Oxidizability of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, levels of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidants in normal pregnancy

Abstract

Object: The object was to assess oxidizability of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, levels of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidants in normal pregnancy. Method: Serum malondialdehyde, vitamin E, carotenoids, albumin, uric acid, bilirubin, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels and in vitro copper-induced oxidation of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins were investigated in 21 healthy pregnant and 22 non-pregnant women. Mann-Whitney U test was used for the statistical analyses. Results: Serum malondialdehyde, vitamin E, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher; albumin and uric acid levels and vitamin E/triglyceride + total cholesterol and carotenoids/ triglyceride + total cholesterol ratios were significantly lower in the pregnant group. Basal malondialdehyde concentrations of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein fraction and Δ-malondialdehyde values determined at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180th minutes of incubation were significantly lower in the pregnant group compared to those in the non-pregnant group. Conclusion: Although greater lipid peroxidation product levels reflect an enhanced lipid peroxidation status in normal pregnancy, apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein fraction of normal pregnant women compared with the nonpregnant subjects seems to be protected from oxidation. © Springer-Verlag 2003.