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Role of Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage on Preterm Birth Outcome
Pratibha Rathod1, Ajesh Desai2, Divya Chandel1
1Department of Zoology, BioMedical Technology and Human Genetics, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India.
Insights
Oxidative stress and DNA damage are linked to preterm birth (PTB). Measuring antioxidant and DNA damage markers may help predict PTB risk in pregnant individuals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) is a major global health concern requiring further research.
- Understanding the role of oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage in cases of preterm birth (PTB).
Main Methods:
- Compared 100 mothers with PTB (<37 weeks) to 100 mothers with term birth (>37 weeks).
- Measured antioxidant levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), and total protein.
- Assessed DNA damage using the CBMN-Cyt assay.
Main Results:
- Mothers with PTB exhibited lower antioxidant and total protein levels and higher lipid peroxidation.
- Increased frequencies of micronuclei and nucleoplasmic buds were observed in PTB mothers.
- No significant difference in nucleoplasmic bridge frequencies between groups.
Conclusions:
- Failure of antioxidant defenses to manage OS can contribute to PTB.
- OS markers and CBMN-Cyt assay show potential for early PTB risk assessment and monitoring.
Abstract:
Background: Preterm birth (PTB) poses a significant global health challenge and focused research is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage on PTB. Methods: There were two groups: (a) cases consisting of mothers with PTB (<37 weeks of gestation, n = 100) and (b) controls consisting of mothers with term birth (>37 weeks of gestation, n = 100). Women with vaginal infection, non-cephalic presentation, multiple gestations, fetal anomalies, Cesarean delivery, pregnancy with Mullerian anomalies, or preeclampsia were excluded from the study. OS analysis was conducted by measuring levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and total protein and DNA damage were evaluated by CBMN-Cyt assay. Statistical analysis was performed using students' t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: Low levels of antioxidants SOD and CAT (p < .0001), and total protein (p < .0001), besides high malondialdehyde (byproduct of LPO) (p < .0001) were observed in the PTB group. Moreover, high frequencies of micronuclei (p < .0001) and nucleoplasmic buds (p < .01) were detected in the PTB mothers compared to term birth mothers, while no significance was observed in the nucleoplasmic bridge frequencies. Conclusion: When the body's immune system and antioxidants fail to cope up with the generated OS, it can lead to PTB. Along with other body tests, OS markers and CBMN-Cyt tests have the potential to be used in diagnostics for early warning as well as monitoring and advising mothers for a better pregnancy outcome.
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