Study of Serum Malondialdehyde and Ascorbic Acid Levels In Pre-eclampsia

Original Article The present study suggests that in preeclampsia there is an increase in the lipid peroxidation products and leads to a decrease in the plasma antioxidants except uric acid and changes in the lipid profile levels, contributing to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In this context, this study was undertaken to determine the changes in plasma levels of lipid peroxide, antioxidant levels in women with preeclampsia. Objectives : To measure the levels of serum malondialdehyde and ascorbic acid in pre-eclampsia in comparison with normal pregnancy. To correlate the serum malondialdehyde levels with ascorbic acid levels in pre-eclampsia. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted consisting of 30 preeclamptic and 30 healthy pregnant women. Fasting venous blood samples were collected during antepartum period and plasma levels of malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid were estimated in both the groups and compared. Results: In the preeclamptic group malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation product was significantly increased, while plasma antioxidant ascorbic acid was significantly decreased respectively. Conclusion :The findings of the present study are consistent with previous studies, suggesting that lipid peroxidation is important factors in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In pre-eclampsia plasma antioxidants are excessively utilized to counteract the cellular changes mediated by free radicals.