Lipid peroxidation and vitamin E levels in preeclampsia

Twenty preeclamptic, 25 normotensive pregnant and 25 healthy nonpregnant wo men were analyzed with regard to serum malonaldehyde (MDA), vitamin E and l ipid profile. In preeclampsia, MDA was significantly higher than control. M DA also showed high correlation to the level of blood pressure. Serum chole sterol and triglycerides were increased in normotensive women and still hig her in preeclamptic women. A highly significant fall in vitamin E levels in preeclamptic women was noted as compared to control groups. Our study supp orts the view that an increased lipid peroxidation may be involved in vasoc onstriction in preeclampsia.