The Free Radical Diseases of Prematurity: From Cellular Mechanisms to Bedside

Lower plasma melatonin levels in non-hypoxic premature newborns associated with neonatal pain

We analyzed plasma melatonin levels in different groups of preterm newborns without hypoxia and their relationship with several perinatal variables like gestational age or neonatal pain. Prospective cohort study of preterm newborns (PTNB) without perinatal hypoxia, Apgar > 6 at 5 min, and oxygen needs on the third day of life. We compared melatonin levels at day 3 of life in different groups of non-hypoxic preterm infants (Student's t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and chi2) and analyzed the relationship of melatonin with GA, birth weight, neonatal pain (Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scale), caffeine treatment, parenteral nutrition, or the development of free radical diseases (correlation study, linear regression) and factors associated with moderate/intense pain and free radical diseases (logistic regression analysis). Sixty-one preterm infants with gestational age (GA) of 30.7 ± 2.0 weeks with no oxygen requirements at day 3 of life were studied with plasma melatonin levels of 33.8 ± 12.01 pg/ml. Preterm infants weighing < 1250 g at birth had lower plasma melatonin levels (p = 0.05). Preterm infants with moderate or severe pain (PPIPP > 5) have lower melatonin levels (p = 0.01), and being preterm with PIPP > 5 is associated with lower plasma melatonin levels (p = 0.03). Being very preterm (GA < 32 GS), having low weight for gestational age (LWGA), receiving caffeine treatment, or requiring parenteral nutrition did not modify melatonin levels in non-hypoxic preterm infants (p = NS). Melatonin on day 3 of life in non-hypoxic preterm infants is not associated with later development of free radical diseases (BPD, sepsis, ROP, HIV, NEC).

CONCLUSION

We observed that preterm infants with moderate to severe pain have lower melatonin levels. These findings are relevant because they reinforce the findings of other authors that melatonin supplementation decreases pain and oxidative stress in painful procedures in premature infants. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether melatonin could be used as an analgesic in painful procedures in preterm infants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration was not required since this was an observational study.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger in newborns under stress conditions: hypoxia, acidosis, hypotension, painful procedures, or parenteral nutrition. • Pain stimulates the production of melatonin. • Various studies conclude that melatonin administration decreases pain during the neonatal period.

WHAT IS NEW

• Non-hypoxic preterm infants with moderate to severe pain (PIPP>5) have lower levels of melatonin. • Administration of caffeine and treatment with parenteral nutrition do not modify melatonin levels in non-hypoxic preterm infants.

Improvement of point of care testing device for accurate whole blood glucose measurement in early neonates

BACKGROUND

It is important that blood glucose concentrations be accurately and conveniently measured in infants. However, especially in the early neonatal period, point-of-care testing devices used for adults may not accurately measure blood glucose concentrations in neonates.

METHODS

In Study 1, the accuracy of neonatal whole-blood glucose measurements was evaluated for the existing glucose analyser Glutest Mint® (hereinafter MINT1; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Nagoya, Japan) by comparing the data with reference blood glucose concentrations. In Study 2, we used MINT2, which was modified based on the findings from Study 1, to measure whole-blood glucose concentrations in newborns, and the accuracy of the measurements was compared with that of MINT1.

RESULTS

Blood glucose concentrations were measured in 100 infants each in Study 1 and 2. In Study 1, the whole-blood glucose concentrations measured using MINT1 were found to be significantly lower than the reference blood glucose concentrations in early neonates. The results of Study 1 suggested that characteristics of erythrocyte membranes in early neonates affected the measurements. Therefore, we conducted Study 2 using MINT2, which was modified to be less susceptible. MINT2 was found to accurately measure whole-blood glucose concentrations in the early neonatal period.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that the point-of-care testing device could be improved to allow for accurate whole-blood glucose measurements in the early neonatal period.

Hypoxic ischemic brain injury: animal models reveal new mechanisms of melatonin-mediated neuroprotection

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation play a key role in the development of hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) induced brain damage. Following H-I, rapid neuronal death occurs during the acute phase of inflammation, and activation of the oxidant-antioxidant system contributes to the brain damage by activated microglia. So far, in an animal model of perinatal H-I, it was showed that neuroprostanes are present in all brain damaged areas, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Based on the interplay between inflammation and OS, it was demonstrated in the same model that inflammation reduced brain sirtuin-1 expression and affected the expression of specific miRNAs. Moreover, through proteomic approach, an increased expression of genes and proteins in cerebral cortex synaptosomes has been revealed after induction of neonatal H-I. Administration of melatonin in the experimental treatment of brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases has produced promising therapeutic results. Melatonin protects against OS, contributes to reduce the generation of pro-inflammatory factors and promotes tissue regeneration and repair. Starting from the above cited aspects, this educational review aims to discuss the inflammatory and OS main pathways in H-I brain injury, focusing on the role of melatonin as neuroprotectant and providing current and emerging evidence.

