Determination of prooxidant-antioxidant balance during uncomplicated pregnancy using a rapid assay

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is thought to be a major contributor to complications during pregnancy, for example preeclampsia. However, reports regarding prooxidant-antioxidant balance in uncomplicated pregnancy are inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to compare the levels of oxidative stress in non-pregnant women with apparently normal pregnant women during the first trimester and at delivery. Methods: An assay for the determination of prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) was used in this study, in which the prooxidant burden and the antioxidant capacity were measured simultaneously in a single assay. The levels of oxidative stress were determined in 85 non-pregnant and 64 primigravid pregnant women. Results: Demographic data and biochemical indices did not differ significantly between the groups. Differences between PAB values were significant based on one-way ANOVA analysis (P<0.001). Using a post hoc test, we observed a statistically significant increase in PAB values during the first trimester and last trimester (P<0.001). Conclusions: Normal pregnancy is associated with a change in the measure of redox status, as assessed by the PAB assay.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• oxidative stress
• pregnancy
• reactive oxygen species