Abstract:
Objective To compare the plasma levels of antioxidants and the histomorphological variations of placenta in selected pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Methods 220 pregnant women were selected with inclusion and exclusion criteria from 3 different medical colleges and divided into 2 groups – A study group, consisting of 110 pre-eclamptic women and a control group consisting of 110 normotensive pregnant women. Dietary information was collected by 7 days food frequency questionnaire and food score was determined. Anthropometric and biochemical tests were performed. Fresh placenta was obtained from the study group as well as the control group following vaginal deliveries or caesarian section. Histological Examination was performed using samples from the placenta after delivery in the standard laboratory by hemotoxylin and eosin stain method. Biochemical analysis such as serum vitamin C levels were measured by spectrophotometric method, and serum vitamin E levels were measured by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) method.
Result
The mean serum levels of Vit. C and Vit. E were found to be significantly lower in the studygroup, compared to the control group. Anthropometric study revealed that the babies born to pre-eclamptic mothers had lower birth weight than those born to normotensive mothers. Moreover, the weight of the placenta, placental diameter and number of cotyledons were also lower in the study group than in the control group. The pre-eclamptic placentas had greater no. of infarcted areas than the normal placenta, and no. of area of syncytial knot formation, no. of area of cytotrophoblastic cell polyferation, no. of area of fibrinoid necrosis and hyalinised villi were increased in case of pre-eclamptic women compared to normal pregnant women. All the changes in the placenta of case (Study Group A) and control group (Study Group B) were statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Therefore, low antioxidant levels do play a key role in the development of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, and histological and morphological changes in the placenta.
