Superoxide anion formation and glutathione levels in patients with preeclampsia

Increased free radical activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This article investigates the glutathione status in preeclamp sia and whether superoxide generation is enhanced in preeclampsia, Venous b lood samples were obtained from 30 preeclamptic women and 30 normotensive p regnant women (controls), Superoxide generation and glutathione content wer e measured. There was a significant increase in superoxide generation and a marked reduction in glutathione content in preeclamptic women as compared to controls (p < 0.001). These results indicate that en ha need superoxide generation and impaired glutathione metabolism may be involved in the patho genesis of preeclampsia. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.