Estimation of malondialdehyde and catalase activity in pregnant women at IIMS&R Hospital, Lucknow, India
Abstract
Introduction: During pregnancy, the physiological generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in various maternal and placental functions and fetal developmental functions. Abnormal overproduction of ROS disrupts these functions leading to pregnancy complications. A balance of oxidant and antioxidant production is necessary at different stages of the pregnancy.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the status of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity in pregnant and age matched non-pregnant women.
Materials and methods: In this case-control study, total 74 subjects (37 pregnant and 37 age-matched non-pregnant women) were enrolled. The age of study subjects was between 18-40 years. For measurement of oxidative stress, MDA and CAT, were estimated by spectrophotometric method. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result: The mean plasma level of MDA was found significantly high in pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women (p<0.0001). However, the mean level CAT activity was found significantly low in pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant women (p<0.0001). The levels of MDA and CAT activity have shown a significant negative correlation among pregnant women (p<0.01).
Conclusion: The result showed that pregnant women have high level of oxidative stress. This indicated that the pregnant women are more susceptible to oxidative damage and may develop pregnancy-associated complications.

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