A Study on the Serum Concentrations of Lipoproteins and Lipids in Preeclampsia

Cho, Yong Kyoon; Park, Kyo Hoon; Min, Hyun Ju; Choi, Hoon; Kim, Bok Rin; Lee, Hong Kyoon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is correlation between serum concentrations of lipoproteins (VLDL, HDL, LDL) and development of preedampsia.
METHODS
The authors measured serum concentrations of lipoproteins(VLDL, HDL, LDL) and lipids(which are major components of lipoproteins) in 12 preeclamptic women admitted to Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University from March 1999 to August 1999 and 12 normal pregnant women matched in age, weight, parity and gestational age.
RESULTS
The first, the values of median and range of VLDL are higher in preeclamptic women than in normal pregnant women(preeclamptic women : 244mg/dL & 124-521mg/dL, normal pregnant women : 149mg/dL & 68-308mg/dL, p=0.0005). But there are no difierences in serum concentrations of HDL(high-density lipoprotein) and LDL(low-density lipoprotein) between two groups. The second, the values of median and range of triglyceride and free fatty acids are higher in preedamptic women than in normal pregnant women(preeclamptic women : triglycerides : 305.5mg/dL & 231-545mg/dL, free fatty acids : 1,333mmol/L & 842- 1523mmol/L, normal pregnant women,: triglycerides : 239mg/dL & 151-414mg/dL, free fatty acids : 806.5mmol/L & 314-1517mmol/L, p=0.019 in triglycerides and p=0.033 in free Fatty acids). But the serum concentrations of cholesterol are similar in two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the results of this study showed the serum concentrations of VLDL, triglycerides and free fatty acids are significantly higher in preeclamptic women than in normal pregnant women. So, the high serum concentration of VLDL is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In the next study, the prospective analysis will be necessary to identify whether serum concentration of VLDL is abnormaUy high in early gestational pregnant women who are destined to preeclamsia. Also, the measurement of pI 5.6 isoelectric form of albumin which is suggested to prevent VLDL toxicity will be necessary.