Antioxidant status in women who have had a miscarriage

PurposeDuring normal pregnancy there is an oxido-reductive balance between action of pro-oxidative factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total antioxidant status (TAS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and the content of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) in women who have had a miscarriage.Patients and methodsThe study group consisted of 83 women who had had miscarriages. The control group included 35 women in the first trimester of pregnancy, and 35 pregnant women after childbirth.ResultsTAS activity and Cu concentration in serum in women who experienced a miscarriage were significantly lower, but Mn level – higher, than in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The content of Se, Cu and Mn in placental tissue in patients who have had a miscarriage was significantly higher, while Zn content was lower than in pregnant women at full-term delivery.ConclusionsOur findings, provided in the research, enable us to claim that the total antioxidative status is significantly lower in women who have had a miscarriage. Low level of Zn but high of Mn in the examined biological material may be indicative to the incidence of miscarriage.