Lipid peroxidation in the first trimester of pregnancy

Aim: To determine the existence and level of oxidative stress caused by lipid peroxidation in pregnancy. Methods: The research was conducted as prospective examination that included 60 healthy women (age 18-45). The women included in the examination were divided into two groups. The group I (N-31) included women in the first trimester of normal, healthy pregnancy. The group II included healthy nongravid women (N-29). Concentrations of markers of lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) were determined using commercial ELISA tests OxiSelect (TM) TBARS Assay Kit and OxiSelect (TM) MDA ELISA Kit. Results: The results of this research indicate that the concentrations of the markers of lipid peroxidation TBARS and MDA are detectable in both groups. Higher mean values of MDA (>20 pmol/mg) were measured in the group of pregnant women, than in the group of nongravid women. The results indicate that mean values of TBARS markers are lower in pregnant women (<= 50 mu M) than in nongravid women (>100 mu M). Conclusion: The marker of lipid peroxidation MDA proved to be a sensitive marker for following lipid peroxidation during pregnancy, therefore it can be considered as a good predictor of possible complications during pregnancy.