High maternal plasma antioxidant concentrations associated with preterm delivery

Our earlier study has shown that increased maternal oxidative stress and reduced antioxidants like vitamin E and C play an important role in fetal growth in preeclampsia. However, the role of antioxidants and their effects on gestation and birth outcome in normotensive pregnancies are not conclusive. The present study examined plasma malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant concentrations (vitamins E and C) in maternal as well as in cord blood samples in normotensive women who delivered both preterm and at term.

140 normotensive pregnant women were recruited at Bharati Medical Hospital, Pune, India, during the year 2007. Maternal and cord samples were examined for oxidative stress levels and vitamin C and E concentrations in women who delivered preterm (n=40) and at term (n=100). Mean values were compared with those of women delivering at term using the t test.

Increased (p<0.05) oxidative stress was seen in preterm mothers as well as in cord samples. Preterm mothers had higher vitamin C concentrations (p<0.05), and these were positively associated with oxidative stress (p=0.02). Vitamin E levels were comparable between groups.

Increased maternal circulating vitamin C concentrations and increased oxidative stress are associated with preterm delivery.