Effect of low-dose aspirin on fetal and maternal generation of thromboxane by platelets in women at risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension

Article Abstract:

Evidence exists that low doses of aspirin reduce the likelihood and severity of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, but how this occurs is unknown. The mechanism is assumed to involve suppression of the production of thromboxane (constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure) by platelets (blood elements responsible for clotting). However, this has not been proven. The effects of long-term daily doses of 60 milligrams of aspirin on levels of platelet-produced thromboxane and prostacyclin (dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure) were studied in women at risk for pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Women treated with aspirin had longer pregnancies and their infants weighed more at birth. Aspirin treatment reduced levels of a substance that indicates levels of thromboxane by more than 90 percent. Excretion of thromboxane in urine was reduced without any changes in levels of a substance that indicates levels of prostacyclin. It was concluded that, in women at risk for pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, aspirin suppresses platelet production of thromboxane but does not affect output of prostacyclin.

Measurement, Thromboxanes, Aspirin, Hypertension in pregnancy, Gestational hypertension, Prostacyclin

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Sympathetic overactivity in hypertensive patients with chronic renal disease

Article Abstract:

ACE inhibitors could reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease in patients with chronic kidney failure by normalizing sympathetic nerve activity. A 1999 study showed that patients with chronic kidney failure have an overactive sympathetic nervous system and that the ACE inhibitor enalapril could reduce this overactivity. The drug also lowered blood pressure in these patients. An overactive sympathetic nervous system could activate the renin-angiotensin system, which could lead to high blood pressure. It could also have adverse effects on the heart and kidneys.

Editorial, Physiological aspects, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Blood pressure, Nervous system, Sympathetic, Sympathetic nervous system, Chronic kidney failure

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A randomized trial of maintenance therapy for vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies

Article Abstract:

The drug azathioprine can be used as maintenance therapy instead of cyclophosphamide in patients with vasculitis, according to a study of 144 patients. Long-term cyclophosphamide is very toxic and can cause bladder inflammation, bladder cancer, lymphoproliferative disease, and infertility. Vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels.

Evaluation, Vasculitis, Azathioprine

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