Hyperemesis Gravidarum Is Associated with Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG), associated with pregnancy, is a severe form of nausea and vomiting causing decrease in nutrient antioxidants. Hence, we hypothesize that oxidation injury may be involved in the pathogenesis of HEG. Plasma levels of the ubiquitous antioxidant, reduced glutathione (GSH) may serve as a sensitive measure for systemic oxidative stress. Women with pregnancies complicated by HEG (study group) were compared with pregnant women without HEG (pregnant control group) and with healthy nonpregnant women (nonpregnant control group). Plasma GSH levels were determined in the study group at the time of admission to hospital, and when the vomiting had ceased, it was compared with those of the two control groups. Plasma GSH levels were significantly higher in the pregnant control group than in nonpregnant controls (6.13 +/- 2.9 microM vs. 1.01 +/- 0.3 microM p <0.01). In contrast, values in the HEG women at the time of admission were significantly lower than the pregnant controls (3.12 +/- 1.6 microM, p <0.01). At the second sampling, when the women had ceased vomiting, plasma GSH values were higher than at the acute stage of the illness and were no longer significantly different from the pregnant control group (4.43 +/- 1.6 microM). Low values of plasma GSH in HEG patients suggest that oxidative stress is associated with this condition.

The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review

“…During normal pregnancy, leukocyte activation produces an inflammatory response, which is associated with increased production of SO anions in the 1 st trimester [64,65]. Importantly, OS during the 2 nd trimester of pregnancy is considered a normal occurrence, and is supported by mitochondrial production of lipid peroxides, free radicals, and vitamin E in the placenta that increases as gestation progresses [66-69].…”

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Spontaneous Abortion and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Systematic Review

“…However, as indicated previously, free radical generation under controlled conditions plays an important role in cellular homeostasis. Increased oxidant formation and even the presence of oxidative stress is considered normal during the second trimester of pregnancy (16,17). Elevated generation of free radicals by placental mitochondria has been reported in pregnancy (18).…”

Dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis in hyperemesis gravidarum

“…Fait et al 10 found plasma GSH levels were significantly lower in pregnant women with HG compared with healthy pregnant women. GSH is the most abundant functional thiol compound presenting in the intracellular milieu.…”

“…There is some evidence of the relationship between HG and oxidative stress. 10 First, the decreased nutritional intake is observed in patients with HG. As a result of insufficiency of dietary intake of vitamins, such as vitamin C and E and other energy sources and enhanced demands, imbalance occurs.…”