VARIATIONS IN LEVELS OF GAMMA GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE DURING PREGNANCY ADVANCEMENT AND PREECLAMPSIA
Author: JAYASHREE P. ANDHARE, MADHUR M GUPTA, MANJU S CHANDANKHEDE, SHEELA JAIN
Category: Physiology
Abstract:
Background : Oxidative stress is known to be a key factor associated with preeclampsia. Glutathione Peroxidase(GPx), an antioxidant enzyme along with cellular γ -Glutamyl transferase (GGT) is responsible for protecting cells from damage due to free radicals like hydrogen and lipid peroxides.
Aim : To assess prooxidant and antioxidant GGT and GPx in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
Design : A case control study.
Material and methods: Estimation of malondialdehyde, GGT and GPx level in blood was carried out by chemical and enzymatic kit method in 20 non-pregnant women as controls, 20 pregnant women in first week of each trimester and 20 preeclampsia patients.
Statistical analysis: Done by `t` test.
Results and conclusion: Serum GGT though not significant increased in first trimester was found to be towards the upper limit of normal range in pregnant women and raised above normal in preeclampsia patients(p<0.01). GPx level decreased with progression of pregnancy (p value <0.01) and was found to be decreased in preeclamptic patients. Whether these changes can prove the utility of antioxidants in early pregnancy for the development of preeclampsia needs to be assessed.