Therapeutic potential of iron chelators in retinal vascular diseases

Iron is one of the necessary metal elements in the human body. There are numerous factors that control the balance of iron metabolism, and its storage and transportation mechanisms are intricate. As one of the most energy-intensive tissues in the body, the retina is susceptible to iron imbalance. The occurrence of iron overload in the retina leads to the generation of a significant quantity of reactive oxygen species. This will aggravate local oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions and even lead to ferroptosis, eventually resulting in retinal dysfunction. The blood-retina-retinal barrier is eventually harmed by oxidative stress and elevated inflammation, which are characteristics of retinal vascular disorders. The pathophysiology of retinal vascular disorders may be significantly influenced by iron. Recently, iron-chelating agents have been found to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions in addition to iron chelating. Therefore, iron neutralization is considered to be a new and potentially useful therapeutic strategy. This article reviews the iron overload in retinal vascular diseases and discusses the therapeutic potential of iron-chelating agents.

SLAB51 Multi-Strain Probiotic Formula Increases Oxygenation in Oxygen-Treated Preterm Infants

Preterm infants are at risk of hypoxia and hyperoxia because of the immaturity of their respiratory and antioxidant systems, linked to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a single administration of the SLAB51 probiotic formula in improving oxygenation in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)-affected premature babies, thus reducing their need for oxygen administration. Additionally, the capability of SLAB51 in activating the factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) responsible for antioxidant responses was evaluated in vitro. In two groups of oxygen-treated preterm infants with similar SaO2 values, SLAB51 or a placebo was given. After two hours, the SLAB51-treated group showed a significant increase in SaO2 levels and the SaO2/FiO2 ratio, while the control group showed no changes. Significantly increased Nrf2 activation was observed in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) exposed to SLAB51 lysates. In preterm infants, we confirmed the previously observed SLAB51's "oxygen-sparing effect", permitting an improvement in SaO2 levels. We also provided evidence of SLAB51's potential to enhance antioxidant responses, thus counteracting the detrimental effects of hyperoxia. Although further studies are needed to support our data, SLAB51 represents a promising approach to managing preterm infants requiring oxygen supplementation.

Melatonin as a Therapy for Preterm Brain Injury: What Is the Evidence?

Despite significant improvements in survival following preterm birth in recent years, the neurodevelopmental burden of prematurity, with its long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences, remains a significant challenge in neonatology. Neuroprotective treatment options to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants are therefore urgently needed. Alleviating inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS), melatonin might modify important triggers of preterm brain injury, a complex combination of destructive and developmental abnormalities termed encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP). Preliminary data also suggests that melatonin has a direct neurotrophic impact, emphasizing its therapeutic potential with a favorable safety profile in the preterm setting. The current review outlines the most important pathomechanisms underlying preterm brain injury and correlates them with melatonin's neuroprotective potential, while underlining significant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic uncertainties that need to be addressed in future studies.

Cardioprotective Effects of Dexmedetomidine in an Oxidative-Stress In Vitro Model of Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

Preterm birth is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. The preterm heart before terminal differentiation is in a phase that is crucial for the number and structure of cardiomyocytes in further development, with adverse effects of hypoxic and hyperoxic events. Pharmacological intervention could attenuate the negative effects of oxygen. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an α2-adrenoceptor agonist and has been mentioned in connection with cardio-protective benefits. In this study, H9c2 myocytes and primary fetal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) were cultured for 24 h under hypoxic condition (5% O₂), corresponding to fetal physioxia (pO₂ 32-45 mmHg), ambient oxygen (21% O₂, pO₂ ~150 mmHg), or hyperoxic conditions (80% O₂, pO₂ ~300 mmHg). Subsequently, the effects of DEX preconditioning (0.1 µM, 1 µM, 10 µM) were analyzed. Modulated oxygen tension reduced both proliferating cardiomyocytes and transcripts (CycD2). High-oxygen tension induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. Cell-death-associated transcripts for caspase-dependent apoptosis (Casp3/8) increased, whereas caspase-independent transcripts (AIF) increased in H9c2 cells and decreased in NRCMs. Autophagy-related mediators (Atg5/12) were induced in H9c2 under both oxygen conditions, whereas they were downregulated in NRCMs. DEX preconditioning protected H9c2 and NRCMs from oxidative stress through inhibition of transcription of the oxidative stress marker GCLC, and inhibited the transcription of both the redox-sensitive transcription factors Nrf2 under hyperoxia and Hif1α under hypoxia. In addition, DEX normalized the gene expression of Hippo-pathway mediators (YAP1, Tead1, Lats2, Cul7) that exhibited abnormalities due to differential oxygen tensions compared with normoxia, suggesting that DEX modulates the activation of the Hippo pathway. This, in the context of the protective impact of redox-sensitive factors, may provide a possible rationale for the cardio-protective effects of DEX in oxygen-modulated requirements on survival-promoting transcripts of immortalized and fetal cardiomyocytes.

