Genomic instability and oxidative stress markers in pregnant women presenting fetal malformation

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluated the oxidative stress and genomic instability in the peripheral blood of pregnant women with fetal malformation (PWFM), pregnant women (PW) and non-pregnant women (NPW). MethodsProtein carbonyl test (CP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test (TBARS), catalase enzyme activity (CAT), micronucleus assay with blocking cell cytokinesis - cytome (CBMN - cyt) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay were performed. Fetal karyotype and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in combination with ultrasound, were assessed to allow the diagnosis of fetal malformation. ResultsAn increase in CP, CAT and micronucleus was observed in the third trimester of pregnancy of PW compared to NPW. PWFM presented similar parameter analysis to PW, as well as in the comparison of the second trimesters of this groups. PWFM in the third gestational trimester showed a reduction in CP, nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB) and CAT compared to the same gestational period of PW. Considering the complete sample, participants who usually drank coffee daily had an increased frequency of nuclear buds (NBUD); CAT was decreased in whites compared to other ethnic groups. ConclusionsPregnancy is a physiological process that can lead to changes in oxidative stress markers and genomic instability through its course and compared to non-pregnant women.