Evidence of increased oxidative stress and a change in the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 to PAI-2 ratio in early-onset but not late-onset preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to measure the degree of oxidative stress and alterations in plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) type 1 and PAI-2 ratio in women with early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted in women with early-onset (24-32 weeks' gestation; n = 18) and late-onset (35-42 weeks' gestation; n = 20) preeclampsia and in control pregnant women at corresponding gestational weeks. Placenta, urine, and serum samples were collected. RESULTS: In early-onset preeclampsia, the median placental concentration of 8-iso-prostaglandin (PG)-F(2 alpha) was higher and the PAI-1 to PAI-2 ratio higher than in early controls. These values did not differ between women with late-onset preeclampsia and their corresponding controls. Serum concentrations of 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) and vitamins C and E did not differ between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: Early-onset but not late-onset preeclampsia is associated with increased placental oxidative stress and increased PAI-1 to PAI-2 ratio.