Study of Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Status in Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific syndrome, a leading cause of maternalfetal morbidity and mortality. Free radicals lead to lipid peroxidation which is destructive in nature and has been suggested as an aetiological factor in preeclampsia. Aims and Objectives: To determine the role oxidative stress and level of antioxidants in preeclampsia by estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) (index of lipid peroxidation) and antioxidants such as uric acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in preeclampsia. Material and Methods: In present study 40 non pregnant women, 40 normal pregnant women and 40 preeclamptic women aged between 18-35 years were enrolled. Clinically diagnosed preeclamptic women were compared with normal pregnant women of same gestational age and serum was analyzed for serum malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid, vitamin E and vitamin C and SOD. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison. Results: Serum MDA and uric acid levels were significantly raised (P<0.01) in preeclamptic women as compared to normal pregnant women and non pregnant women while serum antioxidant vitamin E, vitamin C, and SOD levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in preeclamptic women and normal pregnant women as compared to non pregnant women. Conclusion: Increased levels of lipid peroxidation product (MDA) and depletion of antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and SOD except uric acid in women with preeclampsia may suggest that oxidative stress plays a key role in the genesis of endothelial dysfunction and expression of preeclampsia. Adjuvant supplementation of these antioxidants except uric acid to the diet may minimize further progression of preeclampsia.