Can GGT and LDH be indicators of endothelial vascular damage in Preeclampsia

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a metabolic syndrome and a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Evidences prove that endothelial cell and altered endothelial cell function play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The objective was to determine serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) as biochemical markers in preeclamptic pregnant women and its comparison with normal pregnant women in third trimester. Materials and Methods: Retrospective case control study was carried out in R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Center, Kolar. Normal pregnant women (n=50), women with preeclampsia (n=50) were included in the study. Both the groups were in their third trimester and of same age. Results: Mean of Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (150/101 mm/Hg), GGT (20U/L) and LDH (756U/L) were significantly elevated in women with Preeclampsia than in normal pregnancies. However, Hemoglobin, has not showed significance change between the two groups. Conclusion: In preeclampsia, vascular endothelial damage may lead to multi organ dysfunctions like liver, kidney, lungs, nervous & coagulation system that leads to excessive LDH leakage and elevated levels in serum due to cellular dysfunction. GGT a microsomal enzyme increases in hepatic injury, however in the current study the increased GGT levels shows that not only by hepatic origin but its levels are also increased in tissue damage during preeclampsia as a major cause of endothelial vascular damage. Elevated levels of serum LDH and serum GGT indicates the tissue damage related to endothelial vascular damage and is the main cause of preeclampsia. Keywords: Gamma glutamyl transferase, Hemoglobin, Lactate dehydrogenase, Normotensive pregnant women, Preeclampsia.