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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and adiponectin levels in pregnancy
Kali Makedou1, Anargyros Kourtis, Athina Gkiomisi
14th Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. kali@med.auth.gr
Introduction:
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether normal pregnancy represents a complex state of oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance.
Subjects And Methods:
One hundred and six pregnant women, between 24th and 28th week of pregnancy (age 27.9 ± 0.4 years) (study group) and one hundred and six age-matched, healthy, non-pregnant women (control group) participated in the study. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, adiponectin, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and lipid parameters, i.e. total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL and LDL, were determined. Body mass index (BMI) and QUantitative Insulin sensitivity ChecK Index (QUICKI) were also calculated.
Results:
Pregnant women presented higher BMI values, insulin and oxLDL serum levels and lower glucose serum levels than controls. Serum levels of lipids (TC, TG, LDL and HDL) were higher in pregnant women. There was a significant positive correlation of oxLDL to adiponectin (p < 0.01) in the study group, but not in the controls, and no other significant correlation with any of the other parameters, in either of groups.
Conclusions:
Pregnancy is a state of insulin resistance, oxidative stress and pro-atherogenic hyperlipidemia. Adiponectin may, though, have cardioprotective role in pregnant women.
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