Dexmedetomidine Protects Cerebellar Neurons against Hyperoxia-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Juvenile Rat

The risk of oxidative stress is unavoidable in preterm infants and increases the risk of neonatal morbidities. Premature infants often require sedation and analgesia, and the commonly used opioids and benzodiazepines are associated with adverse effects. Impairment of cerebellar functions during cognitive development could be a crucial factor in neurodevelopmental disorders of prematurity. Recent studies have focused on dexmedetomidine (DEX), which has been associated with potential neuroprotective properties and is used as an off-label application in neonatal units. Wistar rats (P6) were exposed to 80% hyperoxia for 24 h and received as pretreatment a single dose of DEX (5µg/kg, i.p.). Analyses in the immature rat cerebellum immediately after hyperoxia (P7) and after recovery to room air (P9, P11, and P14) included examinations for cell death and inflammatory and oxidative responses. Acute exposure to high oxygen concentrations caused a significant oxidative stress response, with a return to normal levels by P14. A marked reduction of hyperoxia-mediated damage was demonstrated after DEX pretreatment. DEX produced a much earlier recovery than in controls, confirming a neuroprotective effect of DEX on alterations elicited by oxygen stress on the developing cerebellum.

Oxygen for the Newborn: Friend or Foe?

Oxygen supplementation is widely used in neonatal care, however, it can also cause toxic effects if not used properly. Therefore, it appears crucial to find a balance in oxygen administration to avoid damage as a consequence of its insufficient or excessive use. Oxygen toxicity is mainly due to the production of oxygen radicals, molecules normally produced in humans and involved in a myriad of physiological reactions. In the neonatal period, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidant defenses, the so-called oxidative stress, might occur, causing severe pathological consequences. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of the production of oxygen radicals and their physiological functions in determining a set of diseases grouped together as "free radical diseases in the neonate". In addition, we describe the evolution of the oxygenation target recommendations during neonatal resuscitation and post-stabilization phases with the aim to define the best oxygen administration according to the newest evidence.

Melatonin in Newborn Infants Undergoing Surgery: A Pilot Study on Its Effects on Postoperative Oxidative Stress

Surgery is frequently associated with excessive oxidative stress. Melatonin acts as an antioxidant and transient melatonin deficiency has been described in neonatal surgical patients. This randomized, blinded, prospective pilot study tested the hypothesis that oral melatonin supplementation in newborn infants undergoing surgery is effective in reducing perioperative oxidative stress. A total of twenty-three newborn infants requiring surgery were enrolled: 10 received a single dose of oral melatonin 0.5 mg/kg in the morning, before surgery (MEL group), and 13 newborns served as the control group (untreated group). Plasma concentrations of melatonin, Non-Protein-Bound Iron (NPBI), Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP), and F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were measured. Both in the pre- and postoperative period, melatonin concentrations were significantly higher in the MEL group than in the untreated group (preoperative: 1265.50 ± 717.03 vs. 23.23 ± 17.71 pg/mL, p < 0.0001; postoperative: 1465.20 ± 538.38 vs. 56.47 ± 37.18 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Melatonin significantly increased from the pre- to postoperative period in the untreated group (23.23 ± 17.71 vs. 56.47 ± 37.18 pg/mL; pg/mL p = 0.006). In the MEL group, the mean blood concentrations of NPBI, F2-IsoPs, and AOPP significantly decreased from the pre- to the postoperative period (4.69 ± 3.85 vs. 1.65 ± 1.18 micromol/dL, p = 0.049; 128.40 ± 92.30 vs. 50.25 ± 47.47 pg/mL, p = 0.037 and 65.18 ± 15.50 vs. 43.98 ± 17.92 micromol/dL, p = 0.022, respectively). Melatonin concentration increases physiologically from the pre- to the postoperative period, suggesting a defensive physiologic response to counteract oxidative stress. The administration of exogenous melatonin in newborn infants undergoing surgery reduces lipid and protein peroxidation in the postoperative period, showing a potential role in protecting babies from the deleterious consequences of oxidative stress.

The relationship of melatonin concentration in preterm infants and adverse outcomes in the late neonatal period

Introduction

The aim of research was to assess the melatonin concentrations in the early neonatal period as a predictor of adverse outcomes of late neonatal period in preterm infants and to estimate its optimal predictive cut-off values.

Materials and methods

A total of 115 preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were screened for eligibility, five did not meet the criteria, six parents declined the participation. So, a total of 104 preterm infants with gestational age 25-34 weeks were included in research. The concentration of melatonin in urine was determined by the Enzyme Immunoassay method (Human Melatonin Sulfate ELISA kit, Elabscience, China). The Mann-Whitney U-test and analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used in statistical analysis.

