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Bilirubin and ascorbate antioxidant activity in neonatal plasma
V Gopinathan1, N J Miller, A D Milner
1Free Radical Research Group, UMDS-Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
FEBS Letters
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Premature infants have lower antioxidant capacity at birth. While ascorbate levels rise, total antioxidant status improves post-partum, with bilirubin playing a key antioxidant role.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Research
Background:
- Extremely low birth weight premature infants possess limited antioxidant defenses.
- Antioxidant components not crossing the placenta until the third trimester impact neonatal status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare total antioxidant activity and individual antioxidant concentrations in premature neonates versus term infants.
- To investigate changes in antioxidant status and bilirubin levels post-partum.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from premature neonates (27±2 weeks gestation) and term babies (38-41 weeks gestation) were analyzed.
- Total antioxidant activity and specific antioxidant concentrations were measured.
- Bilirubin levels were assessed in both groups.
Main Results:
- Premature neonates exhibited elevated plasma ascorbate at birth but lower overall antioxidant status compared to term infants.
- Post-partum, ascorbate levels normalized, and plasma bilirubin increased significantly in both groups.
- Premature neonates showed increased total plasma antioxidant status by 5 days post-partum.
Conclusions:
- Bilirubin is a significant plasma antioxidant, as evidenced by its direct correlation with total antioxidant activity in term infants.
- Premature infants' antioxidant capacity undergoes dynamic changes post-birth, with bilirubin contributing to overall status.