Cellular mRNA expressions of anti-oxidant factors in the blood of preeclamptic women

Objective To assess the alterations of mRNA expressions associated with oxidative stress in file cellular component of blood front pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. Methods Peripheral blood samples were obtained from pregnant women With and without pre-eclampsia. Cellular RNA Was subjected to a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in order to examine the mRNA distribution among women with pre-eclampsia (n = 24) and control subjects (n = 24) during 35-41 weeks of gestation. The data were analyzed by non-parametric statistics. Results Significant differences between the pre-eclampsia subjects and the controls were observed in the gene expressions associated with oxidative stress. Lower values in the pre-eclampsia group were found for heme oxygenase (HO)-1. HO-2, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The HO-1. HO-2 and the catalase levels significantly correlated with proteinuria, and the HO-2 level with systolic blood pressure. Conclusion Significantly lower, concentrations of HO-1. HO-2, SOD and catalase are found in the cellular component of blood from pre-eclamptic patients. The values correlate with the severity of, pre-eclampsia. These findings indicate that enhanced oxidative stress mid a decrease in the number of anti-oxidant enzymes may be associated with pre-eclampsia. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons. Ltd.