Oxidized Low-Density
Lipoprotein (Oxidized LDL) and the Risk of Preeclampsia
C. QIU1, T. T. T. PHUNG2, S. VADACHKORIA1,
M. MUY-RIVERA1, S. E. SANCHEZ3, M. A.
WILLIAMS1,2
1Center for Perinatal Studies, Swedish Medical
Center, 2Department of Epidemiology, University of
Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine,
Seattle, USA, 3Ministry of Health, Lima, Peru
Received date June 8, 2005
Accepted date November 15, 2005
On-line available December 12, 2005
Summary
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology
of preeclampsia. In a case-control study of 99 women with
preeclampsia and 99 controls, we assessed maternal plasma
oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxidized LDL) in relation to
preeclampsia risk. Logistic regression procedures were used to
derive odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).
Plasma oxidized LDL was determined using enzyme immunoassay.
Maternal plasma oxidized LDL was significantly positively
correlated with lipids in both cases and controls. After
adjusting for nulliparity, pre-pregnancy body mass index,
physical inactivity, family history of chronic hypertension and
plasma vitamin C concentrations, women who had elevated oxidized
LDL concentrations (50 U/l) experienced a 2.9-fold increased
risk of preeclampsia when compared with women having lower
oxidized LDL concentrations (95 % CI 1.4-5.9). The risk of
preeclampsia was markedly increased in women who had both
elevated oxidized LDL and elevated triglyceride concentrations
(OR=8.9, 95 % CI 3.1-26.2). Women with both elevated oxidized
LDL and low vitamin C concentrations experienced a 9.8-fold
increased risk of preeclampsia (95 % CI 3.0-32.2). Our results
confirm the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of
preeclampsia. Prospective studies are needed to determine if
elevated oxidized LDL concentrations can predict the occurrence
of preeclampsia.
Key words
Oxidized LDL • Preeclampsia • Risk factors • Lipids • Vitamin C
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