TRACE ELEMENTS HOMEOSTASIS IN PREECLAMPSIA

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a form of high blood pressure with proteinuria manifested during pregnancy, it is a common major complication causing significant morbidity and mortality; however, its etiology is unknown. Moreover, data on mineral and trace elements homeostasis and on cation pattern during pregnancy are conflicting. Also, the status of ionized calcium and magnesium during pregnancy and its complication, preeclampsia, has not been described adequately.Objective: to demonstrate the pattern of minerals and trace elements during preeclampsia with respect to normal pregnancy.Subject and methods: the present study is a cross-sectional case-control study included measurement of minerals (calcium and magnesium) in 60 patients with preeclampsia. They were classified into two groups according to the gestational age:oPreeclamptics in the second trimester G1: (n=30).oPreeclamptics in the third trimester G2: (n=30,).The results are compared with 60 apparently healthy pregnant controls. They were classified according to the gestational age into two groups:oPregnants in the second trimester G3: (n=30). oPregnants in the third trimester G4: (n=30). Results: show that serum corrected calcium, serum magnesium and serum zinc were significantly reduced accompanied by significant high serum copper in pre-eclamptics when compared with that of normal pregnancy.Conclusion : preeclamptics (in different gestational age groups) altered mineral and trace element status when compared with healthy pregnants matched with their age and gestational age.All preeclamptics had certain factors that reduce vasodilation, enhance vasospasm and trigger oxidative stress supported by the finding of low level of ionized magnesium (which is essential for maintenance of vascular tone), low ionized calcium level (which is essential for the synthesis of endothelial-derived NO), high copper level (which generates highly reactive oxygen species) and low zinc level (which is essential for antioxidant function). Key words: preeclampsia, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper.