Glutathione peroxidase activity,selenium, and lipid peroxide concentrations in blood from a healthy Polish population

Selenium (Se) concentrations in whole blood and plasma of 19 nonpregnant women. 14 mothers at delivery, 14 neonates, and 13 infants, aged 2–12 mo, were evaluated. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in erythrocytes and plasma and the level of lipid peroxides in plasma were also analyzed. Selenium concentrations in whole blood and plasma in mothers at delivery were significantly lower compared to nonpregnant women. Selenium concentrations in cord blood components were lower compared to mothers, but the differences were not significant. The concentration of the element decreased in the first few months of life. Glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes differed only slightly in the examined groups. In plasma, however, the enzyme activity was significantly lower in pregnant compared to nonpregnant women and in neonates compared to their mothers. Lipid peroxide concentrations in plasma differed only slightly in the examined groups. The results obtained are discussed in terms of the observations of other investigators.     

Variations in plasma selenium levels as a result of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in healthy Japanese women

Plasma levels of selenium (Se) were determined consecutively during a menstrual cycle of six women in three phases (i.e., menses, follicular, and luteal). To detect possible differences in relation to normal pregnancy, plasma levels of Se were also determined in paired samples of maternal and umbilical cord blood from 12 pregnant women. No periodic changes in the plasma Se levels were observed during the menstrual cycle. The intraindividual variation, estimated by coefficients of variation, ranged from 1.9% to 9.9% among the menstrual phases of the subjects. The plasma Se level during pregnancy did not differ significantly from those of nonpregnant women, and those in the second trimester and at delivery were at similar levels (1.58+/-.14 and 1.48+/-.20 mmol/L, respectively). Compared to the levels of maternal Se at delivery, the fetal cord plasma at birth had a significant lower Se level (1.23+/-.34 mmol/L, p<.05).     

Zinc and copper concentrations in serum from Spanish women during pregnancy

A cross-sectional study of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in 31 healthy pregnant women and 51 healthy, nonpregnant controls living in the Mediterranean area of Granada, Spain, was performed. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group A, consisted of pregnant women in three categories according to the trimester of pregnancy, and Group B consisted of nonpregnant women acting as controls. In pregnant women, serum Zn levels were found from 0.300-1.340 mg/L and serum Cu from 0.936-2.304 mg/L, whereas in the nonpregnant women group, the mean serum levels were 0.947 ±0.265 mg/L for Zn and 1.092 ±0.365 mg/L for Cu. Serum Zn progressively decreased with gestation. Mean Zn levels were 0.829 ±0.253, 0.846 ±0.329, and 0.620 ±0.142 mg/L, corresponding to the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Serum Zn concentrations were significantly lower in pregnant women as compared to controls: 0.712 ±0.236 mg/L vs 0.947 ±0.265 mg/L, respectively (p < 0.05). In contrast, Cu levels increased with period of gestation from 1.053 ±0.498 mg/L in the first trimester to 1.616 ±0.304 mg/L in the second and 1.689 ±0.344 mg/L in the third. Serum Cu levels in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those determined during the first trimester and for nonpregnant controls. Both Zn and Cu during pregnancy did not appear to be dependent on the subject’s age (p > 0.05).     

The effects of oxidative stress in urinary tract infection during pregnancy

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of urinary tract infection (UTI) on antioxidant systems and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels during pregnancy. We also investigated if these antioxidant systems and LPO levels differed in each trimester. One hundred forty-three nonpregnant women, as a control group, and 77 pregnant women were included in the study. Urine cultures were performed according to standard techniques. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and LPO levels were measured using a spectrophotometer. UTI was observed in 14 of 77 pregnant women and the isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. CAT, SOD, and LPO levels were increased in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women (P<.01). CAT, SOD activities, and LPO levels were increased from the first trimester to the third trimester in pregnancy without UTI. However, CAT and SOD activities were decreased, LPO levels were increased from the first trimester to the third trimester in pregnancy with UTI (P<.01). Pregnancy causes oxidative stress and also UTI during pregnancy may aggravate oxidative stress.     

