Regional differences in the placental levels of oxidative stress markers in pre-eclampsia

Abstract Objective To examine placental malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in four placental regions among women with and without pre-eclampsia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 18–35 years with a singleton pregnancy in Pune, India, between May 3, 2013, and June 16, 2014. Three groups were enrolled: normotensive; pre-eclampsia, delivered at term; and pre-eclampsia, delivered preterm. Samples were collected from the central and peripheral placental regions (maternal and fetal sides) immediately after delivery. Results A total of 60 women were enrolled (35 normotensive; 11 with pre-eclampsia delivered at term; 14 with pre-eclampsia, delivered preterm). MDA levels were higher in all regions of the placenta among the pre-eclampsia versus normotensive groups ( P < 0.01). MDA levels were higher in the central maternal region than in the central fetal region in the preterm pre-eclampsia group ( P = 0.023). The MDA levels in the central maternal region were also higher in the preterm than in the term pre-eclampsia group ( P = 0.014). Catalase activity was lower in the peripheral maternal ( P = 0.036) and fetal ( P = 0.050) regions in the preterm pre-eclampsia group versus the normotensive group. The activity of GPx was higher in the peripheral maternal region than in the central fetal region in the normotensive group ( P = 0.033). Conclusion Pre-eclampsia might be characterized by differential placental oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity.