Total free radical trapping antioxidant potential in pre-eclampsia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to measure serum urate, tocophe rol and ascorbate and to calculate total radical trapping antioxidant poten tial (TRAP) in pre-eclampsia. Methods: Study samples were taken from 25 pre -eclamptic, 25 normotensive pregnant and 25 non-pregnant healthy females fo r measuring uric acid, vitamin C and E, total sulfhydryl group. Also lipid peroxidation product malonaldehyde (MDA), the superoxide generation (NBT re duction) were estimated and TRAP was calculated. Data were analyzed statist ically using Student's t-test. Result: Pre-eclamptic women had significantl y increased MDA levels, superoxide generation and uric acid levels as compa red to control subjects (P < 0.001). Vitamin C and E and total thiols were lower in pre-eclampsia as compared to control subjects (P < 0.001). TRAP wa s significantly higher in pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: TRAP provides a means of assessing the total capacity of the chain-breaking antioxidants to preve nt lipid peroxidation in plasma. (C) 2000 International Federation of Gynec ology and Obstetrics.