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Relationship of antioxidant enzymes to trace metals in premature infants
Insights
Premature infants receiving parenteral nutrition showed declining zinc and selenium levels. Increased zinc and supplemental selenium may be beneficial for these infants, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Premature infants often require nutritional support via parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- Trace metals like zinc and selenium are crucial for infant development and antioxidant function.
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in premature infants, potentially affecting nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum trace metal levels (copper, zinc, selenium) in premature infants on TPN.
- To assess antioxidant enzyme levels (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) in relation to trace metals and BPD severity.
- To determine if current TPN regimens meet the trace metal needs of premature infants, particularly those with BPD.
Main Methods:
- Serum copper, zinc, and selenium levels were measured in three groups of premature infants based on BPD severity.
- White blood cell glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were assessed.
- Infants were categorized into healthy, mild-to-moderate BPD (stage 2 or less), and severe BPD (stage 3 or worse) groups.
Main Results:
- Serum zinc and selenium levels decreased in all infant groups during TPN.
- Serum copper levels remained stable initially but declined in healthier infants with accelerated growth.
- Antioxidant enzyme levels did not increase as expected in infants with pulmonary oxygen toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Current TPN regimens may lead to deficiencies in zinc and selenium in premature infants.
- Supplemental selenium and higher zinc intake than currently recommended may be necessary for premature infants on TPN.
- Trace metal status requires careful monitoring in premature infants, especially those with BPD.
Abstract:
Serum levels of the trace metals copper, zinc, and selenium were measured in premature infants. White blood cell glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were measured in conjunction with the trace metals. Three groups of infants were evaluated: group I was relatively healthy, group II were infants with stage 2 bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or less, group III were infants with stage 3 BPD or worse. Zinc and selenium levels declined in all groups during conventional parenteral nutrition (TPN) regimens, while copper remained stable. Copper did decline in groups I and II coincident with an acceleration in growth rate. An expected rise in antioxidant enzyme levels in infants with pulmonary oxygen toxicity was not seen. This study suggests that supplemental selenium as well as an increased zinc intake over current recommendations for premature infants receiving TPN may be indicated.