ISSN 2736-1594
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 13 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Oxidative Stress in Geophagy during Pregnancy: Toxicological Implications and Molecular Mechanisms
Mossanda K. S.1* and Asare G. A.2
1Department of Research Development, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern C ape, South Africa. 2Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences University of Ghana.
Received 12 October, 2024; Accepted 4 February, 2025
Geophagia, or eating earth, soil, or clay, has both benefits and risks. While natural clay has absorbent properties that can detoxify phytotoxins and reduce nausea, its long-term consumption can be toxic. Research has linked oxidative stress to pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as lipid peroxides and superoxide dismutase, are associated with the severity of pre-eclampsia. Some studies suggest clay eating may protect pregnant women from pre-eclampsia by inhibiting iron uptake, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, in iron overload conditions, clay eating may exacerbate oxidative stress. The presence of free iron in soil can contribute to ROS production, activating nuclear factor NF-kB and inducing inflammatory cytokines. This may lead to pre-eclampsia complications. Supplementation with zinc or consuming clay containing zinc may help alleviate this condition. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying geophagia-induced pre-eclampsia and the role of oxidative stress. By exploring these mechanisms, scientists can better understand the risks and benefits of geophagia during pregnancy.
Key words: Geophagia, pregnancy, molecular mechanism , oxidative stress, Haber-Weiss and Fenton reactions, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), OH radical, 8-hydroxyl deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).