(31)P and (1)h nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of blood plasma in female patients with preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective: Using (31)P and (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure phosphorus- and hydrogen-containing metabolites, this study aimes to investigate whether or not women with preeclampsia have detectable systemic abnormalities concerning certain components of the blood plasma.

Methods: PLASMA WAS OBTAINED FROM TWO GROUPS OF WOMEN: Group 1 with preeclampsia (n=10) and Group 2, as a control group with no complications during pregnancy (n=10). Plasma analysis were performed using in-vitro (31)P and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results: (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra showed significantly higher levels of lysophosphatidylcholine 1 in the plasma of the patients in Group 1, along with significantly decreased levels of lysophosphatidylcholine 2 and phosphatidylinositol. However, the total amount of phospholipids did not differ significantly between the groups. In addition, the (1)H NMR spectra showed a significantly lower level of HDL in samples from Group 1, and a trend towards higher plasma levels of VLDL 2 and LDL 2 in the same group.

Conclusion: This study supports the theory that preeclampsia is a disorder in phospholipid metabolism in which malfunctioning of cellular membranes seems to play a major pathogenic role.

Keywords: 31P and 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy; gestosis; lipid metabolism; preeclampsia.

Figure 1

One-dimensional 31P NMR blood spectra in pregnant women. A, ³¹P NMR spectrum in a patient suffering from preeclampsia. B, ³¹P NMR spectrum in a healthy, pregnant woman (*shows significant differences in concentrations of substances). Chemical shift assignments were referenced relative to 85% orthophosphoric acid at 0 ppm.

Figure 2

Partial ¹H NMR spectra in a pregnant women. A, ¹H NMR spectrum in a patient suffering from preeclampsia. B, ¹H NMR spectrum in a healthy, pregnant woman. The assignments of the major NMR resonance are given in Table 2. (Standard solution (Std.) tetradeuterotrimethylsilylpropionate).