Efecto de las hormonas sexuales sobre las concentraciones de homocisteína en preeclámpticas y embarazadas normales

Objective

To establish the effects of sexual hormones on plasma homocysteine concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

Methods

There were two groups: group A consisted of 35 preeclamptic patients and group B of 35 normotensive pregnant women used as controls. Blood samples were collected before labor in both grops and immediately after diagnosis in group A. Concentrations of testosterone, free testosterone, dehidroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenodione, estradiol and homocysteine were measured.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in gestational age, the presence of proteinuria, birthweight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). Testosterone, free testosterone and dehidroepiandrosterone sulphate were significantly higher in group A than in group B (P<.05). Estradiol concentrations were significant lower in the group A than in group B (P<.05). Strong positive and significant correlations were found between testosterone, dehidroepiandrosterone sulphate and free testosterone and a moderate negative correlation was found between estradiol and plasma homocysteine concentrations (P<.05).

Conclusions

In preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women, plasma homocysteine concentrations are positively affected by testosterone, dehidroepiandrosterone sulphate and free testosterone and are negatively affected by estradiol.