RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether pregnant women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) are more likely to experience moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety, or stress symptoms than pregnant women without a history of RPL. The secondary purpose was to determine whether women with prior RPL experienced more unfavorable pregnancy outcomes if they had depression, anxiety, or stress. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted that included 47 pregnant women with a history of RPL and 94 pregnant women without prior RPL. Participants 20 weeks of gestation or earlier were included. Both groups completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and were followed up until delivery to determine the pregnancy outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare adverse pregnancy outcomes. RESULT: Among the 47 women with prior RPL, 10 had primary RPL (two or more miscarriages without a successful pregnancy) and 37 secondary RPL (two or more miscarriages with a history of successful pregnancy). RPL was significantly associated with moderate-to-severe levels of depression (P < .001), anxiety (P < .001), and stress (P < .001). Among the RPL group, high stress level was significantly associated with repeat miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.28, 95%CI = 1.25-100.0, P = .03) and preterm labor (AOR = 6.07, 95%CI = 1.61-100.0, P = .04). Depression and anxiety were not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with a history of RPL had considerably higher rates of moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Repeat miscarriage and preterm labor were considerably higher among pregnant women with RPL who were experiencing high stress levels at baseline.
RESUMO
Consumption of soy products is speculated to reduce the risk and progression of some disease conditions. The underlying mechanisms mediating this effect are uncertain, but the lowering of oxidative stress has been suggested. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of soymilk on antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in apparently healthy individuals. Five hundred milliliters of soymilk was taken daily by each of 39 apparently healthy individuals for a period of 28 days. Two sets of blood samples (baseline and after 28 days of soymilk intake) were collected and assayed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) levels, using standard methods. Consumption of soymilk significantly increased serum TAC and reduced serum MDA when compared with baseline values (P < .001, P < .001 respectively). The decrease in MDA concentration was significantly contributed by the women (P < .001). Mean serum Mn was also significantly reduced (P = .03) when compared with baseline values. There were no changes in serum Zn concentration and the activity of SOD enzyme. The serum GST activity was significantly increased in men (P = .02) and significantly reduced in women (P < .001) in comparison with their corresponding baseline values. Daily consumption of soymilk enhanced antioxidant status and this led to reduced lipid peroxidation. It also resulted in a significant reduction of Mn. The dietary use of soymilk as an adjuvant to supplement meals seems beneficial health wise. However, soymilk should be taken with caution as it could result in micronutrient deficiency.
