Biochemical Changes in Plasma Lipids and Mineral Elements in Preeclampsia Patients in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study has determined the concentrations of Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low  Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triacylglyceride (TG),  Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL),  Mineral Elements and some Electrolytes. Subjects used for this study were made up of 180 women with preeclampsia and 80 normotensive pregnant women, who attended antenatal and postnatal clinics of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti and Federal Medical center, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. In addition, 80 control volunteers were also involved in this study. The control participants comprise of 40 normotensive and 40 hypertensive non-pregnant women randomly selected. They were also non-users of contraceptives therapy. Anthropometric measurements including age, parity, blood pressure, height and weight were recorded for the subjects.  Plasma concentrations of each of the biomarkers were determined using test kits, based on established methods, in the subjects at 1^st trimester , 2^nd trimester and  3-6 days post-partum. The results in the hypertensive pregnant subjects were compared statistically (P<0.05), with the normotensive pregnant subjects. TC, LDLC, VLDLC and TG increase significantly in PIH subjects, but HDL showed significant decrease in the preeclampsia subjects ,as the pregnancy progresses to the 3^rd trimester. At post –partum the lipid profile becomes normal again in preeclampsia. Subjects with preeclampsia showed more significant decrease in the levels of Ca, Mg, Na, and P elements.   This research work pointed out clearly that, Plasma lipids and some mineral elements are implicated in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. They may be likely etiological factors in the disease, and may also serve as indicators for early detection.

Keywords: Preeclampsia, Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low  Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triacylglyceride (TG),  Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), Mineral elements.