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Fatty acids, antioxidants, and oxidative stress in pre-eclampsia

Mehendale S, Kilari A, Dangat K, Taralekar V, Mahadik S, Joshi S

International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2008

55 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether free radical-mediated membrane lipid peroxidation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.

METHODS: A prospective study using a sample of 55 healthy pregnant women and 60 pre-eclamptic women recruited at Bharati Medical Hospital, Pune, India. Maternal and cord samples were examined for (red blood cells and plasma) fatty acid profiles, antioxidants, and oxidative stress levels. Mean values were compared between case and control groups using the t test and Wilcoxon rank test.

RESULTS: Pre-eclamptic women showed reduced total omega-3 fatty acids (P<0.05), increased omega-6:omega-3 ratio (P<0.05), higher oxidative stress (P<0.05), and lower antioxidant (P<0.05) levels. Similar trends were also observed in cord samples.

CONCLUSION: Reduced antioxidants and increased oxidative stress leading to impaired essential polyunsaturated fatty acid levels may be a key factor in the development of pre-eclampsia.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 55 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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