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Background and Aims: The etiology of preeclampsia (PE) is unknown and the only treatment is removal of the fetus and placenta. The critical changes of this state include the increase of vascular resistance and hypoperfusion in the uteroplacental microcirculation that predispose to hypoxia and ischemia and, therefore, increased oxidative stress through 8-isoprostane, which is characterized by damage to the placenta and endothelium. We undertook this study to compare oxidative stress in pregnant women with PE. Methods: A case-control, cross-sectional and comparative study was undertaken. Pregnant women between 28 and 38 weeks of gestation with and without PE were recruited. Venous blood samples were taken for determination of 8-isoprostane. Obstetrical variables were measured and 8-isoprostane by radioimmunoassay. SPSS v.11 for Windows was used for descriptive statistics. Mean ± standard deviation, correlation and χ2 were used for comparison between groups. Results: We studied 45 patients: 20 with PE (44.6%) and 25 without PE (55.4%). The average for 8-isoprostane in preeclamptic patients was 699.2 ± 38.6 pg/dl and without PE was 113.9 ± 52.4 pg/dL (p <0.01), gestational age 32.1 ± 2.6 and 35.1 ± 1.8 weeks, birth weight 1880 ± 238 g and 2787 ± 312 g, respectively. Apgar at birth was similar in both groups. Conclusions: We found statistical differences in the 8-isoprostane levels in both groups. There was no correlation in perinatal results in both groups according to 8-isoprostane levels. These results could be the basis for the use of antioxidants in the management of PE to counteract tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol is a precursor of steroid hormones and an essential component of the cell membrane; however, altered regulation of the synthesis, absorption and excretion of cholesterol predispose to cardiovascular diseases of atherosclerotic origin. Despite the recognition of historical events for 200 years starting with Chevreul naming “cholesterine”; later on, Lobstein coining the term atherosclerosis and Marchand introducing it, Anichkov identifying cholesterol in atheromatous plaque, and Brown and Goldstein discovering LDL receptor (r-LDL), as well as the emergence of different drugs such as fibrates, statins and cetrapibs during this decade promising to increase HDL, and the most recent, ezetimibe and anti-PCSK9 to inhibit the degradation of r-LDL, morbidity has not been reduced in cardiovascular disease. To date, the controversy continues regarding the best and appropriate medical therapy for hypercholesterolemia; likewise, there is the recommendation of a healthy dietary content regarding the amount of sugar as well as the type of fats, either saturated or polyunsaturated. Together, control of circulating cholesterol, amelioration of hypertension, regulation of diabetes, and dietary recommendations might prevent atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders are complications in which risk factors are identified such as nulliparity, age, malnutrition, obesity and social issues. Those statements are explained by theories of abnormal placentation, immunological inadequacy, genetics and oxidative stress, but all theories converge in endothelial damage, which is able to mechanically deform and hemolyze erythrocytes as they pass through the capillaries. Given the effects of endothelial damage, the aim of the study was to determine erythrocyte alterations in peripheral blood smear of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that could be used as prognostic condition. Methods We performed a prospective, descriptive and observational study where all patients with hypertensive disorders admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology service of a specialty hospital were recruited. Patients who provided signed informed consent underwent peripheral blood smear. Results were tabulated in percentage graphics and analyzed with Cramer's V based on χ 2 . The peripheral blood smear consisted of an extended drop of peripheral blood from the patient with subsequent hematological staining done with Romanowsky stain. Results A total of 119 samples were analyzed; 74% showed abnormal morphology of erythrocytes and the most frequent abnormality was the presence of schistocytes in up to 39% of samples. Descriptive analysis showed a degree of association to independent variables with Cramer's V = 0.41 value ( p <0.05). Conclusions A high percentage of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy show some morphologic alterations of erythrocytes in peripheral blood smear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]