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DNA damage in healthy term neonate

Jin Zhao1, Xiao-Ju Liu, Juan-Wen Ma

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.

Early Human Development
|April 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Newborns experience significant oxidative stress and DNA damage at birth due to increased oxygen exposure. Colostrum provides crucial antioxidant protection for infants against this oxidative stress.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Childbirth involves increased oxidative aggression.
  • Neonates undergo a significant shift in oxygenation upon birth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess DNA damage and oxidative stress markers in healthy term neonates at birth.
  • To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of colostrum and the protective effects of polyphenols.

Main Methods:

  • Measured malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA damage, GSH/GSSG ratio, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in neonatal umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood.
  • Assessed TAC in colostrum samples.
  • Investigated the protective activity of five natural polyphenols against induced DNA damage in neonatal cells.

Main Results:

  • Neonates exhibited higher DNA damage, MDA levels, and lower TAC and GSH/GSSG ratios compared to adults.
  • Certain polyphenols (quercetin, resveratrol) demonstrated protective effects against oxidative damage in neonatal cells.
  • Colostrum showed significantly higher TAC than neonatal umbilical cord blood.

Conclusions:

  • The transition to extrauterine life induces significant oxidative stress in neonates, evidenced by DNA damage and altered redox status.
  • Colostrum's high antioxidant capacity is vital for protecting infants against neonatal oxidative stress.
Abstract

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