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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Oxidative stress markers at birth: Analyses of a neonatal population
Mario Giuffrè1, Manfredi Rizzo2, Giusy Scaturro1
1Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, Pediatric Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Insights
This study reveals key molecular patterns of neonatal stress, linking glutathione (GSH) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) to delivery type. These findings offer insights into newborn health and stress management.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Neonatal stress requires deeper understanding at the molecular level.
- Investigating oxidants, antioxidants, and anti-stress mechanisms like Hsp60 is crucial for newborns.
- Mitochondrial heat shock protein-chaperones (Hsp60) play a role in cellular stress response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patterns of antioxidants, oxidative stress biomarkers, and Hsp60 in newborn sera.
- To identify associations between glutathione (GSH), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), and Hsp60 levels.
- To explore the relationship between these markers and factors like gestational age and delivery modality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serum samples from newborns.
- Measurement of glutathione (GSH) levels.
- Quantification of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and Hsp60 levels.
Main Results:
- Significant associations found between GSH levels, gestational age, delivery mode, and LOOH.
- Increased GSH levels were linked to higher LOOH and spontaneous delivery.
- Distinct correlations between Hsp60, LOOH, and GSH were observed based on delivery type (spontaneous vs. cesarean).
Conclusions:
- Identified potential diagnostic patterns of GSH, LOOH, and Hsp60 in newborn serum.
- These patterns may aid in monitoring newborn health during and after delivery.
- Provides a basis for further research into redox balance and predictive health outcomes in newborns.
Abstract:
In order to further understand neonatal stress and, thus, control it efficaciously, there is a need for more information on the manifestations of stress at the molecular level in the newborn, with particular regard to oxidants, and anti-oxidant and anti-stress mechanisms, including mitochondrial heat shock protein-chaperones such as Hsp60. We investigated patterns of anti-oxidants, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and Hsp60 levels in sera from newborns and found significant associations between glutathione (GSH) levels and gestational age, delivery modality, and lipid hydroperoxydes (LOOH) level. LOOH levels and spontaneous (vaginal) delivery were independently associated with increased GSH levels when these were above the median. Hsp60 and LOOH levels were positively correlated whereas Hsp60 and GSH levels were inversely correlated in spontaneously delivered newborns; in contrast, Hsp60 and GSH levels were positively correlated in newborns delivered by cesarea. Our results point to new directions in the search for definite patterns of GSH, LOOH, and Hsp60 in the newborn's serum that might have functional and diagnostic significance and that could help in the monitoring of newborn health during and after delivery. In addition, the data provide a starting basis for investigating the precise roles and interplay of GSH and Hsp60 in the maintenance of an optimal redox balance at birth to cope with the stress inherent to delivery, and also for investigating the predictive value of any given pattern of GSH, LOOH, and Hsp60 at birth with regard to health status and risk of disease in adult life.
