SERUM IRON, COPPER and ZINC LEVELS IN PREECLAMPSIA AND NORMOTENSIVE PRIMIGRAVIDA FEMALES

Abstract

Hypertensive ailments of pregnancy are major health problems for women and their babies around the world. Among the hypertensive disorders, preeclampsia and eclampsia are the major risk factors for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.  Now preeclampsia is considered a state of oxidative stress, in which over utilization of antioxidants may proceed into worst form of this disease. So, this study was planned to assess the role of serum iron, copper and zinc as co factors for antioxidant system, and compare their levels within primigravida normotensive pregnant women and preeclampsia women. Methods: It was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted in Biochemistry department, University of health Sciences, Lahore. The study was carried out on 90 women which were divided into two equal groups of 45 each, preeclampsia and controls respectively. Serum levels of iron, copper and zinc were estimated by atomic absorption spectrometer. Data analyses were performed by utilizing SPSS version 20.0. Results: Serum levels of Fe and Cu were raised in preeclampsia patients, 151.85±61.22 (μg/dl), 130.83±48.29 (μg/dl) and serum Zn levels were decreased 77.94±23.55 (μg/dl) when compared with normotensive controls 104.39±55.36 (μg/dl), 116.64±26.56 (μg/dl), and 92.77±22.91 (μg/dl) respectively. A positive correlation between copper and systolic blood pressure (r= 0.440), BMI and weight (r = 0.543), while negative correlation of iron with zinc (r = -0.285) was observed in preeclamptic women. A negative correlation between copper and zinc (r = -0.440) was also observed in normal pregnant women but no such correlation was observed within Preeclampsia group. Conclusion: It is apparent from this study that increased levels of iron and copper and decreased levels of zinc during pregnancy is associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.