Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 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
Comparison of selenium levels in pre-eclamptic and normal pregnancies
M P Rayman1, F R Abou-Shakra, N I Ward
1Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Biological Trace Element Research
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Serum selenium levels were low in both pre-eclamptic and control groups, with no significant difference between them. This suggests selenium may not be the primary factor in pre-eclampsia despite its role in antioxidant defense.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Severe pre-eclampsia is characterized by abnormal placentation, leading to fetal growth restriction and increased lipid peroxides.
- Lipid peroxides may contribute to endothelial cell damage and an altered thromboxane:prostacyclin ratio in pre-eclampsia.
- Selenium (Se), via glutathione peroxidase, is a key antioxidant involved in peroxide removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum selenium concentrations in women with severe pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive controls.
- To explore the relationship between serum selenium levels, fetal growth, and pre-eclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Serum selenium concentrations were measured in 19 pairs of pre-eclamptic women and matched controls.
- Infant birth weights were recorded for both groups.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in serum selenium concentrations between the pre-eclamptic and control groups.
- Serum selenium levels were found to be low in both study groups.
- Infant birth weights were significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group.
Conclusions:
- Serum selenium levels do not differ significantly between pre-eclamptic and control women in the third trimester.
- Low serum selenium is prevalent in both groups, indicating factors beyond selenium influence antioxidant status in pre-eclampsia.
- Interpreting third-trimester serum selenium is complex due to fetal growth effects; alternative measurements may be warranted.