Results

Analysis of the ROC curves has revealed optimal cut-off values for urinary melatonin concentration to predict late outcomes. Melatonin concentration below 3.58 ng/ml with sensitivity of 72% can predict development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (AUC = 0.73; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.61-0.86). Good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.80; 95% CI 0.67-0.93) has been shown for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The optimal cut-off value for melatonin concentration in BPD prediction is 3.71 ng/ml (sensitivity 80%, specificity 64%). Urinary melatonin concentration below 3.79 ng/ml can be associated with late-onset sepsis (AUC = 0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.87; sensitivity 72%; specificity 62%). There were no significant associations between melatonin concentration and necrotizing enterocolitis (P = 0.912).

Conclusion

Urinary melatonin concentration below the certain cut-off values in the early neonatal period may serve as one of the predictors of adverse outcomes such as BPD, ROP, and late-onset sepsis in the late neonatal period in preterm infants.

Iron supplementation and the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low gestational age newborns

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between iron exposure and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the PENUT Trial dataset was conducted. The primary outcome was BPD at 36 weeks gestational age and primary exposures of interest were cumulative iron exposures in the first 28 days and through 36 weeks' gestation. Descriptive statistics were calculated for study cohort characteristics with analysis adjusted for the factors used to stratify randomization.

RESULTS

Of the 941 patients, 821 (87.2%) survived to BPD evaluation at 36 weeks, with 332 (40.4%) diagnosed with BPD. The median cohort gestational age was 26 weeks and birth weight 810 g. In the first 28 days, 76% of infants received enteral iron and 55% parenteral iron. The median supplemental cumulative enteral and parenteral iron intakes at 28 days were 58.5 and 3.1 mg/kg, respectively, and through 36 weeks' 235.8 and 3.56 mg/kg, respectively. We found lower volume of red blood cell transfusions in the first 28 days after birth and higher enteral iron exposure in the first 28 days after birth to be associated with lower rates of BPD.

CONCLUSIONS

We find no support for an increased risk of BPD with iron supplementation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01378273. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01378273 IMPACT: Prior studies and biologic plausibility raise the possibility that iron administration could contribute to the pathophysiology of oxidant-induced lung injury and thus bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. For 24-27-week premature infants, this study finds no association between total cumulative enteral iron supplementation at either 28-day or 36-week postmenstrual age and the risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Triazole based novel molecules as potential therapeutic agents: Synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, in-silico ADME profiling and molecular docking studies

In this study, eight new compounds (7a-h) based on triazole compounds containing ester groups were synthesized with high yields. The structures of the synthesized compounds (7a-h) were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods (element analysis, FT-IR, ¹H-(¹³C) NMR). Antioxidant, anticancer, and α-amylase enzyme inhibition activities of synthesized new triazole derivatives were carried out, and the effects of different groups on the activity were investigated. When the determined antioxidant properties of the compounds were examined, all synthesized compounds showed a moderate radical scavenging effect against radicals depending on the concentration (6.25-200 g/mL). All compounds except the three derivatives were found to have higher IC₅₀ values than the standard drug acarbose (IC₅₀: 891 μg/mL) according to the α-amylase enzyme inhibition results. Compound 7g (IC₅₀: 50 g/mL) was discovered to have nearly eighteen (18) times the activity of the conventional medication acarbose (IC₅₀: 891 μg/mL). Compounds synthesized for anticancer activity studies were screened against the Hela cell line, and the results were compared with standard cis-platinum (IC₅₀: 16.30 μg/mL). Compound 7g (IC₅₀: 19.78 μg/mL) was found to have almost the same activity as cis-platinum. Using Qikprop, the compounds were thoroughly tested for ADME qualities, and none violated any drug similarity standards. According to ADME data, whole physicochemical drug-likeness parameters of molecules remained within defined ranges as stipulated in the Lipinski rules (RO5) and revealed a high bioavailability profile. The molecular docking results with 2QV4 and 4GQR alpha-amylase enzymes demonstrated that all molecules have a high affinity, indicating polar and apolar interaction with critical amino acids in the α-amylase binding pocket.

The effect of individualized iron supplementation on iron status in Dutch preterm infants born between 32 and 35 weeks of gestational age: evaluation of a local guideline

OBJECTIVE

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in early life are associated with adverse effects. Preterm infants are at risk for developing ID(A). Considering that not every preterm infant develops ID(A) and the potential risk of iron overload, indiscriminate iron supplementation in late preterm infants is debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a locally implemented guideline regarding individualized iron supplementation on the prevalence of ID(A) at the postnatal age of 4-6 months in Dutch preterm infants born between 32 and 35 weeks of gestational age (GA).

METHODS

An observational study comparing the prevalence of ID(A) at the postnatal age of 4-6 months in Dutch preterm infants born between 32 and 35 weeks of GA before (i.e. PRE-guideline group) and after (i.e. POST-guideline group) implementation of the local guideline.

