F(2)-isoprostanes, tocopherols and normal pregnancy

This study investigates oxidative stress and antioxidants in normal human pregnancy and post-partum period. Thirty-seven healthy women with normal pregnancies were included. Both urinary and serum samples were collected throughout the pregnancy and post-partum period. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring the reliable in vivo marker, namely 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2alpha,) an F(2)-isoprostane) and antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring alpha- and gamma-tocopherol in serum samples. Pregnancy was associated with successively increased levels of 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) with advancing gestational age. The median post-partum value corresponded to the values observed in early gestation and a significant decrease was observed from late pregnancy to the post-partum period. Lipid-adjusted alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels decreased with advancing gestational age. This longitudinal study suggests that mild oxidative stress is involved in normal human pregnancy.