Evaluation of oxidative stress in children with congenital heart defects

Ayfer Gözü Pirinccioglu1, Omer Alyan, Göksel Kizil

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir, Turkey. ayfergozu@dicle.edu.tr

Insights

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) exhibit elevated oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO). These markers are linked to disease severity, suggesting potential as new diagnostic tools for pediatric cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases, including congenital heart disease (CHD), are a major cause of childhood mortality and morbidity.
  • Understanding the role of oxidative stress in pediatric CHD is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the oxidative stress status in children diagnosed with CHD.
  • To establish the association between oxidative stress markers and CHD in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Measured levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), total anti-oxidant capacity, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in 43 children with CHD and 30 healthy controls.
  • Analyzed correlations between oxidative stress markers and clinical parameters.

Main Results:

  • Children with CHD showed significantly elevated levels of MDA, PCO, hs-CRP, fibrinogen, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to controls.
  • Total anti-oxidant capacity was significantly reduced in children with CHD.
  • MDA and PCO levels positively correlated with markers of disease severity, including hs-CRP and pulmonary artery pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Oxidative stress is significantly associated with CHD in children.
  • Protein carbonyl (PCO) shows promise as a novel diagnostic biomarker for CHD and for assessing disease severity in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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