Can redox imbalance predict abnormal foetal development?

Serum concentrations of TP (56.90 ± 5.30 vs 69.1 ± 15.30 mg/mL), TEAC (4.93 ± 0.82 vs 5.64 ± 0.74 μM/mL) and GST (15.94 ± 4.52 vs 21.72 ± 6.81 nM/min/mg) were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the group of patients with developmental abnormalities in the fetus, whereas GSH levels (6.43 ± 1.24 vs 4.98 ± 1.88 nM/mg) were significantly higher, compared to the group of healthy fetuses. There were no differences in the concentration of these markers between chromosomal aberrations and fetal dysmorphia in subjects. A significant difference in odds ratio obtained for GSH (OR = 0.57, 95% CL: 0.40-0.80) indicates that its higher concentration can relate to reduced risk of developmental abnormalities, whereas odds ratio for TP (OR=1.11, 95% CL: 1.04-1.17), TEAC (OR = 3.54, 95% CL: 1.56-8.05) and GST (OR = 1.18, 95% CL: 1.03-1.17) indicate that their elevation may increase the risk of developmental abnormalities CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of TP, GST, TEAC and low GSH level may be relevant to predict congenital defects.