A Study of Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Normal Pregnancy.

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is a physiological state characterized by increased metabolic demand and an increased oxygen requirement. Augmented levels of oxidative stress would be expected because of the increased intake and utilization of oxygen. Evidence of increased oxidative stress in normal pregnancy in comparison with non-pregnant controls was estimated by measuring the levels of lipid peroxidation product Malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase and catalase. It was observed that pregnant women were more susceptible to oxidative damage than nonpregnants as indicated by increased Malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidants.