Fish Oil Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Fish Oil, including details on omega-3, dosage, health benefits, diet.

Fatty acids, antioxidants, and oxidative stress in pre-eclampsia.

Mehendale S, Kilari A, Dangat K, Taralekar V, Mahadik S, Joshi S

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Maharashtra, India.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether free radical-mediated membrane lipid peroxidation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. METHODS: A prospective study using a sample of 55 healthy pregnant women and 60 pre-eclamptic women recruited at Bharati Medical Hospital, Pune, India. Maternal and cord samples were examined for (red blood cells and plasma) fatty acid profiles, antioxidants, and oxidative stress levels. Mean values were compared between case and control groups using the t test and Wilcoxon rank test. RESULTS: Pre-eclamptic women showed reduced total omega-3 fatty acids (P<0.05), increased omega-6:omega-3 ratio (P<0.05), higher oxidative stress (P<0.05), and lower antioxidant (P<0.05) levels. Similar trends were also observed in cord samples. CONCLUSION: Reduced antioxidants and increased oxidative stress leading to impaired essential polyunsaturated fatty acid levels may be a key factor in the development of pre-eclampsia.

Published 25 February 2008 in Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 100(3): 234-8.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Fish Oil Research Today. All Rights Reserved.