Auto antibodies against oxidized low density lipoprotein in severe preeclampsia

Background: To study autoantibody titres against oxidized low density lipoprotein in preeclamsia. Methods: Ten millimeters of heparinized blood samples were collected from 20 primigravidae with severe preeclamsia (study group) and 20 gestation-matched normotensive primigravidae (control group). Concentration of malondialdehyde, metabolite of lipid peroxidation were measured in sera by HPLC and autoantibodies against oxidized low density lipoproteins (obtained after oxidation with 2 mm CuSO4) were determined by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-test and χ2 test. Results: Mean triglyceride levels were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the study group (193.20 ± 31.16 mg/dL) compared to the control group (170.60 ± 23.2 mg/dL). Mean plasma lipid per oxide levels were not significantly different between the study (4.45 ± 1.28 mmol/mL) and control (3.88 ± 0.99 mmol/mL) groups. The majority of women in both groups had low antibody titres (<1.32) against low density lipoprotein. Six women (30%) of the study group and four (20%) of the control group had high autoantibody titres (≥1.32). In preeclamptic women, diastolic blood pressure, the amount of urinary protein excretion and the plasma level of urea were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with higher auto antibody titre. Conclusion: Titres of autoantibodies to oxidized low density lipoprotein were similar in normotensive and preeclamptic women. In preeclamptic women, titres correlated positively with the severity of preeclampsia.