The Role of Antioxidant Vitamin C on Imminent Abortion through Interaction of Superoxide Dismutase, Interferon-γ, Interleukin-4, Vascular Cells Adhesion Molecule-1, and Decidual Spiral Arteries Blood Flow

Imminent abortion needs more serious attention since it remains a big problem in Indonesia considering its epidemiology, morbidity, mortality, and prognosis. In fact, some cases can still be prevented. The objective of this study was to determine pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of imminent abortion through the role of antioxidant vitamin C in the interaction of superoxide dismutase (SOD), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), vascular cells adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), and decidual spiral artery resistance index (DSA RI). This study took 10 months from March to December 2007 at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Medical Faculty of Padjadjaran University/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Sixty pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into two groups with the random clinical trial method, double-blind with repeated measurements. Data were analyzed statistically using t test, Mann-Whitney, Rank Spearman, Wilcoxon, t paired, and diagnostic test. The results of this study showed that the incidence of abortion in vitamin C group was 9 cases (30%) and placebo group was 13 cases (43.3%). There was a significant difference in SOD, IFN-γ, IL-4 and VCAM-1 level between groups of women with and without abortion (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference of SOD level between women with abortion 655.8 (163.6) U/gHb and placebo group 824.5 (106.7) U/gHb after vitamin C Corresponding author.