RESULTS

Out of 372 eligible preterm infants, 110 were included (i.e. 72 and 38 in the PRE- and POST-guideline group, respectively). ID- and IDA-prevalence rates at 4-6 months of age in the PRE-guideline group were 36.1% and 13.9%, respectively, and in the POST-guideline group, 21.1% and 7.9%, respectively, resulting in a significant decrease in ID-prevalence of 15% and IDA-prevalence of 6%. No indication of iron overload was found.

CONCLUSION

An individualized iron supplementation guideline for preterm infants born between 32 and 35 weeks GA reduces ID(A) at the postnatal age of 4-6 months without indication of iron overload.

Neonatal diseases and oxidative stress in premature infants: an integrative review

OBJECTIVE

To describe the relationship of oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers in cord blood of premature newborns and the prognosis of diseases in the neonatal period.

SOURCES

This study consists of an integrative review. Searches were conducted in electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline/Lilacs through the Virtual Library on Health Issues, using the descriptors: "premature infants", "preterm infants", "preterm birth", "preterm", "oxidative stress", "antioxidants", "infant, premature, diseases" and "cord blood". Original articles published between 2016 and 2021 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, which analyzed oxidative stress and/or antioxidant levels through cord blood of premature newborns and evaluated clinical outcomes, were included.

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS

Of the 1,003 studies reviewed, after exclusion of duplicate articles, analysis of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 18 articles were included. 72.2% (n = 13) of analyzed studies reported a positive association between oxidative stress and the development of prematurity-related diseases; 27.7% (n = 5) showed no significant relation. Outcomes that showed a positive association were: intrauterine growth restriction, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, fetal inflammatory response syndrome, early-onset neonatal sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity, morbidity, and mortality.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of oxidative stress and antioxidants in cord blood of premature newborns may be useful in the prognosis of some pathologies. The consequences of oxidative damage are known to be associated with increased morbidity in the short and long term. Further investigation is needed in this population in order to define normality parameters of biomarkers, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antimutagenic and Antiviral Activity of Moringa oleifera L. Leaf Infusion: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves are rich in nutrients and antioxidant compounds that can be consumed to prevent and overcome malnutrition. The water infusion of its leaf is the easiest way to prepare the herbal drink. So far, no information is available on the antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antivirus capacities of this infusion. This study aimed to determine the composition of the bioactive compounds in M. oleifera leaf infusion, measuring for antioxidant and antimutagenic activity, and evaluating any ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The first two objectives were carried out in vitro. The third objective was carried out in silico. The phytochemical analysis of M. oleifera leaf infusion was carried out using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was measured as a factor of the presence of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The antimutagenicity of M. oleifera leaf powder infusion was measured using the plasmid pBR322 (treated free radical). The interaction between bioactive compounds and Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 was analyzed via molecular docking. The totals of phenolic compound and flavonoid compound from M. oleifera leaf infusion were 1.780 ± 5.00 µg gallic acid equivalent/g (µg GAE/g) and 322.91 ± 0.98 µg quercetin equivalent/g (µg QE/g), respectively. The five main bioactive compounds involved in the infusion were detected by LC-MS. Three of these were flavonoid glucosides, namely quercetin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-neohesperidoside, and kaempferol 3-α-L-dirhamnosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside. The other two compounds were undulatoside A, which belongs to chromone-derived flavonoids, and gentiatibetine, which belongs to alkaloids. The antioxidant activity of M. oleifera leaf infusion was IC50 8.19 ± 0.005 µg/mL, which is stronger than the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) IC50 11.60 ± 0.30 µg/mL. The infusion has an antimutagenic effect and therefore protects against deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. In silico studies showed that the five main bioactive compounds have an antiviral capacity. There were strong energy bonds between Mpro molecules and gentiatibetine, quercetin, undulatoside A, kaempferol 3-o-neohesperidoside, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside. Their binding energy values are −5.1, −7.5, −7.7, −5.7, and −8.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Their antioxidant activity, ability to maintain DNA integrity, and antimutagenic properties were more potent than the positive controls. It can be concluded that leaf infusion of M. oleifera does provide a promising herbal drink with good antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antivirus capacities.

Retinopathy of prematurity: contribution of inflammatory and genetic factors

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vasoproliferative disorder that represents an important cause of childhood visual impairment and blindness. Although oxidative stress has long been implicated in ROP etiology, other prenatal and perinatal factors are also involved. This review focuses on current research involving inflammation and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of ROP. Increasing evidence suggests that perinatal inflammation or infection contributes to ROP pathogenesis. Cytokines and chemokines with a fundamental role in inflammatory responses and that significantly contributing to angiogenesis are analyzed. Microglia cells, the retinal-resident macrophages, are crucial for retinal homeostasis, however, under sustained pathological stimuli release exaggerated amounts of inflammatory mediators and can promote pathological neovascularization. Current modulation of angiogenic cytokines, such as treatment with antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), has shown efficacy in the treatment of ocular neovascularization; however, some patients are refractory to anti-VEGF agents, suggesting that other angiogenic or anti-angiogenic cytokines need to be identified. Much evidence suggests that genetic factors contribute to the phenotypic variability of ROP. Several studies have implicated the involvement of candidate genes from different signaling pathways in the development of ROP. However, a genetic component with a major impact on ROP has not yet been discovered. Most studies have limitations and did not replicate results. Future research involving bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics may contribute to finding more genes associated with ROP and may allow discovering better solutions in the management and treatment of ROP.

