Lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the changes in plasma levels of lipid peroxide, vitamin E and vitamin C in women with preeclampsia and to investigate their relationship with diastolic blood pressure.


METHODS
Cross sectional study consisting of 22 preeclamptic and 21 healthy pregnant women. Fasting venous blood samples were collected during the antepartum period and plasma levels of malondialdehyde, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid were measured.


RESULTS
In the preeclamptic group malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation product, was significantly increased, while vitamins E and C were significantly decreased compared to healthy pregnant women. A strong correlation was detected between malondialdehyde and antioxidant factors (vitamins E and C) with blood pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that lipid peroxidation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, antioxidant nutrients are excessively utilised to counteract the cellular changes mediated by free radicals.
Madazli
R
R
Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkey. alibenian@superonline.com
Benian
A
A
Gümüştaş
K
K
Uzun
H
H
Ocak
V
V
Aksu
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
D000975:Antioxidants; D014810:Vitamin E; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D001205:Ascorbic Acid