Some parameters of antioxidant status in women who uses alcohol at different stages of pregnancy

Abstract

Background. The negative effects of alcohol on the fetus are observed at all stages of gestation. Drinking alcoholic beverages promotes hyperproduction of free radicals, which disrupt the balance in the lipid peroxidation-antioxidant system. Total antioxidant activity of blood (TAA), fat-soluble vitamins, and glutathione are among the most important parameters of the body's antioxidant defense system, making their monitoring during pregnancy crucial for every woman.

The aim – to evaluate the parameters of antioxidant status in the blood of women at different stages of pregnancy, and their dependence on the level of phosphatidylethanol in blood plasma, as a marker of alcohol consumption.

Methods. The study included 163 women at different stages of pregnancy. To identify the fact and quantity of alcohol consumption, the level of phosphatidylethanol PEth:16:0/18:1 in blood plasma was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Depending on the concentration of phosphatidylethanol, groups of women who consumed different amounts of alcohol were identified: Group 1 - PEth ≤ 8 ng/ml (non-drinkers, control), Group 2 PEth:16:0/18:1 from 8-45 ng/ml (drinkers less than 1 dose), Group 3 - PEth:16:0/18:1 ≥ 45 ng/ml (drinkers more than 1 dose). The total AOA was assessed spectrophotometrically, the content of alpha-tocopherol, retinol, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione was determined fluorimetrically.

Results. The level of total AOA in the blood in the second group is lower by the end of pregnancy compared to earlier periods (p˂0.05). At 38-40 weeks, in pregnant women with PEth:16:0/18:1 content ≥ 45 ng/ml, the level of total AOA is higher compared to both the control and those drinking less than one dose (p˂0.05). At 6-12 weeks, the level of alpha-tocopherol and retinol is lower in the control groups compared to both the second and third groups (p˂0.05). In the period before childbirth, the content of alpha-tocopherol decreases in the 2nd and 3rd groups compared to the control (p˂0.05). The level of retinol at 38-40 weeks in the third group is lower compared to the control (p˂0.05). The level of GSH at 28-32 weeks. significantly higher in the third group compared to the control group.

Conclusion. The study shows that even small doses of alcohol affect the balance of the most important parameters of the mother's antioxidant system, which are necessary for the normal development of the fetus, and highlights the importance of conducting research in this area. Monitoring the levels of glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, and retinol can help in the medical correction of metabolic disorders in the fetoplacental system, as well as in the development of dietary correction methods and recommendations for the use of vitamin and mineral complexes.