Augmented oxidative stress as well as antioxidant capacity in maternal circulation in preeclampsia

ObjectivesIsoprostanes are stable markers of oxidative stress. We wanted to assess maternal circulating levels of total 8-isoprostane and indices of antioxidant capacity in preeclampsia compared to uneventful pregnancies.Study designTotal 8-isoprostane concentrations, FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma), Vitamin E and d-ROM (diacron reactive oxygen metabolites) were measured in maternal venous blood samples from preeclamptic (n = 21) and uncomplicated (n = 38) pregnancies at cesarean section.ResultsMedian total 8-isoprostane concentration was elevated in preeclampsia compared to uncomplicated pregnancies (354 and 218 pg/mL, P = 0.02). Median FRAP level was also elevated in preeclampsia compared to uncomplicated pregnancies, but to a lesser degree than 8-isoprostane. A positive correlation between 8-isoprostane and previously analyzed placenta-derived sFlt1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1) levels in the maternal circulation was found in preeclampsia.ConclusionWe found a relative more increase for the oxidative stress marker (8-isoprostane) than for the antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in preeclampsia compared to uneventful pregnancies.