The Relevance of the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Development of Drugs to Combat Preeclampsia

Figure 2

The putative role of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)/2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) system in pregnancy. In normal pregnancy, 2ME may have a role in regulating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in diverse ways. In preeclampsia, low COMT/2ME levels may induce the accumulation of HIF-1α, leading to vascular defects, placental hypoxia, and inflammatory responses in the placenta. Such a response may induce placental defects. CYP450: cytochrome P450.