Antioxidant Effect of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns

Introduction

Preterm infants are at risk of free radical-mediated diseases from oxidative stress (OS) injury. Increased free radical generation has been demonstrated in preterm infants during the first seven days of life. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. In preterm neonates, melatonin deficiency has been reported. Exogenous melatonin administration appears a promising strategy in the treatment of neonatal morbidities in which OS has a leading role.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate plasma MEL concentrations and OS biomarkers in preterm newborns after early administration of melatonin.

Methods

A prospective, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020. Thirty-six preterm newborns were enrolled. Starting from the first day of life, 21 received a single dose of oral melatonin 0.5 mg/kg once a day, in the morning (MEL group); 15 newborns received an equivalent dose of placebo (placebo group). Samples of 0.2 mL of plasma were collected at 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration. Plasma concentrations of melatonin, non-protein-bound iron (NPBI), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and F2-isoprostanes (F2-Isopr) were measured. Babies were clinically followed until discharge.

Results

At 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration, the MEL concentrations were significantly higher in the MEL group than in the placebo group (52759.30 ± 63529.09 vs. 28.57 ± 46.24 pg/mL and 279397.6 ± 516344.2 vs. 38.50 ± 44.01 pg/mL, respectively). NPBI and AOPP did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups both at 24 and 48 hours. At 48 hours, the mean blood concentrations of F2-Isopr were significantly lower in the MEL group than in the placebo group (36.48 ± 33.85 pg/mL vs.89.97 ± 52.01 pg/mL).

Conclusions

Early melatonin administration in preterm newborns reduces lipid peroxidation in the first days of life showing a potential role to protect high-risk newborns. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with NCT04785183, Early Supplementation of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns: the Effects on Oxidative Stress.

Influence of Oxidative Stress Generated by Smoking during Pregnancy on Glutathione Status in Mother-Newborn Pairs

Glutathione plays a key role in maintaining a physiological balance between prooxidants and antioxidants in the human body. Therefore, we examined the influence of maternal smoking as a source of oxidative stress measured by total oxidant capacity (TOC) on reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3), and reductase (GR) amount in maternal and umbilical cord blood in 110 (45 smoking and 65 non-smoking) mother-newborn pairs. Concentrations of glutathione status markers and TOC were evaluated by competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay technique. Plasma TOC levels were significantly higher and the GSH/GSSG ratio, which is considered an index of the cell’s redox status, were significantly lower in smoking women and their offspring than in non-smoking pairs. Decreased GR levels were found in smoking mothers and their newborns compared with similar non-smoking groups. Although plasma GPx-3 concentrations were similar in both maternal groups, in the cord blood of newborns exposed to tobacco smoke in utero they were reduced compared with the levels observed in children of tobacco abstinent mothers. Oxidative stress generated by tobacco smoke impairs glutathione homeostasis in both the mother and the newborn. The severity of oxidative processes in the mother co-existing with the reduced potential of antioxidant systems may have a negative effect on the oxidative-antioxidant balance in the newborn.

The relationship between intermittent hypoxemia events and neural outcomes in neonates

This brief review examines 1) patterns of intermittent hypoxemia in extremely preterm infants during early postnatal life, 2) the relationship between neonatal intermittent hypoxemia exposure and outcomes in both human and animal models, 3) potential mechanistic pathways, and 4) future alterations in clinical care that may reduce morbidity. Intermittent hypoxemia events are pervasive in extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks gestation at birth) during early postnatal life. An increased frequency of intermittent hypoxemia events has been associated with a range of poor neural outcomes including language and cognitive delays, motor impairment, retinopathy of prematurity, impaired control of breathing, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Neonatal rodent models have shown that exposure to short repetitive cycles of hypoxia induce a pathophysiological cascade. However, not all patterns of intermittent hypoxia are deleterious and some may even improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. Therapeutic interventions include supplemental oxygen, pressure support and pharmacologic drugs but prolonged hyperoxia and pressure exposure have been associated with cardiopulmonary morbidity. Therefore, it becomes imperative to distinguish high risk from neutral and/or even beneficial patterns of intermittent hypoxemia during early postnatal life. Identification of such patterns could improve clinical care with targeted interventions for high-risk patterns and minimal or no exposure to treatment modalities for low-risk patterns.

