Evaluation of oxidative/nitrosative stress in women with preeclampsia

Oxidative/nitrosative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation and oxidative/nitrosative status in patients with preeclampsia and to assess an association with the severity of the disease. Twenty-two patients with severe preeclampsia, 18 patients with mild preeclampsia, and 28 normotensive pregnant women were included in the study. Serum peroxynitrite (ONOO–), nitric oxide (NO●), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), xanthine oxidase (XO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly higher in mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia groups than in normotensive pregnant patients. Non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA) was lower in the mild and severe preeclampsia groups compared to normotensive pregnant patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly higher in the mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia groups than in normotensive pregnant patients. All groups have similar results in terms of total superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA) and there is not a statistically significant difference among groups. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia group compared to the mild group. Finally XO, NOS activities and NO levels were lower in the severe preeclampsia group compared to the mild preeclampsia group. Our results suggest that oxidative/nitrosative stress may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Diet rich in antioxidants might be beneficial to the patients.