39 Is There Evidence of Oxidative Stress in Maternal and Fetal Circulation in Preeclampsia?

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-induced syndrome associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The major fetal consequences of PE are intrauterine growth restriction and premature delivery. It is hypothesized that placental oxidative stress results in shedding of circulating factors into the maternal circulation, leading to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in the maternal circulation. This mediates the maternal characteristics of PE; hypertension and proteinuria. There are conflicting reports as to what extent fetal circulation is involved. Oxidative stress is a condition where prooxidants dominate over antioxidants. Several studies have associated PE with augmented oxidative stress. 8-isoprostane is a stable marker of oxidative stress; it is formed by free radicals attack on arachidonic acid in cell membranes phospholipids. The aim of this study was to compare the level of oxidative stress in both maternal and fetal circulation in PE and uneventful pregnancies.