Abstract

Pregnancy is a physiological condition which requires high energy and therefore more oxygen for many body functions. This increase in oxygen and energy requirements leads to an increase in oxidative stress. High energy and increased oxygen are needed in the duration of pregnancy - 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters. There can be significant correlations between biochemical changes and some enzyme activities. This study investigates the activities of cytosolic CA, CAT, PON 1 and XO enzymes during pregnancy. The antioxidant enzymes’ activities were measured spectrophotometrically using the UV assay method on a Biotek. Cytosolic CA ctivity was measured by the hydration of CO2 in accordance with Wilbur and Anderson's method. According to the findings of this study, CAT (p=0.048) and cytosolic CA (p<0.001) activities decreased during pregnancy whereas both PON 1 (p<0.001) and XO (p=0.016) activity levels were higher in pregnancy. However, there were no statistically significant difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy in terms of cytosolic CA, CAT, PON 1 or XO enzyme levels (p>0.05).Different antioxidant enzymes' activities may increase or decrease during pregnancy. The decrease of CA enzyme levels in the group consisting pregnants may have significant impact on biochemical and physiological aspect of fetal and maternal health.

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