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Erythrocyte Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity in preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Ren-Huei Fu1, Pen-Hong Yang, Ming-Chou Chiang
1Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Superoxide dismutase activity in preterm infants increases with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, potentially due to oxygen administration. Enzyme levels did not correlate with gestational age or birth weight.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Antioxidant defense mechanisms
- Pediatric enzymology
Background:
- Erythrocyte Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a critical first-line antioxidant.
- Previous studies show variable SOD activity in neonatal cord blood.
- Understanding SOD in preterm infants is crucial for their antioxidant defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate erythrocyte Cu/Zn SOD activity in preterm infants during the first week of life.
- To examine correlations between SOD activity, gestational age, and clinical factors.
- To investigate the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and oxygen exposure on SOD activity.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 44 preterm infants (25-30 weeks gestational age) on days 1, 3, and 6 post-delivery.
- Erythrocyte Cu/Zn SOD activity was measured.
- Clinical data, including gestational age, birth weight, BPD, and oxygen administration, were collected.
Main Results:
- No correlation was found between SOD activity and gestational age or birth weight.
- SOD activity increased significantly by day 6 in preterm infants with BPD compared to those without BPD.
- Packed red cell transfusion did not alter SOD activity; higher oxygen administration was observed in infants with BPD.
Conclusions:
- Cumulative oxygen administration may upregulate erythrocyte SOD activity in preterm infants.
- SOD activity is altered in preterm infants with BPD.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of SOD in neonatal antioxidant defense.
Background:
Erythrocyte Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase is believed to play a major role as a first-line antioxidant defense. Studies have reported varying results from measures of superoxide dismutase activity in cord blood samples from neonates.
Objective:
The study goal was to assess enzyme activity for preterm infants representing a range of gestational ages during the 1st week of life. Clinical data were obtained and correlations with superoxide dismutase activity were examined.
Methods:
We collected blood samples from umbilical arterial lines or the radial artery of 44 preterm infants (gestational age range 25-30 weeks) on days 1, 3, and 6 after delivery and evaluated erythrocyte Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity.
Results:
There was no correlation between enzyme activity and gestational age or birth weight. Superoxide dismutase activity gradually increased in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia on days 3 and 6, with levels significantly higher than those of preterm infants without bronchopulmonary dysplasia on day 6. We found that packed red cell transfusion did not affect erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in either group. However, higher cumulative oxygen administration was noted in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Conclusion:
Higher cumulative oxygen administration may be one factor that upregulates the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase.
