Oxidative stress in the fetus of preeclamptic women with fetal growth restriction

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress occurring in the maternal body also affects the fetus in preeclamptic women with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: We recruited 14 preeclamptic women with FGR, 13 preeclamptic women without FGR, and 10 uncomplicated pregnant women. We measured concentrations of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) as a marker of oxygen free radicals and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in a umbilical artery and vein. Results: Umbilical artery and vein d-ROM levels were elevated in preeclamptic women with FGR compared to the control group. Umbilical artery d-ROM levels were significantly higher than in the vein in preeclamptic women with FGR, but not in those without FGR. Umbilical artery BAP levels did not change significantly in all three groups. Umbilical arterial blood pH was significantly lower and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2) was significantly higher in preeclamptic women with FGR. Umbilical arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2) tended to be lower in preeclamptic women with FGR. Conclusions: These results indicate that oxidative stress occurring in the maternal body also affects the fetus in preeclamptic women with FGR.