Glutathione S-transferase alpha levels in epileptic and healthy women preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy

We studied plasma GSTA1-1 concentrations in preconceptionally recruited epi leptic women who received antiepileptic drugs (n = 99) and a control group of healthy women (n = 106). Mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentrations in the contr ol group did not show significant changes preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy. Six weeks postpartum, however, a significant increase in the mea n plasma GSTA1-1 concentration (p < 0.001) was found as compared to preconc eptional levels and levels during pregnancy. The mean plasma GSTA1-1 concen tration in epileptic women was significantly higher in the 4th gestational week compared to those determined in healthy pregnant women (1.68 versus 1. 08 mu g/l, p < 0.001). Values between the groups in the second and third tr imester and postpartum period showed no significant differences.