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Updated: May 10, 2026
11:08
The Use of Gas Chromatography to Analyze Compositional Changes of Fatty Acids in Rat Liver Tissue during Pregnancy
Published on: March 13, 2014
Changes in maternal lipid peroxidation before and immediately after delivery.
Jessy John1, D C Mathangi, K Dilara
1Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai 600116.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|June 8, 2013
Summary
Pregnancy and labor significantly increase oxidative stress, indicated by higher plasma malondialdehyde levels. This oxidative stress intensifies with labor duration, peaking immediately postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Oxidative damage is linked to numerous diseases.
- Physiological stresses, like pregnancy, elevate free radical production.
- Pregnancy requires high energy and oxygen, potentially increasing oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify oxidative stress during labor and immediately postpartum.
- To compare oxidative stress levels in pregnant versus non-pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design.
- Inclusion of 20 healthy pregnant and 20 age-matched non-pregnant women.
- Measurement of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women exhibited significantly higher plasma MDA levels compared to non-pregnant women (p < 0.01).
- Plasma MDA concentrations increased progressively with labor duration.
- MDA levels remained elevated immediately following delivery.
Conclusions:
- Labor is a significant stressor that induces oxidative stress.
- The degree of oxidative stress correlates with the duration and progression of labor.
- Postpartum oxidative stress levels are elevated following labor.
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