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Correlation between serum trace elements and risk of preeclampsia: A case controlled study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Noura Al-Jameil1, Hajera Tabassum1, Mir Naiman Ali2

  • 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
|September 1, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Decreased serum levels of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) may predispose women to preeclampsia (PET). This study investigated trace element correlations with PET risk in Saudi Arabia.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Preeclampsia (PET) is a significant pregnancy complication with increasing incidence.
  • Limited data exists on the relationship between trace element levels and preeclampsia risk.
  • Understanding these correlations is crucial for identifying potential biomarkers and preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between serum trace element levels and the risk of preeclampsia.
  • To compare trace element concentrations in normotensive pregnant women, high-risk (HR) pregnancies, and preeclamptic (PET) pregnancies.
  • To explore interelement correlations in preeclamptic women.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • 120 pregnant women were divided into three groups: Control (n=40), High-Risk (HR, n=40), and Preeclampsia (PET, n=40).
  • Serum levels of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry.

Main Results:

  • Mean serum Ca, Mg, and Zn levels were significantly lower in the PET group compared to the control and HR groups.
  • Mean Ca levels: Control (90.08 ± 6.38 mg/L), HR (77.85 ± 4.47 mg/L), PET (70.37 ± 4.66 mg/L).
  • Mean Mg levels: Control (19.33 ± 3.32 mg/L), HR (15.44 ± 1.43 mg/L), PET (13.58 ± 1.98 mg/L).
  • Mean Zn levels: Control (1.30 ± 0.83 mg/L), HR (0.98 ± 0.63 mg/L), PET (0.67 ± 0.59 mg/L).
  • Interelement analysis showed negative correlations between Ca-Mg and Mg-Zn, and a positive correlation between Ca-Zn in PET women, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.
  • These trace elements could play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic interventions.

Keywords:
CalciumMagnesiumPreeclampsiaRisk factorsZinc

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