Circulating and myometrial markers of oxidative stress in pregnant women with fetal growth restriction

Abstract

Although our data demonstrated that FGR is associated with oxidative stress, the exact role and mechanism of the oxidant and antioxidant imbalance is obscure. We speculate that despite limited local synthesis of CAT, effective and efficient removal of MDA in the uterine environment explains high MDA and CAT serum concentrations in women with FGR. Alternatively, a well-functioning myometrial system could rescue the fetus from reactive oxygen species, as demonstrated by lowered MDA and depleted CAT resulting from hyperconsumption. Elevated serum MDA and CAT levels in the serum may reflect the 'spillover' of these markers from the uterus to the circulation.