Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be a marker of systemic oxidative stress in normotensive and preeclamptic term pregnancies

Objectives: In vitro studies on placental function have revealed interactions between levels of secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by trophoblastic cells and oxidative stress generated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Here, we have examined the relationship between maternal levels of hCG and H2O2 in vivo in term pregnancies with and without preeclampsia. Design and methods: We measured serum levels of hCG and H2O2 in twenty preeclamptic and twenty normotensive term pregnant women (controls), using an enzymatic immunoassay and an electrochemical method, respectively. Results: Higher levels of serum hCG and H2O2 were observed in patients with preeclampsia, in comparison to controls. A significant positive correlation between serum hCG concentration and H2O2 production was found. Conclusion: Our results show that: (1) systemic hCG levels are correlated with an oxidative stress state in term pregnant women with preeclampsia and (2) circulating hCG may be a monitoring tool of oxidative stress during pregnancy. (C) 2005 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.