Circulating markers of oxidative stress are raised in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Objective To determine whether circulating markers of oxidative stress are elevated in preeclampsia when appropriate precautions are taken to prevent in vitro oxidation Design A prospective study. Setting Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oxford and The William Harvey Institute, London. Sample Three groups of women: those with pre-eclampsia (n = 19), control pregnant women (n = 19) matched for gestation, age and parity and a group of non pregnant individuals of reproductive age (n = 7). Methods Citrated plasma was stored at -80 degrees C with 20 mu mol beta hydroxytoluene to prevent autooxidation. Plasma samples were assayed for levels of 8 epi-prostaglandin F-2 alpha, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde and also the lipid soluble antioxidant vitamin E. Results There were no differences in 8 epi-prostaglandin F-2 alpha, lipid peroxide or malondialdehyde levels between the groups of women with pre-eclampsia and those acting as pregnant controls. However, lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde were significantly raised in both preeclampsia and normal pregnancy, compared with nonpregnant women. Vitamin E levels were similar in women with pre-eclampsia and those with a normal pregnancy, but in both groups levels were significantly higher than in nonpregnant women. Conclusion Circulating markers of oxidative stress are raised in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.