Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels in maternal blood during different trimesters of pregnancy and in the cord blood of newborns.

BACKGROUND/AIM To determine whether levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) change during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, and to compare the third trimester of pregnancy with newborn cord blood in respect to the levels of MDA, NO, and antioxidant enzymes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Maternal blood samples were collected at 9-13, 22-26, and 36-40 weeks of gestation. Cord blood was collected at the time of delivery. RESULTS NO levels and GPx activity were higher in the second and third trimesters than in the first trimester. MDA level was lower in the third trimester and SOD and CAT activities were lower in the second and third trimesters than the first trimester. In cord blood, MDA and NO levels were lower while CAT and GPx activities were higher than in the third trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the balance of free radical and antioxidant production during pregnancy ensures healthy fetus growth and development.