Reduction of oxidative stress marker in lung fluid of preterm infants after administration of intra-tracheal liposomal glutathione.
BACKGROUND
Low levels of glutathione are associated with subsequent chronic lung disease in preterm infants. Incorporation of glutathione into liposomes offers a method of increasing levels with a prolonged half-life compared with direct inhalation.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the clinical feasibility of administering a single dose of liposomal glutathione and its effectiveness at raising glutathione at 12 and 24 h after treatment.


METHODS
Fourteen ventilated preterm infants from the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Liverpool Women's Hospital received 1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg liposomal glutathione intra-tracheally and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected prior to treatment, 12 and 24 h after dosing for glutathione and malondialdehyde estimation.


RESULTS
Mean glutathione was initially 12.2 micromol/l, increasing to 52.8 micromol/l at 12 h (p = 0.006). Mean malondialdehyde was initially 265.6 nmol/l decreasing to 11.2 nmol/l at 12 h (p = 0.018).


CONCLUSIONS
Intra-tracheal liposomal glutathione instillation offers a feasible method of raising pulmonary glutathione in preterm infants and shows biochemical antioxidant effects.
Cooke
Richard W I
RW
Department of Child Health, School of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. mc19@liv.ac.uk
Drury
Josephine A
JA
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005978:Glutathione / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008081:Liposomes; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism*; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D008081:Liposomes; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005978:Glutathione