Plasma 5′-nucleotidase activities increase in women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Objectives To investigate plasma activities of 5′-nucleotidase, a key enzyme in the production of adenosine and evaluate the relationship between changes in 5′-nucleotidase activities and pregnancy-related hormones, estrogen, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Design and methods Plasma 5′-nucleotidase activities and estradiol, progesterone and hCG levels were measured in 21 women with hyperemesis gravidarum and normal pregnancies, matched for age, parity and gestational week. Results In women with hyperemesis gravidarum, plasma 5′-nucleotidase activities averaged 8.1 ± 0.6 IU/L, which were significantly increased compared to those in normal pregnant women (5.5 ± 0.5 IU/L)(p< 0.05). The increases in plasma 5′-nucleotidase activities were accompanied by elevations of plasma estradiol, progesterone and hCG levels. Conclusions The increase of plasma 5′-nucleotidase activities may be at least partly attributed to elevations of pregnancy-related hormones, suggesting changes in purine metabolism in women with hyperemesis gravidarum.