Antioxidant Enzymes and Some Trace Metals in Plasmodium Falciparum Infected Pregnant Nigerian Women

Abstract

Pregnancy, mostly because of the mitochondria rich placenta is a condition that favours oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria.In the present study, a total of twenty four pregnant women with malaria were compared with twenty six pregnant women without malaria that serve as control groups, the levels of antioxidants enzymes  (catalase and total peroxidase ) and some trace metal ( Selenium,Copper,Zinc)  were determined. Catalase activity was significantly lower in pregnant women with malaria, as compared to their corresponding control. Peroxidase activity was significantly higher in pregnant women with malaria, as compared to their corresponding control. Selenium which can be used as a proxy for peroxidase determination was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with malaria as compared to their corresponding control. There were highly positive significant correlation between Selenium and total Peroxidase activity. r =1.00 p= <0.001. There is increase oxidative stress in plasmodium falciparum infected pregnant women. The pro – oxidant to anti -oxidant equilibrium was found to favour the pro – oxidant.

Keywords:Pregnancy,Antioxidants,Freeradical,Redbloodcell.

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-9-04

Publication date:May 31^st 2019