Circulating markers of oxidative stress are raised in normal pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia

Abstract

Objective To determine whether circulating markers of oxidative stress are elevated in pre‐eclampsia when appropriate precautions are taken to prevent in vitro oxidation Design A prospective study. Setting Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oxford and The William Harvey Institute, London. Sample Three groups of women: those with pre‐eclampsia (n = 19), control pregnant (n = 19) matched for gestation, age and parity and a group of non pregnant individuals reproductive age (n = 7). Methods Citrated plasma was stored at −80°C with 20 μmol β hydroxytoluene to prevent auto‐oxidation. Plasma samples were assayed for levels of 8 epi‐prostaglandin F_2α, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde and also the lipid soluble antioxidant vitamin E. Results There were no differences in 8 epi‐prostaglandin F_2α lipid peroxide or malondialdehyde levels between the groups of women with pre‐eclampsia and those acting as pregnant controls. However, lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde were significantly raised in both pre‐eclampsia and normal pregnancy, compared with nonpregnant women. Vitamin E levels were similar in women with pre‐eclampsia and those with a normal pregnancy, but in both groups levels were significantly higher than in nonpregnant women. Conclusion Circulating markers of oxidative stress are raised in normal pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia.