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Erythrocyte anti-oxyenzyme activity in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity
Ren-Huei Fu1, Tsung-Hong Chiu, Ming-Chou Chiang
1Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in preterm infants is linked to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Lower enzyme activity may indicate a higher risk for this condition, impacting infant vision.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric critical care
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- ROP is a multifactorial disease with complex underlying mechanisms.
- Antioxidant mechanisms in erythrocytes share similarities with the human retina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure erythrocyte anti-oxyenzyme activity in preterm infants.
- To investigate the relationship between erythrocyte enzyme activity and ROP development.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital.
- Blood samples collected from 33 preterm infants within 24 hours of birth.
- Erythrocyte anti-oxyenzyme activity was evaluated, alongside clinical data and oxygen administration; correlations with ROP status were examined.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants diagnosed with ROP exhibited significantly lower gestational age, birth weight, 1-minute Apgar scores, and cellular glutathione peroxidase activity.
- No significant correlation was found between enzyme activity and gestational age, birth weight, or ROP severity.
- Cumulative oxygen and ventilator administration showed no differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age, birth weight, 1-minute Apgar score, and glutathione peroxidase activity are identified as risk factors for ROP.
- Defective glutathione peroxidase activity is implicated as a potential contributor to the early stages of ROP development.
Background:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the main cause of visual impairment in premature infants and is considered to be a multifactorial disease. Because of the similarity between the human retina and the erythrocyte concerning their antioxidant mechanism, the aim of this study was to measure the erythrocyte anti-oxyenzyme activity of preterm infants.
Methods:
This prospective study was performed on a tertiary referral hospital. Blood samples were collected from umbilical arterial lines or the radial artery of 33 preterm infants within 24 h after delivery to evaluate erythrocyte anti-oxyenzyme activity. Clinical data and oxygen administration were obtained and the correlations of enzyme activity and ROP status were examined.
Results:
Gestational age, birth weight, 1-min Apgar score, and cellular glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower in preterm infants with ROP. There was no correlation between enzyme activity and gestational age, birth weight, or severity of ROP. There were no differences in cumulative oxygen and ventilator administration.
Conclusions:
Gestational age and birth weight, 1-min Apgar score, and glutathione peroxidase activity are risk factors for ROP. Defective glutathione peroxidase activity may contribute to the initial phase of ROP.
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