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Updated: Sep 22, 2026
Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
Published on: May 4, 2020
Ferrous ions detected in iron-overloaded cord blood plasma from preterm and term babies: implications for oxidative
H M Berger1, S Mumby, J M Gutteridge
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Insights
Redox-active iron in newborn plasma may degrade DNA. This iron, chelated by bleomycin, exists in a reduced state due to low caeruloplasmin and high ascorbate levels at birth.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Redox-active iron, chelatable by bleomycin, is frequently found in neonatal plasma.
- Low caeruloplasmin and elevated ascorbate levels at birth may facilitate the ferrous state of this iron.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential activity of redox-active iron in neonatal plasma.
- To explore the role of neonatal plasma components in maintaining iron in a redox-active state.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cord blood plasma from preterm and term infants.
- Assessment of low molecular mass iron presence.
- DNA degradation assays in the presence of bleomycin and plasma.
Main Results:
- Thirteen cord blood samples confirmed the presence of low molecular mass iron.
- These samples demonstrated DNA degradation when incubated with bleomycin and plasma.
- Findings support the hypothesis of redox-active iron in neonatal plasma.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal plasma can contain redox-active iron capable of DNA damage.
- Plasma composition at birth influences iron's redox state and potential for oxidative activity.
Abstract:
Redox active iron chelatable to bleomycin is often present in the plasma of cord blood samples taken from preterm and term babies. The low caeruloplasmin and high ascorbate levels in plasma at birth may allow this iron to exist in the reduced ferrous state. In support of this postulate thirteen cord blood samples showing the presence of low molecular mass iron were able to degrade DNA in the presence of bleomycin and plasma.
