Lipid peroxidation and vitamin E levels in preeclampsia.

Twenty preeclamptic, 25 normotensive pregnant and 25 healthy nonpregnant women were analyzed with regard to serum malonaldehyde (MDA), vitamin E and lipid profile. In preeclampsia, MDA was significantly higher than control. MDA also showed high correlation to the level of blood pressure. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were increased in normotensive women and still higher in preeclamptic women. A highly significant fall in vitamin E levels in preeclamptic women was noted as compared to control groups. Our study supports the view that an increased lipid peroxidation may be involved in vasoconstriction in preeclampsia.