Membrane potential, serum calcium and serum selenium decrease in preeclampsia subjects in Owerri
Abstract: Pre-eclampsia is a
serious hypertensive condition of pregnancy associated with high maternal and
fetal morbidity and mortality. Women who have had pre-eclampsia have a greater
risk of developing hypertension, stroke and ischemic heart disease in later life.
The etiology of pre-eclampsia remains unclear. Placental insufficiency plays a
key role in the progression of this disease. The aim of this study was to
determine membrane potential, serum calcium and serum selenium levels in
preeclampsia subjects in Owerri.
Methods
A case control study involving 200 primigravida (100 preeclamptic and 100
apparently healthy) between the ages of 20 and 32 years attending General
Hospital Owerri. Fasting venous blood was collected for the determination of
serum selenium and serum calcium while membrane potential was calculated using
the Nernst equation. The serum calcium was estimated using Randox Kit and serum
selenium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Independent Student t test
was used for statistical analysis.
Results
The results revealed that membrane potential and serum selenium as well
as serum calcium were significantly decreased in preeclampsia when compared
with the controls, at p<0.05.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that the decrease in membrane potential, serum
calcium and serum selenium levels may play a critical role in the pathogenesis
of pre-eclampsia. There may be a need for increasing the dietary intake of
these essential trace metals during pregnancy to prevent pre-eclampsia in Owerri.
Keywords: Membrane potential;
selenium; calcium; preeclampsia
Author: Johnkennedy Nnodim,
Nwodo Emmanuel, Okorie Hope, Constance Nwadike, Edward Ukamaka, Onah Christian
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170046
