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Increased heme oxygenase-1 expression in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Ildikó Farkas1, Zoltán Maróti, Márta Katona

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 14-15, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary. ko.farkas@gmail.com

European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) show significantly elevated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. This increased HO-1, an enzyme protecting against oxidative stress, correlates with disease severity and lower platelet counts.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is implicated in severe illnesses affecting preterm infants.
  • Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme against oxygen radical damage.
  • Previous studies established HO-1's role in healthy neonates and asymptomatic preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in preterm infants diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Main Methods:

  • Collected blood samples from 28 preterm infants with RDS on days 1, 3, and 5 post-birth.
  • Quantified HO-1 mRNA expression using competitive reverse transcriptase PCR.
  • Performed quantitative blood counts to assess platelet levels.

Main Results:

  • Preterm infants with RDS exhibited an approximate eight-fold increase in HO-1 expression compared to healthy mature and asymptomatic preterm infants.
  • A significant negative association was observed between platelet count and HO-1 expression.
  • HO-1 induction was notably higher in RDS infants with thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants is associated with heightened HO-1 expression within the first five days of life.
  • Elevated HO-1 expression aligns with the inflammatory and oxidative nature of RDS in neonates.

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