Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the diagnosis of modifications of the oxidative stress in red blood cell during pre-eclampsia
Alexa, I.D.; Foxall, P.J.
Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii de Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi 102(3-4): 83-88
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-7848 PMID: 10756850 Document Number: 490484
Our study uses the technique of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the changes of antioxidant (AO) system in red blood cells during pre-eclampsia (PEC) as compared with normal pregnancies 28 and 34 weeks of gestation. The study was carried out in 30 women divided into 3 groups: Group I included 10 women with pre-eclampsia, Group II A included 10 women with normal pregnancy, 28 weeks of gestation and Group II B included 10 women with normal pregnancy, 34 weeks of gestation. The balance was determined by measuring the glutathione (GSH) levels. GSH is a major scavenger in lipid peroxidation, one of the most important events in oxidative stress. The results are presented as spectra. We found a major decrease of intracellular GSH in PEC compared with normal pregnancies. This decrease correlates well with the severity of the disease. This AO system deficiency leaves the red blood cell completely unprotected versus lipid peroxidation, which will lead to severe damage of the membrane, an onset characteristic to this disease. Our study is the first to use NMR spectroscopy in the diagnosis of PEC. The technique proves to be very useful, especially in detecting those early changes that, if corrected, would prevent the progression to eclampsia.