Oxidant and antioxidant status in mothers and their newborns according to birthweight

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the oxidant and antioxidant status in Algerian mothers and their newborns according to birth weight.

Study design: Subjects for the study were consecutively recruited from Tlemcen hospital. 139 pregnant women and their newborns were included. The plasma total antioxidant activity (ORAC), vitamins A, C, E, hydroperoxides, carbonyl proteins, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) were measured on mothers and their newborns. Lipid and lipoprotein parameters were also determined. The results were assessed in accordance with small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate (AGA) and large (LGA) birth weight of the newborn.

Results: SGA newborns and their mothers had low ORAC, vitamin C and E values (P<0.01) and high plasma hydroperoxide and carbonyl protein levels (P<0.01) compared to AGA groups. The SGA group showed also altered erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and several lipid and lipoprotein changes. In LGA compared to control newborns, hydroperoxide, carbonyl protein levels and SOD activity were enhanced while ORAC, vitamin A and E levels were reduced. However, oxidant and antioxidant status in their mothers was similar to that in control mothers.

Conclusion: Oxidative stress is present in both SGA and LGA newborns, with a concomitant alteration in maternal oxidant and antioxidant status only in intrauterine growth restriction.