Lipid peroxides, spermatozoa quality and activity of glutathione peroxidase in bull semen

In bull semen spontaneous lipid peroxidation measured by the level of endogenous lipid peroxides and the consequences of this process for morphological and biochemical changes was studied. Glutathione peroxidase activity as protective enzyme against peroxidative damage was also determined. Obtained results showed that approximately two thirds of GSH-Px activity in bull semen was non Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity. Malonaldehyde (MDA) level was negative correlated with selenium-dependent GSH-Px activity (r = = -0.38, P less than 0.01). Spermatozoa with acrosome entirely lost appeared to increase as the MDA level increased (r = 0.18, P less than 0.05). The negative correlation between Se GSH-Px activity and spermatozoa with acrosome separation from head (r = -0.28, P less than 0.01) and entirely lost (r = -0.21, P less than 0.05) suggest that selenium-dependent GSH-Px plays role in protecting the acrosome against disruption of the acrosomal membrane. The total glutathione peroxidase activity was unrelated to studied variables of bull semen.     

Changes in osmolality and blood serum ion concentrations in pregnancy

Changes in osmolality and the concentration of cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) were studied in blood serum of pregnant women from two weeks after conception, throughout the whole pregnancy, and within the first week after delivery. Altogether 239 women from 18 to 40 years of age were studied. Blood serum osmolality decreased from 287±0.8 to 278±1.6 mOsm/kg H₂O from the fifth week of pregnancy and remained virtually at this level until the end of pregnancy. Hyponatremia was found during the three trimesters of pregnancy, in trimesters II and III hypokalemia was not observed, whereas hypocalcemia and hypomagnemia were found. On the first day after delivery, the blood serum osmolality and concentrations of magnesium ions returned to their levels in nonpregnant women, whereas concentrations of sodium and calcium ions remained decreased. No correlation was found between hypoosmia and changes in blood serum concentrations of ions under study during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Thus, in normal pregnancy, hypoosmia develops from the fifth week after conception and persists until delivery. The concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ions are regulated by independent mechanisms to provide retention of these parameters within certain periods of pregnancy at the level of nonpregnant women on the background of hypoosmia.     

Comparison of selenium levels in pre-eclamptic and normal pregnancies

Abnormal placentation is the likely cause of the slow fetal growth and the high levels of circulating lipid peroxides found in severe preeclampsia. These peroxides are probably responsible for the high thromboxane:prostacyclin ratio found in this disease and may participate in the endothelial cell damage which is its most notable feature. Selenium (Se), because of its role in glutathione peroxidase, is suggested to be an important component of the removal system for these damaging peroxides. Serum-Se concentrations have therefore been measured in 19 pairs of pre-eclamptic women and matched controls. Infant birth-weights were recorded. No significant difference was found in the concentrations of Se in pre-eclamptic and control groups. Serum Se was found to be low in both groups. Birthweights were significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group. The interpretation of serum-Se measurements from the third trimester of a pre-eclamptic pregnancy is complicated by the reduced fetal growth and probable lower Se take-up by the fetus in such a pregnancy. The merits of alternative measurements, such as total intravascular Se, placental Se, or samples from an earlier stage of gestation, are discussed. The importance of factors other than Se to the activity of glutathione peroxidase, and of other antioxidants to pre-eclampsia, is stressed.     

The concentrations of soluble HLA-G protein are elevated during mid-gestation and decreased in pre-eclampsia

