It has been hypothesized that free oxygen radicals produce the endothelial cell injury found in PIH. Since antioxidant vitamins react with these free radicals, one could expect a decrease in their serum levels as the result of their more extensive utilization in PIH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum concentrations of vitamin antioxidants in women with PIH, comparing these levels to healthy pregnant women and non-pregnant women. Ninety-nine women were recruited: 30 were non-pregnant, 32 with PIH and 37 had uncomplicated pregnancies. The patients were 18-34 years of age and the pregnant women were all in the third trimester (28-40 weeks). Serum concentrations of a-tocopherol and b-carotene were measured using high-duty reversed phase liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum ascorbic acid levels were measured spectrophotometrically. The plasma levels of ascorbic acid, a-tocopherol and b-carotene were significantly decreased in PIH compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancy. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of ascorbic acid and b-carotene between non-pregnant and healthy pregnant women, while a-tocopherol concentration was significantly higher in the group of pregnant women. Decreased serum concentrations of these antioxidant nutrients supports the hypothesis that free oxygen radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of PIH.
key words: ascorbic acid, a-tocopherol, b-carotene, PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension)

Keywords: Ascorbic Acid, b-carotene, a-tocopherol, PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension)