Iron profile and hepcidin associated with oxidative stress and metabolic disturbances in pregnancy

Abstract

Background: A common problem during pregnancy is anemia and to reduce its prevalence the WHO and national guidelines recommend a prescription of 30 to 60 mg of iron/day. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of iron profile, hepcidin and oxidative stress in pregnant women prescribed with iron as a probable cause of metabolic disorders. Method: In this cohort study two groups were followed: A) women with low-risk pregnancy (WLRP), B) women with high-risk pregnancy (WHRP): women with metabolic disorders (dyslipidemias, GDM and high blood pressure). Oxidative stress enzymes, iron profile and hepcidin were measured in the second and third trimesters. Results: There were significant differences in hepcidin levels between WLRP and WHRP in 2nd (3.6 ± 4.2 vs 4.69 ± 3.23 P=0.005) and 3rd trimester (3.65 ± 3.44 vs 6.84 ± 5.14 P=0.02). The serum iron concentration had a negative relationship with catalase (-0.599; P=0.04) and a positive relationship with glutathione peroxidase (0.729; P=0.007). Conclusion: The iron serum levels increase could induce oxidative damage in pregnancy. Increased hepcidin is a useful biomarker for determining iron availability in pregnancy and its association with antioxidant systems.