Glutathione-dependent system of antioxidant defense in the placenta in preterm delivery.

Components of the antioxidant defense system in placental tissues were studied in women with normal pregnancy and full-term delivery and women with spontaneous abortions at 28-36 weeks. In women with spontaneous abortions glutathione peroxidase activity in placental tissues increased and the content of SH compounds decreased, which led to exhaustion of the antioxidant defense system. Glutathione-S-transferase activity also decreased, which attests to impaired detoxifying function of the placenta.