Korean J Perinatol.  2006 Mar;17(1):42-49.

Plasma Androgen and Estrogen Levels in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Peeclampsia

• Choi GH
• Jung IK
• Jang SK
• Lee DH
• Kim KH
• Na YJ
• Lee KS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure maternal plasma androgens and estrogen levels and to assess the role of these hormones in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. METHODS: The groups consisted of 28 healthy pregnant women as well as 24 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. Plasma total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (ADD) levels were measured. Statistical analysis was achieved with Student's t-test by using SPSS for Windows and the Pearson's coefficient of correlation was calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, hematocrit and platelet, whereas significant differences were noted regarding systolic and diastolic blood pressure, gestational weeks at delivery, birth weight, serum creatinine, uric acid and urea. In preeclampsia group, serum total testosterone and ADD levels were determined to be higher than the control group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant differences in plasma levels of DHEAS and E2 among the two groups (p>0.05). Serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with systolic and diastolic pressure and uric acid and negatively correlated with birth weight. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the elevated plasma levels of testosterone could contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Keyword

Androgen; Estrogen; Preeclampsia

MeSH Terms

Androgens
Androstenedione
Birth Weight
Blood Platelets
Blood Pressure
Body Mass Index
Creatinine
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Estradiol
Estrogens*
Female
Gestational Age
Hematocrit
Humans
Parity
Plasma*
Pre-Eclampsia
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, Third*
Pregnancy*
Pregnant Women
Testosterone
Urea
Uric Acid
Androgens
Androstenedione
Creatinine
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Estradiol
Estrogens
Testosterone
Urea
Uric Acid