Plasma free 8-iso-PGF2α levels in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies

Preeclampsia is a main cause of morbidity and mortality of pregnant women worldwide. Recently oxidative stress was considered as a part of pathophysiolgy of preeclamsia and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) is known as a marker of oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare plasma concentration of free 8-iso-PG F2α in women with normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies. In this descriptive-analytic study, Plasma free 8-iso-PGF2α levels were measured in pregnant women with preeclamsia (n=42) and normotensive pregnant women (n=39) between 28-38 weeks of gestation. Women in two groups were matched in age, gestational age and socioeconomic statue and all women were nulligravid. Free 8-iso-PGF2α levels were not significantly different in women with preeclamsia and normotensive group (17808 vs. 24288 pg/dl, NS). Plasma free 8-iso-PGF2α levels were increased in severe compared to mild preeclampsia (NS). Neonates weight of preeclamptic mothers was significantly lower than neonates of normotensive women (p<0.0001). Although free 8-iso-PGF2α is a marker of oxidative stress in vitro, but its measurement is not valuable in clinical medicine. However, further studies in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia will be needed.