Oxidative Stress and Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Pathogenetic Mechanisms, Opportunities for Intervention, and Role of...

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Preterm infants face significant oxidative stress (OS) due to perinatal factors and immature antioxidant defenses.
• Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious complication of prematurity.
• NEC is multifactorial, with OS potentially acting as a key downstream factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of oxidative stress in NEC pathogenesis.
• To explore antioxidant strategies for preventing and treating NEC in preterm infants.
• To investigate the impact of donor human milk processing on antioxidant properties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on oxidative stress, NEC, and antioxidant therapies.
• Analysis of the antioxidant components in human milk and their stability.
• Examination of the effects of donor milk processing on its nutritional and antioxidant value.

Main Results:

• Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to NEC development in vulnerable preterm infants.
• Various antioxidant compounds and strategies have been explored for NEC management.
• Human milk is a rich source of antioxidants crucial for NEC prevention, but processing of donor milk may diminish these properties.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress plays a critical role in NEC pathogenesis.
• Antioxidant interventions are potential therapeutic avenues for NEC.
• Preserving the antioxidant capacity of donor human milk is essential for its use in high-risk preterm infants.