The aim of our study was to investigate the dynamics of the alterations of soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) concentrations in sera of healthy non-pregnant women, as well as healthy pregnant women and patients with pre-eclampsia. Thirty five patients with pre-eclampsia, 52 healthy pregnant women, and 24 healthy non-pregnant women were included in the study. Sera concentrations of sHLA-G protein were determined using the immunoenzymatic ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. The concentrations of sHLA-G protein in sera of pregnant women in the first, as well as the second and third, trimesters of normal pregnancy were significantly higher in comparison with healthy nonpregnant women. The sera concentrations of sHLA-G in pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy were significantly higher compared to the first and third trimesters. The concentrations of sHLA-G in sera of patients with pre-eclampsia were significantly lower than in pregnant women in the third trimester of physiological pregnancy. The results of our study suggest that normal physiological pregnancy is associated with elevated sera concentrations of sHLA-G molecule. The increased concentrations of sHLA-G molecule in mid-gestation could suggest a role for the protein in the second phase of a physiological invasion of extravillous cytotrophoblast to spiral arteries. Furthermore, the results could suggest a role for the decreased sera concentrations of sHLA-G in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.     

Maternal Serum and Breast Milk Vitamin D Levels: Findings from the Universiti Sains Malaysia Pregnancy Cohort Study

Background

Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health issue in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of maternal vitamin D status by measuring maternal serum and breast milk 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and to determine the association between maternal serum and milk 25(OH)D levels.

Methods

Data was obtained from the Universiti Sains Malaysia Pregnancy Cohort Study. This study was conducted from April 2010 to December 2012 in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. Blood samples from pregnant women aged 19 to 40 years were drawn in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, while breast milk samples at delivery, 2, 6 and 12 months postpartum were collected to analyze for 25(OH)D levels. A total of 102 pregnant women were included in the analysis.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D <50 nmol/L] was detected in 60% and 37% of women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. There were 6% and 23% of women who reached normal level of vitamin D status in the second trimester and the third trimester, respectively. Multivitamin intakes during pregnancy were significantly associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels in the second trimester (β = 9.16, p = 0.005) and the third trimester (β = 13.65, p = 0.003). 25(OH)D levels in breast milk during the first year of lactation ranged from 1.01 to 1.26 nmol/L. Higher maternal serum 25(OH)D level in the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with an elevated level of 25(OH)D in breast milk at delivery (β = 0.002, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

This study shows that high proportions of Malay pregnant women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Maternal vitamin D status in the second trimester of pregnancy was found to influence vitamin D level in breast milk at delivery.     

Plasma copper concentrations in pathological pregnancies.

Copper is an essential element required for the formation of many enzymes with important roles in the human body. During pregnancy, the maternal serum copper concentration is increased due to the higher levels of ceruloplasmin that are the result of elevated oestrogen levels. The aim of this work was to investigate maternal plasma copper concentrations in relation to various pathological conditions during pregnancy. A total of 319 maternal plasma samples were analysed: 103 taken from women in the first trimester, 73 in the second trimester, 99 in the third trimester of pregnancy and 44 at delivery. The plasma concentration of copper during each trimester of normal pregnancy was taken as a reference value. Group comparisons performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett test indicated substantially lower plasma concentrations of copper in pathological conditions diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy (spontaneous abortion, threatened abortion, missed abortion and blighted ovum). No significant differences in maternal plasma blood copper concentrations were found in pathological conditions (threatened abortion, threatened preterm delivery and pyelonephritis) diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. Significant differences in plasma copper concentrations were found in the third trimester, for which finding the Dunnett test indicated the cholestasis group to be responsible. Except for twin pregnancy, a tendency to higher plasma copper concentrations, however not statistically significant, was observed in other pathological conditions during the third trimester (gestosis, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour).     

Heart rate variability in normal and complicated pregnancies

The sympathetic division (SD) of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) was assessed by 23 tachometric parameters in 176 pregnant women using a Valenta medical diagnostic system. The activity of the ANS SD was shown to increase in the first trimester of pregnancy, progressively rise during the second and third trimesters, and decrease immediately before delivery. This is considered as a mechanism of adaptation to pregnancy. The activity of the ANS SD in pregnant women remained unchanged in mild gestosis; increased in moderate gestosis; and decreased in chronic hypertension, hypertensive circulatory disorders, and threatened preterm delivery. The role of the activity of the ANS SD in normal pregnancy and in obstetric complications is discussed.     

