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Acute postnatal increase of extracellular antioxidant defence of neonates: the role of iron metabolism
Author(s) -
Szabó M,
Vásárhelyi B,
Balla G,
Szabó T,
Machay T,
Tulassay T
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2001.tb03248.x
Subject(s) - antioxidant , ferritin , lipid peroxidation , extracellular , transferrin , medicine , cord blood , endocrinology , metabolism , antioxidant capacity , physiology , biochemistry , biology
In this study we investigated the extracellular antioxidant capacity of neonates during the first two postnatal days and its association with iron metabolism. Cord blood and blood samples at 47 ± 6 postnatal hours were taken from 10 healthy neonates and their antioxidant capacity was determined using Randox Antioxidant kits and the heme‐specific antioxidant activity (HSAA). Randox indicates the chain‐breaking antioxidant capacity; HSAA corresponds to the ability to limit lipid peroxidation. Iron, ferritin and transferrin levels were also measured. Randox and HSAA values were 30% higher, ferritin was 100% higher and iron was 60% lower postnatally. The amount of change in HSAA values correlated with the change in ferritin level ( r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Conclusion : These results suggest that extracellular antioxidant capacity (both chain‐breaking and heme‐specific antioxidant activities) increases shortly after birth. Lower iron and higher ferritin levels could also be responsible for this phenomenon.