Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
12:02
Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
Published on: July 30, 2016
Reduced total antioxidant status in postterm pregnancies.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Hippokratia
|August 13, 2013
Summary
Postterm pregnancies show lower total antioxidant status (TAS), indicating a potentially decreased oxidative balance. This finding suggests oxidative stress may play a role in prolonged pregnancies beyond 41 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- The placenta is a primary source of oxidative stress during human pregnancy.
- Placental function persists in postterm pregnancies, raising questions about oxidative balance.
- This study investigates oxidative status in postterm versus term pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare oxidative status in postterm pregnancies with term pregnancies.
- To assess total antioxidant status (TAS) as a marker of oxidative balance.
- To explore the potential role of oxidative stress in prolonged gestation.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 50 postterm (≥41 weeks) and 50 term pregnancies.
- Serum samples collected before labor onset for total antioxidant status (TAS) measurement.
- Statistical comparison using the Mann-Whitney test.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in age, gravity, or parity between groups.
- Postterm pregnancies exhibited a statistically higher body mass index (BMI).
- Lower median TAS levels were observed in postterm pregnancies (1.69 mM) compared to term pregnancies (1.75 mM).
Conclusions:
- Reduced total antioxidant status in postterm pregnancies suggests a compromised oxidative balance.
- Pregnancies extending beyond 41 weeks may be associated with decreased oxidative stress.
- This altered oxidative status could contribute to the etiology of prolonged pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...