Implications of maternal systemic oxidative stress in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia

To evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress in normal pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. To investigate a possible correlation between the intensity of oxidative stress, severity of preeclampsia and the fetal status at birth.

A retrospective transversal study was performed in three groups of 80 patients each: Group I--preeclampsia; Group II--normal pregnancy; Group III--control (non-pregnant patients). Degradation products of reactive oxygen species (lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls) and some antioxidants (hydrogen donor capacity and ceruloplasmin) were determined in the serum of patients. The data obtained were processed by descriptive and comparative statistical methods.

A moderate level of oxidative stress was found in normal pregnancy. We found statistically significant differences between the control group and the normal pregnancy group (p < 0.000). In preeclampsia, oxidative stress increases. Statistically significant differences were found in the evaluated parameters between the normal pregnancy group and the preeclampsia group (p < 0.000). There were no correlations between the intensity of oxidative stress, severity of preeclampsia and the fetal status at birth in the group with preeclampsia.

Oxidative stress in preeclampsia is the result of the increase in reactive oxygen species and of the decrease in antioxidants.