Selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in spontaneous inevitable abortion

OBJECTIVE(S) : To determine changes in selenium levels and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the red cells and plasma in women having miscarriage as compared to those in women with normal pregnancy and in nonpregnant women. METHOD(S) : Blood selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity were measured in 30 women presenting consecutively with a miscarriage, in 30 women having a normal pregnancy and in 30 nonpregnant women. In women presenting with miscarriage, the values were repeated after 48 hours of miscarriage. The mean values of each group were compared statistically. RESULTS : The selenium concentrations in red cells and plasma in women with miscarriage were significantly lower as compared to those in women with normal pregnancy and in nonpregnant women. The glutathione peroxidase activity was also reduced significantly in women with miscarriage. Student t test was employed for statistical evaluation. CONCLUSION(S) : The reduced selenium concentration and the decreased blood glutathione peroxidase activity may play an important role in the occurrence of spontaneous abortion.