Normal delivery induced stress alters glutathione peroxidase and TNF-α in elderly primigravidas mononuclear cells

Do Delivery Mode and Anesthesia Management Alter Redox Setting in Neonates?

Objective Fetal-to-neonatal transition is accompanied by oxidative stress. The degree of oxidative damage may depend on several factors, such as delivery type and obstetric anesthesia type. The objective of the study was to determine if the delivery type and obstetric anesthesia type have an impact on oxidative stress levels in newborns.

Material and methods A prospective study included 150 newborns divided into three groups: neonates delivered vaginally, via cesarean section in general anesthesia, and via cesarean section in spinal anesthesia. Levels of pH, PaO2, lactate, glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were quantified and compared between groups.

Results Vaginal delivery was followed by the highest lactate and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels and lowest pH, PaO2, and glutathione peroxidase levels. Higher values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, PaO2, and glutathione peroxidase and lower pH values were noted in neonates delivered in general anesthesia in comparison to neonates delivered in spinal anesthesia.

Conclusions Neonates delivered in general anesthesia were most prone to oxidative stress, while neonates delivered in spinal anesthesia were least affected by reactive oxygen species.

Effect of Galohgor Cookies Intake by Postpartum Mother on Newborn’s Growth

Background: Malnutrition is one of serious public health problems that still need treatment priority. Besides the problem of over-nutrition continues to increase, the problem of under-nutrition has not been resolved properly. Utilization of local food such as galohgor can be an alternative to meet the nutritional needs. Objectives: The present study was aimed to analyze the effect of galohgor cookies intake by postpartum mothers on the newborn’s growth. Methods: The design was quasi-experimental design. There were two groups including the control group (CG) (n = 9) and the intervention group (GG) (n = 9). Postpartum mothers aged 20-35 years (parity between 2 and 5) with normal delivery and had no medical indication were involved in this study. A total of four pieces of cookie (~ 4 g of galohgor powder) were consumed daily from the 1st day until the 40th day after delivery. Anthropometric data (height, body weight, and head circumference) were obtained on day 0, 14 and 40 after delivery. Meanwhile, human milk samples were taken on day 14 and 40 to analyze the levels of human milk insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Results: The newborns in the GG had significantly heavier weight and larger head circumference than CG on day 14 and 40 after delivery (p <0.05). IGF-I could be maintained by consuming galohgor during postpartum period. However, this study found no differences in body length of both control and intervention group (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Intake of galohgor cookies by postpartum mothers might support the newborn’s growth.

Differential expression and distribution of placental glutathione peroxidases 1, 3 and 4 in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition affecting 2-7% of women and a leading cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality; it may also predispose the mother and fetus to increased risks of adult cardiovascular disease. The selenoprotein glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) have critical roles in regulating antioxidant status.

OBJECTIVES, STUDY DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Immunohistochemical measurements of GPx1, GPx3 and GPx4 protein expression were performed on samples taken from three standardised sampling sites between the cord insertion and the periphery of the placenta from 12 normotensive, and 12 preeclamptic women to establish if their expression differed between sampling sites. Total GPx activities were also examined from the three sampling sites of these placentae.

RESULTS

There were highly significant reductions in overall immunohistochemical staining of all 3 GPxs in the preeclampsia compared to normotensive placentae (GPx1: P=0.016; GPx3: P=0.003; GPx4: P<0.001). Furthermore, graded differences in expression between the standardised placental sampling sites were also found for GPx3 (higher in the inner region, P=0.05) and GPx4 (higher in the periphery, P=0.02) but not GPx1. Placental GPx enzyme activity was also significantly reduced in tissue from preeclamptic women as compared to normotensive women (P=0.007; the difference was more pronounced nearest the cord insertion).

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown highly significant reductions in expression of all three major classes of GPx in placentae from women with preeclampsia, and distribution gradients in activity, which may relate to the differential oxygenation of regions of the placenta.