Antibodies against copper-oxidised and malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoproteins in pre-eclampsia pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To measure auto-antibodies against oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) in pre-eclamptic pregnancies using two different techniques.


METHODS
Clinical study comparing pre-eclamptic and normal pregnancies.


METHODS
Tampere University Hospital, Finland.


METHODS
Twenty-one primigravidae with pre-eclampsia and 13 healthy, normotensive primigravidae as controls.


METHODS
The serum titers of antibodies against both malondialdehyde-modified and copper-oxidised LDL (MDA-LDL and copper-ox LDL) were analysed and related to parameters reflecting the severity of pre-eclampsia.


RESULTS
There was a positive correlation (r = 0.58) between antibodies against MDA-LDL and copper-ox LDL in women with pre-eclampsia but not in healthy pregnant controls. The antibody levels against copper-ox LDL, but not against MDA-LDL, were higher in women with pre-eclampsia than in women with a normal pregnancy (P < 0.01). While the antibody titers against copper-ox LDL did not correlate with any parameter reflecting the severity of pre-eclampsia, those against MDA-LDL showed a positive correlation with the level of diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.54) and a negative correlation with platelet count (r = -0.61) in women with pre-eclampsia.


CONCLUSIONS
There are increased titers of serum autoantibodies against copper-oxidised LDL in pre-eclampsia, which may reflect enhanced lipid peroxidation involving circulating lipoproteins.
Uotila
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tampere University Hospital, Finland.
Solakivi
T
T
Jaakkola
O
O
Tuimala
R
R
Lehtimäki
T
T
D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D003300:Copper / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008423:Maternal Age; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D001323:Autoantibodies; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine; D003300:Copper