Role of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense destabilization in the pathogenesis of hypoxia in premature infants

The presented literature review describes current views on the problem of preventive diagnosis of hypoxic states in premature infants. To date it is one of the most actual directions in neonatology as according to World Health Organization data, the number of premature births in the world grows annually, and children born earlier than 37 weeks of gestation are at the highest risk for perinatal losses and disability. Special role among disturbing factors is given to conditions related to oxygenation violation in different tissues and organs of a premature infant. Thus, the article deals with lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense destabilization and degree of their influence on the course of hypoxia. Special attention is paid to cytokine regulation of metabolic processes in a pregnant woman and an infant’s organism. Their role in the course of hypoxic states is emphasized, characteristic changes of some cytokine concentration in this pathology is described and also current views on the possibility of recombinant cytokines use as correction factors are presented. Literature analysis showed that despite significant success in the field of research of cytokine control of hemostasis of the human organism, the issue of pro- and anti-inflammatory interleukins’ role in oxidative stress in premature infants is still open. The authors consider that joint study of lipid peroxidation and cytokine profile may form extended viewpoint on hypoxia pathogenesis that will allow to prognose its severe and complicated course and to develop relevant correction methods.