophysiological Framework

Abstract

The pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia involves two major pathways, namely systemic oxidative stress and subsequent generalised inflammatory response, which eventually culminates in endothelial cell injury and the syndrome of pre-eclampsia with multi-organ dysfunction. Aspirin has been used to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, but it only possesses anti-inflammatory properties without any antioxidant effect. Hence, it can only partially alleviate the problem. Tocotrienols are a unique form of vitamin E with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be exploited as a preventive agent for pre-eclampsia. Many preclinical models showed that tocotrienol can also prevent hypertension and ischaemic/reperfusion injury, which are the two main features in pre-eclampsia. This review explores the mechanism of action of tocotrienol in relation to the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient justification for the establishment of a large clinical trial to thoroughly assess the capability of tocotrienol in preventing pre-eclampsia.

Estrategias terapéuticas futuras para la preeclampsia basadas en la reducción del estrés oxidativo

“…Sin embargo, es importante abordar estas conclusiones con una discusión crítica y destacar los desafíos y áreas pendientes de investigación. En primer lugar, los estudios revisados han demostrado que diversos antioxidantes, como las fitobiliproteínas de espirulina máxima, la pirroloquinolina quinona (PQQ), los tocotrienoles y el resveratrol, poseen propiedades que pueden contrarrestar el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación, dos características fundamentales de la PE (36,37,43,46). Estos hallazgos son alentadores, ya que ofrecen nuevas perspectivas sobre posibles intervenciones farmacológicas para mejorar la salud materna y fetal en casos de PE.…”