Abstract
Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication. Abnormal development of the placenta is the prevailing cause theory of this complication. Women with preeclampsia suffer from acute oxidative stress and high lipid oxidation in plasma. The aim of this study was to compare levels of polyphenols and lipid peroxidation in colostrum of nursing mothers with and without preeclampsia. The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Soroka University Medical Center. The study group consisting of 18 women, who were diagnosed with preeclampsia, was compared to the control group: 22 healthy women. The total phenolic content in the colostrum was determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring MDA, using the TBARS assay. Polyphenol concentrations were significantly higher (about 33%) in the colostrum of the study group compared with the control group (p = 0.00042). Lipid peroxidation levels (MDA) were significantly lower (about 20%) in the colostrum of the study group compared with the control group (p = 0.03). Negative correlation was found between MDA concentration and the polyphenol level (R = -0.41, p = 0.02). In conclusion, we showed in this study a potential compensation mechanism that protects the newborn of a mother with preeclampsia from the stress process experienced by its mother.