Related Experiment Videos
Hydroxyl radical generation in oxygen-treated infants
G Lubec1, J A Widness, M Hayde
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Pediatrics
|October 2, 1997
Summary
Infants receiving supplemental oxygen therapy showed significantly higher urinary O-tyrosine levels, a marker of hydroxyl radical activity. This suggests oxygen-induced oxidative stress in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Medicine
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- The hydroxyl radical can oxidize phenylalanine to O-tyrosine.
- Understanding oxidative stress markers in neonates is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if supplemental oxygen therapy in neonates leads to increased urinary O-tyrosine levels.
- To assess O-tyrosine as a marker of hydroxyl radical attack in infants.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed urine samples from 39 neonates in an intensive care unit.
- Measured urinary O-tyrosine as a percentage of phenylalanine using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Utilized regression analyses to correlate O-tyrosine levels with clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Neonates on supplemental oxygen had significantly higher urinary O-tyrosine levels (0.40%) compared to those on room air (0.18%).
- Fractional inspired oxygen (FIO2) was the strongest predictor of urinary O-tyrosine.
- Renal fractional sodium excretion and Apgar score at 5 minutes also showed significant associations.
Conclusions:
- Elevated urinary O-tyrosine in neonates is strongly linked to supplemental oxygen exposure.
- This finding highlights the role of hydroxyl radical attack in oxygen-related neonatal injury.
- Suggests potential for O-tyrosine as a biomarker for monitoring oxygen-induced pathogenesis and developing interventions.