Plasma trace element (Se,Zn, Cu) concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood in Poland

Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined in plasma of 64 mothers at delivery, 58 nonpregnant women, 64 neonates, and 12 infants, aged 2–12 mo. Se and Zn concentrations in mothers at delivery were significantly lower, and Cu higher than in nonpregnant women. Mean Se and Cu concentrations in newborns were statistically lower than those in mothers at delivery, and Zn and Cu concentrations in preterm infants (n=13) were significantly higher than in fullterm infants (n=51). Maternal parity had no significant influence on the distribution of plasma trace element levels. No significant differences were observed in Se and Zn levels in maternal and cord blood plasma according to birth weight, contrary to maternal Cu concentration. Significant correlations were found between maternal and cord blood Se content, and between maternal plasma Cu concentration and birth weight of neonates.     

Oxidative stress in small-for-gestational age (SGA) term newborns and their mothers

This study used malondialdehyde (MDA) determination by HPLC and enzymatic assays for total serum peroxides and antioxidant capacity to evaluate oxidative stress in 47 healthy full-term small-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns vs 67 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) newborns. Blood samples were collected at delivery from umbilical cord artery and vein and from peripheral blood of the babies on the third day after birth. Blood samples of mothers were also collected and compared with blood of 29 normal non-pregnant women (NPW). Serum peroxide values were significantly higher in both groups of mothers than in NPW, decreasing towards the third day in AGA mothers, while persisting in SGA mothers. Antioxidant capacity of sera of both groups of mothers was lower than NPW. Both SGA mothers and babies had increased MDA at delivery, unlike AGA counterparts. MDA levels in umbilical vein were higher than in umbilical arteries, while immunohistochemistry revealed abundant presence of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-protein adducts only in stroma of the SGA placenta. These results show that both mothers and babies are exposed to oxidative stress during and after delivery, which is more pronounced and persistent in the perinatal period of the SGA group, while lipid peroxidation in placenta could play a role in SGA pathophysiology.     

Dantrolene protects erythrocytes against oxidative stress during whole-body irradiation in rats

In our study, we examined the radioprotective effects of dantrolene against gamma irradiation-induced damage of blood cells after total body irradiation of rats. Rats were divided into three groups of eight rats each. The first group was the control group receiving no dantrolene or irradiation, the second group received total body irradiation (RT) with 5 Gy of gamma irradiation only, and the third group received dantrolene at a dose of 5 mg x kg(-1) plus RT. Dantrolene was given intraperitoneally 30 min before RT. All groups were sacrificed 2 h after RT, and blood samples were taken. Leukocyte, and thrombocyte counts and hemoglobin levels were measured. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and erythrocytes and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities (GSH-Px) in erythrocytes were determined. It was found that pretreatment with dantrolene at a dose of 5 mg x kg(-1) significantly reduced the MDA levels and increased the antioxidant SOD and GSH-Px activities, and prevented the decrease in leukocyte and thrombocyte counts. We conclude that dantrolene has clear antioxidant properties when given prior to radiation exposure and the protective effect of dantrolene against damage inflicted by radiation, depends, at least in part, on the decrease in lipid peroxidation and increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px.     

Glycated albumin and glycated hemoglobin levels in normal pregnancy

Glycated albumin levels showed a progressive increase during normal pregnancy. The mean values (mole hexose/mole protein) were 1.68 +/- 0.27 (n = 15) in nonpregnant women, 1.83 +/- 0.21 (n = 11) in first trimester, 2.00 +/- 0.41 (n = 13) in second trimester, and 2.42 +/- 0.49 (n = 15) in third trimester. Glycated hemoglobin levels indicated a biphase pattern with low values at midpregnancy (controls 0.29 +/- 0.05, first trimester 0.30 +/- 0.04, second trimester 0.27 +/- 0.05, and third trimester 0.33 +/- 0.04). The data suggest that glycated albumin reflects the decreased glucose tolerance in pregnancy better that glycated hemoglobin levels. The reasons for the differing pattern of the two glycated proteins are discussed.     

