Catalase Activity, Serum Trace Element and Heavy Metal Concentrations, and Vitamin A, D and E Levels in Pre-Eclampsia

Abstract

Catalase (antioxidant enzyme) activity in erythrocytes and serum levels of trace elements (copper, iron, zinc), heavy metals (cadmium, cobalt) and vitamins A (retinol), D (cholecalciferol) and E (atocopherol) were measured in 145 subjects comprising 47 pre-eclamptic pregnant women (PE), 48 healthy pregnant women (HP) and 50 healthy non-pregnant controls (NP). Catalase, vitamins A, D and E and levels of cobalt were significantly lower in the PE group compared with the HP and NP groups, whereas levels of copper, iron and cadmium were significantly higher in the PE group than in the HP and NP groups. Levels of zinc were significantly lower in both the PE and HP groups compared with the NP group. This assessment of oxidant/ antioxidant imbalance in pregnant women could be useful in the early identification of pre-eclampsia and antioxidant supplementation in the early weeks of gestation might be useful.

Maternal Mineral and Bone Metabolism During Pregnancy, Lactation, and Post-Weaning Recovery

“…Consistent with this, in a longitudinal study, calcitriol levels were normal earlier in pregnancy and became low only after hypertension and proteinuria developed (357). Another study found that serum levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E were each lower in preeclamptic women compared with normotensive pregnant and nonpregnant controls (485), which raises the possibility that confounding from overweight, obesity, and poor nutrition may explain why the levels of several fatsoluble vitamins were all lowered in preeclamptic women. A placental abnormality has been hypothesized to explain lower calcitriol levels in preeclampsia, with conflicting results obtained showing decreased (248) and increased (286) placental expression of Cyp27b1.…”

A study of vitamin D levels and associated deficiency in pregnancy and its effect on maternal and fetal outcome

“…In three studies, women who developed preeclampsia were found to have lower levels of vitamin D than women who did not with levels less than 50 nmol/l associated with a five-fold increased risk of severe preeclampsia. [9][10][11] In our study findings revealed that maternal vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is not significantly associated with elevated risk for preeclampsia. Out of 21 patients that had gestational hypertension, only 8 had vitamin D deficiency.…”

Comparative study of copper, zinc, iron, ferritin, calcium and magnesium levels in pregnancy induced hypertension and normotensive primigravida mothers

“…2,5 Ceruloplasmin level rises during pregnancy due to altered levels of oestrogen and in response to increased lipid peroxidation. 8,12 Subsequently, Cu requirements also increase. Another reason for this increase is due to blockade in the transfer of Cu to fetus by the placenta.…”

“…18,19 More recently lower serum concentrations of Zn in preeclampsia compared to controls have been shown in two relatively small retrospective studies from Turkey (mean ± SD: 10.6±4.4 versus 12.7±4.1 μg/L, respectively). 12,20 A retrospective study from India has reported that serum Zn is less in preeclamptic mothers compared to controls which compromises the antioxidant protection and raises blood pressure. 21 Amniotic fluid Zn concentrations have also been reported to be decreased in preeclamptic women delivering preterm (33-36 weeks gestation) in a small retrospective cross-sectional study from USA.…”

“…13 High level of maternal Cu participate in single electron reactions and free radicals, including undesirable hydroxyl radicals which contributes to oxidative stress characteristic of preeclampsia. 12 So role of Cu is both pro-oxidant and antioxidant.…”