Levels of lipid peroxides in uncomplicated pregnancy: a review of the literature

The literature on lipid peroxide levels in uncomplicated pregnancy is limited, but some reasonable conclusions are possible. Despite the lack of precision in the predominant measure of lipid oxidation, there is agreement across a large number of studies that the level of lipid peroxides in blood is...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reproductive Toxicology 1999-09, Vol.13 (5), p.347-352
Main Authors: Little, Ruth E., Gladen, Beth C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Biomarkers - blood
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Lipid Peroxides - blood
Mother. Fetoplacental unit. Mammary gland. Milk
Oxidative Stress - physiology
Postpartum Period - blood
Pre-Eclampsia - blood
Pregnancy - blood
Pregnancy. Parturition. Lactation
Vertebrates: reproduction
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The literature on lipid peroxide levels in uncomplicated pregnancy is limited, but some reasonable conclusions are possible. Despite the lack of precision in the predominant measure of lipid oxidation, there is agreement across a large number of studies that the level of lipid peroxides in blood is generally higher in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women. During gestation, elevations appear by the second trimester and may taper off later in gestation, decreasing further after delivery. Lipid peroxides also are produced in placenta, but their pattern of change over the course of pregnancy is unclear. Lipid peroxides are important because their uncontrolled production can result in oxidative stress, with significant damage to cell integrity. There is a growing literature that associates oxidative stress with preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity. The higher levels of lipid peroxides seen in blood and the production of lipid peroxides in the placenta, even in uncomplicated pregnancies, make new baseline studies a priority. These studies should include measurements of lipids and blood volume, because they can influence marker values, with sensitive and specific measures of lipid peroxidation made at various points of gestation. From our review of the existing literature we conclude that the importance of oxidative stress in reproduction is just beginning to be appreciated and studied.
ISSN:0890-6238
1873-1708
DOI:10.1016/S0890-6238(99)00033-7