Topiramate and Vitamin E Modulate the Electroencephalographic Records,Brain Microsomal and Blood Antioxidant Redox System in Pentylentetrazol-Induced Seizure of Rats

We investigated the effects of vitamin E and topiramate (TPM) administrations on pentylentetrazol (PTZ)–induced blood and brain toxicity in rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. The first and second groups were used for the control and PTZ groups, respectively. Fifty or 100 mg TPM were administered to rats constituting the third and fourth groups for 7 days, respectively. The TPM and vitamin E combination was given to animals in the fifth group. At the end of 7 days, all groups except the first received a single dose of PTZ. Blood and brain samples were taken at 3 hrs after PTZ administration. Lipid peroxidation levels of plasma, erythrocyte, brain cortex and brain microsomal fraction; nitric oxide levels of serum; and the number of spikes and epileptiform discharges of the EEG were increased by PTZ administration. Plasma and brain vitamin E concentration, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and latency to first spike of the EEG were decreased by PTZ. Plasma lipid peroxidation levels in the third group and plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation levels in the fifth group were decreased compared to the second group, whereas brain vitamin C, vitamin E, erythrocyte GSH-Px and reduced glutathione (GSH) values increased in the fifth group. Brain microsomal GSH levels and EEG records in the third, fourth and fifth groups were restored by the TPM and vitamin E treatment. In conclusion, TPM and vitamin E seems to have protective effects on PTZ-induced blood and brain toxicity by inhibiting free radicals and supporting the antioxidant redox system.     

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation on oxidative stress levels during pregnancy

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an indispensable component of cell membranes with high requirements during pregnancy. DHA supplementation is thought to enhance oxidative stress because of increased likelihood of lipid peroxidation. We estimated the oxidative stress levels in two groups of pregnant women who received daily supply of required vitamins with (n = 23) or without (n = 23) 500 mg of DHA and 150 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from 20 weeks of gestation to the time of delivery. Urinary excretions of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage and of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were measured at 20, 30 weeks and at the time of delivery. Urinary MDA excretion remained unchanged throughout the study period in both groups. Urinary 8-OHdG excretion at delivery was significantly higher than at 20 and 30 weeks (p < 0.05), but there were no group differences at the three time points. There were no differences between the two groups in plasma a-tocopherol levels. We conclude that under the conditions studied, a daily supplementation of 500 mg DHA and 150 mg EPA with vitamins to pregnant women did not enhance lipid peroxidation or oxidative DNA damage.     

N-Acetylcysteine and Selenium Modulate Oxidative Stress,Antioxidant Vitamin and Cytokine Values in Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Rats

It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selenium (Se) display neuroprotective activities mediated at least in part by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties although there is no report on oxidative stress, antioxidant vitamin, interleukin-1 beta (IL)-1β and IL-4 levels in brain and blood of TBI-induced rats. We investigated effects of NAC and Se administration on physical injury-induced brain toxicity in rats. Thirty-six male Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups. First and second groups were used as control and TBI groups, respectively. NAC and Se were administrated to rats constituting third and forth groups at 1, 24, 48 and 72 h after TBI induction, respectively. At the end of 72 h, plasma, erythrocytes and brain cortex samples were taken. TBI resulted in significant increase in brain cortex, erythrocytes and plasma lipid peroxidation, total oxidant status (TOS) in brain cortex, and plasma IL-1β values although brain cortex vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status (TAS) values, and plasma vitamin E concentrations, plasma IL-4 level and brain cortex and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities decreased by TBI. The lipid peroxidation and IL-1β values were decreased by NAC and Se treatments. Plasma IL-4, brain cortex GSH, TAS, vitamin C and vitamin E values were increased by NAC and Se treatments although the brain cortex vitamin A and erythrocyte GSH-Px values were increased through NAC only. In conclusion, NAC and Se caused protective effects on the TBI-induced oxidative brain injury and interleukin production by inhibiting free radical production, regulation of cytokine-dependent processes and supporting antioxidant redox system.     

