Relationship between elevated lipid peroxides, vitamin E deficiency and hypertension in preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension is a major cause of both maternal and fetal-neonatal morbidity and mortality. The deficiency of vitamin E can cause accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, which, in turn, can induce vasoconstriction. This study has examined any evidence of increased cellular lipid peroxidation and accumulation of malonydialdehyde (MDA, an end product of lipid peroxidation) in pregnancy-induced hypertension and any relationship between the elevated MDA and lower vitamin E levels with hypertension in pregnant women. EDTA-Blood was collected from pregnant women at the time of delivery. Plasma vitamin E was determined by HPLC; MDA by the thiobarbituric acid-reactivity. Subjects with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > or = 90 mm Hg were considered hypertensive (HT) and with < 90 mm Hg normotensive (NT). Data (Mean +/- SE) from 49 NT and 11 HT women show that HT has significantly lower vitamin E (22 +/- 1 vs 27 +/- 1 nmole/ml, p < 0.03) and elevated MDA levels (0.56 +/- 0.06 vs 0.43 +/- 0.02 nmole/ml, p < 0.03) compared to NT; the ages and gestational ages of women were similar. Among all women, there was a significant positive relationship between DBP and MDA levels (r = 0.27, p < 0.05), and a significant negative relationship between vitamin E levels and DBP (-0.36, p < 0.005), and a significant negative relationship between MDA and vitamin E levels (r = 0.27, p < 0.05). Thus, HT women's plasma has significantly lower E and higher MDA levels, and DBP significantly correlates with the extent of vitamin E deficiency and increased MDA levels. This study suggests a relationship between elevated lipid peroxidation and lower vitamin E levels and hypertension in pregnancy (preeclampsia).

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Status in Preeclampsia

“…The vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects the cell membrane against enzyme activity, free radicals or highly reactive degradation products during pregnancy. 6,9,10,21,23 The results of the present study are in consistence with the previous studies. They suggested that significant rise in lipid peroxides with decreased vitamin E levels are possible causative factors for the pathogenesis Table II shows the comparison of serum MDA levels between groups and Table III shows the comparison of serum vitamin E levels between groups.…”

“…4,7,10.11 Several studies demonstrated that preeclampsia is associated with increased utilization of antioxidants. 8,10,19,21 In the present study, the plasma levels of vitamin E were significantly lower in preeclampsia and in normal pregnancy than that of healthy nonpregnant women. These findings are in agreement with the findings of other research workers.…”

“…Several studies demonstrated that decreased level of vitamin E in preeclampsia is due to its increased consumption in exerting its action and may also be due to decreased absorption from the intestine as a result of increased vasoconstriction. 4,8,11,20,21,22 Vitamin E is the major lipid soluble chain breaking antioxidant, has been documented to prevent oxidative damage of the cell membrane and decrease platelet aggregation by a nonoxidative mechanism. The vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects the cell membrane against enzyme activity, free radicals or highly reactive degradation products during pregnancy.…”

Compprative Study of Oxidative Stress in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

“…Serum MDA levels were significantly increased in PIH, preeclampsia and eclampsia compared to normal third trimester pregnant women. Jain SK and Wise R 13 20 found that antioxidant activity was markedly reduced in preeclampsia. The excessive generation of free radicals inactivates the enzymes system in the body leading to decreased SOD activity observed in present study.…”

17. Role of micronutrients in the periconceptional period

“…Consequently, it has been assumed that reduced placental perfusion generates free radicals generating systemic oxidative damage, as supported by evidence of OS in the circulation and tissues of women with pre-eclampsia (Roberts et al, 2003). Gratacó s et al (1998) and Jain and Wise (1995) confirmed that serum lipid peroxide levels are significantly higher and serum vitamin E levels significantly lower in women with pre-eclampsia than in women with normal pregnancies. In this regard, the reduction in maternal and placenta antioxidant defense in pre-eclampsia is linked to an excessive depletion of antioxidants through the increased generation of oxygen free radicals (Jauniaux et al, 2006).…”