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Rapid Quantification of Oxidized and Reduced Forms of Glutathione Using Ortho -phthalaldehyde in Cultured Mammalian Cells In Vitro
Published on: June 28, 2024
Labor augmentation with oxytocin decreases glutathione level
Naomi Schneid-Kofman1, Tali Silberstein, Oshra Saphier
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-sheva, Israel.
Obstetrics and Gynecology International
|December 5, 2009
Summary
Oxytocin augmentation during labor may increase oxidative stress, indicated by lower glutathione (GSH) levels in umbilical cord blood. However, key markers of cell damage did not differ between groups, suggesting a nuanced impact.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Biochemistry
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Oxidative stress is a concern in childbirth.
- Oxytocin is commonly used for labor augmentation.
- Understanding its impact on neonatal oxidative status is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare oxidative stress markers in neonates from spontaneous vaginal deliveries versus oxytocin-augmented deliveries.
- To investigate the effect of oxytocin on glutathione levels and lipid peroxidation in cord blood.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of 98 women (57 spontaneous, 41 oxytocin-augmented deliveries).
- Analysis of arterial cord blood for glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and red blood cell (RBC) phenol red uptake.
- Exclusion of complicated deliveries and high-risk pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower cord blood GSH levels were observed in the oxytocin-augmented group (P = .01).
- No significant differences in plasma or RBC malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were found between groups.
- Red blood cell (RBC) uptake of phenol red did not differ, indicating no change in cell penetrability.
Conclusions:
- Lower GSH levels in the oxytocin group suggest increased oxidative stress.
- Despite reduced GSH, specific markers of cell damage (MDA, phenol red uptake) showed no significant difference.
- Oxytocin augmentation may induce oxidative stress without causing detectable cellular damage in neonates.
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