Effect of Toxoplasma gondi Infestation on Lipid Peroxidation and Certain Antioxidants in Pregnant Women in Mosul City

Abstract

In order to determine the effects of toxoplasmosis on the lipid peroxidation and the glutathione defense system against peroxides. Forty pregnant women with toxoplasmosis (acute and chronic) and twenty healthy pregnant women (control group) with age range of 18-45 years living in Mosul city were selected. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced form of glutathione (GSH) and gluthathione peroxidase activity (GSH-PX) were measured. The results showed a marked increased in MDA level (as an index of lipid peroxidation) in patients with toxoplasmosis in comparison with the control group. On the other hand, patients with toxoplasmosis had decreased GSH and increased GSH-PX level when compared with the control subjects.