Anti-oxidant profiles and markers of oxidative stress in preterm neonates.
Preterm birth is associated with an increased oxidant burden which places these infants at a higher risk of injury.



This prospective study aimed to assess levels of antioxidants and a marker of oxidative stress in preterm neonates.



(i) To compare levels of anti-oxidants [vitamin A, vitamin E, catalase, total anti-oxidant status (TAS)] as well as malondialdehyde level (MDA) (a marker of lipid peroxidation) between preterm and full-term neonates; (ii) to determine changes in the values of measured vitamins at birth and at discharge among preterm neonates; and (iii) to compare levels of anti-oxidants with MDA levels in relation to complications of prematurity and outcome.



The study was undertaken in 100 preterm neonates and 100 full-term neonates as a control group. MDA was estimated by a thiobarbituric acid-reactive technique; TAS was determined using a Randox assay kit; catalase activity was measured spectrophotometrically and vitamin A and E levels were estimated by high performance liquid chromatography.



The plasma levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, TAS and catalase were significantly lower in the preterm than in the full-term group (P < 0.01), and the plasma level of MDA was significantly higher in preterm than full-term neonates (P < 0.01). Vitamin A and E levels in preterm neonates were significantly higher at discharge than at birth (P < 0.01). Vitamin A, vitamin E and catalase levels at birth were significantly lower in patients who developed necrotizing enterocolitis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia than in those who did not.



Preterm neonates are exposed to increased oxidant stress at birth and are susceptible to anti-oxidant deficiencies. A higher dose of enteral vitamin A supplementation in preterm neonates might reduce morbidity and improve outcome. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the appropriate dose of oral vitamin E supplementation for preterm neonates.
a Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University.
Eman Abdel Ghany
EA
Abdel Ghany
a Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University.
Walaa
W
Alsharany
a Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University.
Aliaa Adel
AA
Ali
a Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University.
Eman Refaat
ER
Youness
b Department of Medical Biochemistry , National Research Center , Cairo , Egypt.
Jihan Seid
JS
Hussein
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers
Antioxidants; Malondialdehyde; NICU; Oxidative stress; Preterm neonates; Total antioxidant status; Vitamin A; Vitamin E