Research line

My research interests are related to perinatology, obstetrics and placental vascular physiology. The main focus of my research has been the placental vascular dysfunction in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). IUGR is a prenatal disturbance associated with reduced foetal growth and intrauterine hypoxia. IUGR and foetal hypoxia have been associated with altered endothelial function resulting in reduced synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) which maintains foetal oxygenation and nutrition.

In human umbilical vein endothelium (HUVEC) NO derives from conversion of L-arginine into L-citrulline via endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IUGR. We have studied the effect of hypoxia on the activity, expression and regulation of the L-arginine/NO pathway in HUVEC. We are currently studying the participation of arginases I and II in the endothelial dysfunction observed in HUVEC from IUGR fetuses as well as under experimental hypoxia.