MONDAY, May 12 (HealthDay News) — A gene called COMT, already known for its role in schizophrenia, also plays a significant part in the dangerous obstetric complication known as preeclampsia, a new study finds. Although the current study was done in mice, the researchers envision a time when the findings could be used as a test to identify women at risk of preeclampsia — and even as a means of preventing the condition. After 14 weeks of gestation — equivalent to the third trimester of human pregnancy — the mice developed high blood pressure and other symptoms of preeclampsia, the researchers found. Kalluri's team found that COMT levels were deficient, and 2-ME levels were also lower, in women diagnosed with preeclampsia. Because 2-ME is found in the blood and urine, the researchers hope to use their finding to develop a urine test that would identify women at risk from preeclampsia, Kalluri said. No health information on Yahoo, including information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements, is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. read more
Technorati Tags: preeclampsia, 2me, information, , mice, researchers, pregnancy news
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