Erythrocyte cupric/zinc superoxide dismutase exhibits reduced activity in preterm and low-birthweight infants at birth.
In a comparative study in term, preterm and low-birthweight infants, the mean activity and standard error of the mean for copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) in cord erythrocytes from five term small for gestational age infants was 0.94 +/- 0.10 SOD units (mg protein)-1. This value was significantly lower than the activity (2.34 +/- 0.24) in nine term, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies (p < 0.005). In 15 preterm (AGA) infants, the activity at birth (1.05 +/- 0.07 SOD units (mg protein)-1) was also significantly lower (p < 0.001) relative to term AGA babies. An increased level of activity (1.59 +/- 0.09) was detected in the red cells of eight preterm AGA infants on their expected date of delivery compared with (0.87 +/- 0.06) at birth (p < 0.001). However, the activity (1.59 +/- 0.09) was still lower than that detected in term AGA babies (2.34 +/- 0.24; p < 0.02). Similar findings were obtained when enzymatic activity was expressed in units per millilitre of packed erythrocytes. The low activity of Cu/Zn SOD in preterm and low-birthweight babies may render them susceptible to diseases associated with membrane lipid peroxidation.
Phylactos
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Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children, London, UK.
Leaf
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Costeloe
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Crawford
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MA
D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000201:enzymology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000097:blood*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood*
D013482:Superoxide Dismutase