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Future applications of antioxidants in premature infants
Jennifer W Lee1, Jonathan M Davis
1The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Insights
Premature infants are highly susceptible to oxidative stress due to low antioxidant levels, increasing their risk for serious conditions. Antioxidant therapies show promise but require further investigation for efficacy in treating reactive oxygen species (ROS) related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- Premature infants possess immature antioxidant defense systems.
- Reduced antioxidant capacity elevates susceptibility to oxidative stress.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in neonatal disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique vulnerability of premature infants to oxidative stress.
- To explore the role of ROS in common preterm infant disorders.
- To examine potential antioxidant therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on oxidative stress in preterm infants.
- Analysis of the role of ROS in neonatal diseases.
- Evaluation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant therapies.
Main Results:
- Premature infants have inadequate antioxidant stores and impaired antioxidant upregulation.
- This susceptibility increases the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and periventricular leukomalacia.
- Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant detoxification.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant preparations are potential therapies for ROS-induced diseases.
- Further research is needed to establish the benefits of supplemental antioxidant therapy in preterm infants.
Purpose Of Review:
This review will examine the unique susceptibility of premature infants to oxidative stress, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of common disorders of the preterm infant, and potential for therapeutic interventions using enzymatic and/or nonenzymatic antioxidants.
Recent Findings:
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of ROS and the ability to detoxify them with the help of antioxidants. The premature infant is especially susceptible to ROS-induced damage because of inadequate antioxidant stores at birth, as well as impaired upregulation in response to oxidant stress. Thus, the premature infant is at increased risk for the development of ROS-induced diseases of the newborn, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and periventricular leukomalacia.
Summary:
Potential therapies for ROS-induced disease include both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant preparations. More research is required to determine the beneficial effects of supplemental antioxidant therapy.
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