Lipoprotein particles in preeclampsia: Susceptibility to oxidative modification

Objective: To investigate the susceptibility to oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in women with preeclampsia. Methods: Plasma levels of total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, and protein in LDL and HDL were measured in 12 preeclamptic women and 12 normal pregnant women. Oxidation of LDL or HDL was assessed by incubation with copper ions and evaluated by monitoring the kinetics of conjugated diene formation. Results: The plasma levels of total triglyceride and concentration of LDL protein were significantly higher in preeclamptic women than in normals. Levels of HDL lipid did not differ significantly. Analysis of kinetics of conjugated diene production showed a significantly shorter lag time for LDL (83.1 +/- 5.5 minutes versus 67.4 +/- 10.2 minutes, P < .001) and HDL (76.9 +/- 7.3 minutes versus 59.5 +/- 9.2 minutes, P <.001) and a significantly higher oxidation rate for LDL (3.6 +/- 0.4 nmol/minutes/mg LDL versus 4.4 +/- 1.0 nmol/minutes/mg LDL, P <.05) in preeclamptic women. Conclusion: Low-density lipoprotein and HDL particles were more susceptible to oxidative modification, and plasma concentration of LDL particles, but not of HDL particles, was increased in preeclampsia. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:55-9. (C) 2000 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).