Concept and connotation of oxidative stress in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a systemic pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema. Free radicals seem to play an important role in the induction of endothelial dysfunction in PE.

The aim of the present study was to investigate serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO^-), paraoxonase (PON-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid profile in preeclamptic patients compared to the women with normal pregnancy.

A total of 68 pregnant women were recruited. They were divided into two groups - Group A, 40 women were a newly diagnosed with PE and Group B, 28 women with normal pregnancy. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index and blood pressure in accordance with biochemical measurements including NO, ONOO^-, PON-1, MDA, and lipid profile were done for preeclamptic pregnant women compared to the controls.

Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia illustrated insignificant differences in the age (31.22±2.87) compared to the age of control P > 0.05. There were significant changes in the body mass index (BMI), type of delivery and smoking status of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia compared to the control P < 0.05. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were high in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia compared to the control P < 0.01. PON-1 and NO serum levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) while ONOO^- and MDA serum levels were significantly increased in PE compared to the women with normal pregnancy.

This study concluded that PE is associated with the augmentation of oxidative stress and reduction of endogenous antioxidant capacity regarding PON-1.