Phenotypic and functional evaluation of suppressor cells in normal pregnancy and in chronic aborters

To evaluate the potential role of immunoregulatory cells modulating the maternal immunologic response during pregnancy, we carried out phenotypic and functional studies in patients with normal obstetrical histories during each trimester and in patients with chronic idiopathic spontaneous abortions. Using monoclonal antibodies (Ortho), total numbers of T cells (T3+) and T4+ cells progressively increased during pregnancy (compared to nonpregnant controls) and then declined in the third trimester. Increased percentages of T8+, T10+, and Ia+ cells were found in the third trimester. The relative decline in numbers of T4+ cells, with increased numbers of T8+ cells, led to a significantly reduced T4/T8 ratio in the third trimester. Histamine receptors on T cells were quantitated by an immunofluorescent technique. Significantly reduced numbers of H1-type receptors were noted during the second trimester of pregnancy and this was associated with a decreased H1/H2 ratio. Functionally, histamine-induced suppression was measured in a lymphocyte proliferation assay. Patients in the first and second trimester of pregnancy had greater histamine-induced suppression of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated proliferation at high concentrations of histamine (10(-3) to 10(-7)) but less suppression at the lower concentrations (10(-9) to 10(-11) M), compared to nonpregnant controls. In contrast, patients studied in the third trimester failed to respond to any concentration of histamine. MLC-induced suppressor activity was generated by incubating the maternal cells with either paternal or third-party mononuclear cells for 2 or 6 days and assaying the cell-free supernatant for its suppressive effects on PHA-stimulated proliferation. Maternal responses to paternal cells did not result in significant suppression in 2-day supernatants during any trimester but by 6 days the suppressive activity was equivalent to non-pregnant controls in patients during the first and second trimester. Maternal responses to third party cells was greater during the second trimester than either the first or third trimesters in both 2- and 6-day supernatants. Patients with histories of chronic idiopathic spontaneous abortions, who were not pregnant at the time of study, exhibited normal numbers of T-cell subsets and T4/T8 ratios. Numbers of both H1 and H2 receptor bearing T cells were proportionally reduced, resulting in a normal H1/H2 ratio. Despite having decreased numbers of H1 and H2 receptor bearing cells, histamine-induced suppression of PHA-stimulated proliferation was comparable to nonpregnant controls over the concentration range (10(-3) to 10(-11) M) employed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Relationship between elevated lipid peroxides,vitamin E deficiency and hypertension in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension is a major cause of both maternal and fetal-neonatal morbidity and mortality. The deficiency of vitamin E can cause accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, which, in turn, can induce vasoconstriction. This study has examined any evidence of increased cellular lipid peroxidation and accumulation of malonydialdehyde (MDA, an end product of lipid peroxidation) in pregnancy-induced hypertension and any relationship between the elevated MDA and lower vitamin E levels with hypertension in pregnant women. EDTA-Blood was collected from pregnant women at the time of delivery. Plasma vitamin E was determined by HPLC; MDA by the thiobarbituric acid-reactivity. Subjects with diastolic blood pressure(DBP) 90 mm Hg were considered hypertensive (HT) and with <90 mm Hg normotensive (NT). Data (Mean±SE) from 49 NT and 11 HT women show that HT has significantly lower vitamin E (22±1 vs 27±1 nmole/ml, p<0.03) and elevated MDA levels (0.56±0.06 vs 0.43±0.02 nmole/ml, p<0.03) compared to NT; the ages and gestational ages of women were similar. Among all women, there was a significant positive relationship between DBP and MDA levels (r=0.27, p<0.05), and a significant negative relationship between vitamin E levels and DBP (–0.36, p<0.005), and a significant negative relationship between MDA and vitamin E levels (r=–0.27, p<0.05). Thus, HT women's plasma has significantly lower E and higher MDA levels, and DBP significantly correlates with the extent of vitamin E deficiency and increased MDA levels. This study suggests a relationship between elevated lipid peroxidation and lower vitamin E levels and hypertension in pregnancy (preeclampsia).