Lipid-Soluble Antioxidants and Pregnancy: Maternal Serum Levels of Coenzyme Q₁₀, α-Tocopherol and γ-Tocopherol in Preeclampsia and Normal Pregnancy

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that in preeclampsia, the antioxidant-deficient state may facilitate increased attacks of free radicals, which may result in endothelial cell damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of three lipid-soluble antioxidants, coenzyme Q₁₀, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol, with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. Serum levels of all three antioxidants in 42 women with normal pregnancies, 25 with mild preeclampsia and 28 with severe preeclampsia were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. A significant decrease was observed in serum levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ and α-tocopherol (p < 0.001 for each by the Kruskal-Wallis rank test) in women with preeclampsia compared to levels in normal pregnancy. γ-Tocopherol levels were comparable among the different groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant association between grades of preeclampsia and both serum coenzyme Q₁₀ and α-tocopherol levels (p = 0.000 and 0.030, respectively). Coenzyme Q₁₀ and α-tocopherol are potent antioxidants, and the decreased levels of these two antioxidants in preeclampsia may alter the normal redox balance, thereby reducing the ability of antioxidant defenses to protect against free radical damage. This could be a factor in the endothelial cell damage observed in preeclampsia.

Does allicin combined with vitamin B-complex have superior potentials than alpha-tocopherol alone in ameliorating lead acetate-induced Purkinje cell alterations in rats? An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

“…This finding is in agreement with a previous work that showed that a-tocopherol enhances the vitality of nerve cells [3]. Furthermore, a-tocopherol functions as a cofactor in the manufacture of crucial fatty acids, and plays a part in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that include 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); GABA contributes to the normal performance of the nervous system [5,35].…”

Effects of lifestyle factors on urinary oxidative stress and serum antioxidant markers in pregnant Japanese women: A cohort study

“…Therefore, biopyrrin was adopted as a marker for oxidative stress because it is a predictor of optimal lifestyle during pregnancy. Furthermore, the antioxidant CoQ10 was used to clarify the relationship between oxidative stress and pregnancy complications in previous studies (1,3). In addition, CoQ10 has a strong antioxidant effect on the human body; hence, it was considered as a marker for oxidative stress.…”

“…* : p < 0.05, ** : p < 0.01, *** : p < 0.001 by multiple regression analysis. 1) n = 52 in the second trimester with missing data for biopyrrin level and the GHQ.…”

“…Various complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (PE), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are associated with oxidative stress (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Thus, clinical and experimental evidence indicates that oxidative stress is important in the aetiology of PE, PIH, and GDM.…”

“…Thus, clinical and experimental evidence indicates that oxidative stress is important in the aetiology of PE, PIH, and GDM. The levels of oxidative stress markers, such as oxidised lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) and malondialdehyde, are higher (6) and those of antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), α-tocopherol, and vitamin C, are lower (1,3,7) in women experiencing PE, PIH, or GDM, compared with healthy pregnant women. Accumulation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells may cause DNA damage (8), which may lead to pregnancy-related complications.…”