Management of oxygen saturation monitoring in preterm newborns in the NICU: the Italian picture

Background

Although many studies emphasize the importance of using oxygen saturation (SpO₂) targets in the NICUs, there is a wide variability in used saturation ranges among centers. Primary aim was to draw a representative picture on how the management of oxygen monitoring is performed in the Italian NICUs. Second aim was to identify healthcare-professionals related factors associated with oxygen targeting in the preterm population.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with data collection via an electronic survey form. A questionnaire containing pre-piloted and open questions on monitoring and management of the SpO₂ was administered to neonatologists across the network of the Italian Society of Neonatology. The questions focused on: the infrastructure, specific training, healthcare professionals and patients-related factors. The results of the survey were anonymously collected, summarized and analyzed.

Results

Out of 378 questionnaires, 93 were correctly filled. Thirty-six different SpO₂ ranges were observed. Centers using written standard operating procedures on oxygen management and SpO₂ monitoring maintained a correct average range of SpO₂ 90–95%, avoided hyperoxia and reconsidered saturation targets in relation to comorbidities. 39.8% of responders disabled alarms during neonatal care. One center used biomarkers for complete monitoring of neonatal oxygenation status.

Conclusions

There is considerable variation in SpO₂ targets for preterm infants in the Italian NICUs. Standard operating procedures and specific training for health care personnel are the main factors playing a role for the correct maintenance of the recommended oxygen targets in preterms.

Nationwide survey of late-onset hemolysis in very low birthweight infants

BACKGROUND

In Japan, some cases of late-onset acute hemolysis in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants have been reported. These cases had common features but the cause of hemolysis was unknown. The incidence and prognosis of this disease are also unknown. However, there are only few reports of such hemolytic episodes in countries other than Japan. Thus, this study aimed to examine the incidence and clinical course of late-onset acute hemolysis and to establish it as a new disease concept.

METHODS

A nationwide prospective survey was conducted from 2011 to 2015 as a rare disease surveillance project of the Japan Society for Neonatal Health and Development.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases were confirmed. The median (range) gestational age, birthweight, and onset of hemolytic episodes were 26 weeks and 2 days (23 weeks and 4 days-31 weeks and 2 days), 898 g (627-1,416 g), and 19 days after birth (9-33 days), respectively. Phototherapy, blood transfusion, and exchange transfusion were required in 22 (96%), 24 (100%), and 7 (29%) cases, respectively. During the observation period, no recurrence of the hemolytic episode occurred. All patients survived; however, one case developed kernicterus and suffered severe neurological sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, at least 1 out of 1,259 VLBW infants developed hemolysis at 9-33 days after birth in Japan. Owing to the risk of kernicterus, this disease should be recognized as among the important pathological conditions of VLBW infants, suggesting the need to manage jaundice and anemia until 5 weeks after birth.

Forty-One Plant Extracts Screened for Dual Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Functions: Evaluating the Types of Correlation between -Amylase Inhibition and Free Radical Scavenging

Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis followed by chronic hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM), a disease spreading as a worldwide pandemic for which there is no satisfactory dietary treatment or cure. The development of glucose-controlling drugs that can prevent complications of DM, such as hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, which contribute to the impairment of the key physiological processes in the body, is of grave importance. In pursuit of this goal, this study screened 41 plant extracts for their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities by employing assays to test for α-amylase inhibition and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and by measuring glucose uptake in L6-GLUT4myc cells. While extracts of Rhus coriaria, Punica granatum, Olea europaea, Pelargonium spp., Stevia rebaudiana, and Petroselinum crispum demonstrated significant α-amylase inhibition, the extracts of Rhus coriaria and Pelargonium spp. also demonstrated increased FRSA, and the extract of Rhus coriaria stimulated glucose uptake. These natural extracts, which are believed to have fewer side effects because they are prepared from edible plants, interfere with the process in the small intestine that breaks down dietary carbohydrates into monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives, and thereby suppress increases in diet-induced blood glucose; hence, they may have clinical value for type 2 diabetes management. The Pelargonium spp. and Rhus coriaria extracts demonstrated the highest antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. Both plants may offer valuable medical benefits, especially because they can be taken as dietary supplements by patients with diabetes and can serve as sources of new, natural-based antidiabetic drug candidates. The enhancement of cellular glucose uptake stimulated by Rhus coriaria extract could lead to the development of clinical applications that regulate blood glucose levels from within the circulatory system. Isolating bioactive substances from these plant extracts and testing them in diabetic mice will significantly advance the development of natural drugs that have both antidiabetic and free radical-scavenging properties, likely with lesser side effects.

Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress for Neonatal Lung Disease

The transition from prenatal to postnatal life causes a significant increase in arterial oxygen tension and the activation of metabolic pathways enabling the newborn's adaptation to the extra-uterine environment. The balance between pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant systems is critical to preserve cellular functions. Indeed, oxidative stress (OS) occurs when the production of free radicals is not balanced by the activity of intracellular antioxidant systems, contributing to cellular and tissue damage. Perinatal OS may have serious health consequences during the postnatal period and later in life. Namely, OS has been recognized as the major cause of lung injury in newborns, especially those preterm born, due to their immature lung and antioxidant systems. The development of OS biomarkers has gained increasing research interest since they may provide useful insights about pathophysiological pathways underlying OS-mediated pulmonary diseases in newborns. Moreover, their implementation in clinical settings may help to early identify high risk-newborns and to provide targeted treatment. Ideally, a biomarker should demonstrate ease of use, biological validity and reproducibility, high sensitivity and specificity. However, none of the clinically validated biomarkers so far have been qualified for neonatal lung disease. Additionally, the complex technical procedures and the high cost of such determinations have hampered the use of OS biomarkers in clinical practice. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the application of biomarkers of oxidative stress for neonatal lung disease and exploring the most relevant issues affecting their implementation in practice, as well as the associated evidence gaps and research limitations.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia requiring tracheostomy: A review of management and outcomes

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is a pulmonary disease affecting newborns, commonly those with prematurity or low birth weight. Its pathogenesis involves underdevelopment of lung tissue with subsequent limitations in ventilation and oxygenation, resulting in impaired postnatal alveolarization. Despite advances in care with improved survival, BPD remains a prevalent comorbidity of prematurity. In severe cases, management may involve mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. BPD's demand for multidisciplinary care compounds the challenges in management of this condition. Here, we review existing literature: the history of disease, criteria for diagnosis, pathogenesis, and modes of treatment with a focus on the severe subtype: that which is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PAH) for which tracheostomy is often required to facilitate long-term mechanical ventilation. We review the current recommendations for tracheostomy and decannulation.

Dose-dependent effect of human milk on Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants

Background and aim

Human milk has potential protective effects against bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, studies on the association between the dose of human milk and BPD in China are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of human milk on BPD and other neonatal morbidities in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of preterm infants was conducted on preterm infants of gestational age ≤ 34 weeks and birth weight < 1500 g admitted to the multicenter clinical research database for breastfeeding quality improvement in Jiangsu province. The multivariate analysis was performed to compare the effect outcomes of daily graded doses [1–24 mL/(kg · day), 25–49 mL/(kg · day), and ≥ 50 mL/(kg · day) of body weight] of human milk on neonatal outcomes throughout the first 4 weeks of life versus a reference group receiving no human milk. The models were adjusted for potential confounding variables.

Results

Of 964 included infants, 279 (28.9%) received exclusive preterm formula, 128 (13.3%) received 1–24 ml/(kg · day), 139 (14.4%) received 25–49 ml/(kg · day), and 418 (43.4%) received ≥50 ml/(kg · day) human milk for the first 4 weeks of life. Compared with infants receiving exclusive formula, those receiving the highest volume of human milk daily [≥50 mL/(kg · day)] had lower incidences of BPD [27.5% in ≥50 mL/(kg · day) vs 40.1% in 0 mL/(kg · day) human milk, P = 0.001)], moderate and severe BPD [8.9% in ≥50 mL/(kg · day) vs 16.1% in 0 mL/(kg · day), P = 0.004], necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC; 3.8% in ≥50 mL/(kg · day) vs 10.8% in 0 mL/(kg · day), P = 0.001], late-onset sepsis [LOS; 9.3% in ≥50 mL/(kg · day) vs 19.7% in 0 mL/(kg · day), P <0.01], and extrauterine growth retardation [EUGR; 38.5% in ≥50 mL/(kg · day) vs 57.6% in 0 mL/(kg · day), P <0.01)]. The logistic regression indicated that those receiving ≥50 ml/kg · day human milk had lower odds of BPD [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.453; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.309, 0.666], moderate and severe BPD (AOR 0.430; 95% CI: 0.249, 0.742), NEC (AOR 0.314; 95% CI: 0.162, 0. 607), LOS (AOR 0.420; 95% CI: 0.263, 0.673), and EUGR (AOR 0.685; 95% CI: 0.479, 0.979).

Conclusions

A daily threshold amount of ≥50 ml/(kg · day) human milk in the first 4 weeks of life was associated with lower incidence of BPD as well as NEC, LOS, and EUGR in VLBW infants.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03453502. Registration date: March 5, 2018. This study was retrospectively registered.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12887-020-02394-1.

Elevated Pro-Inflammatory Cell-Free MicroRNA Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Premature Infants after Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) represents a high risk of neonatal mortality and later neurodevelopmental impairment in prematurity. IVH is accompanied with inflammation, hemolysis, and extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation. However, microRNA (miRNA) expression in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of preterm infants with IVH has been unknown. Therefore, in the present study, candidate pro-inflammatory cell-free miRNAs were analyzed in CSF samples from 47 preterm infants with grade III or IV IVH vs. clinical controls (n = 14). miRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR, normalized to “spike-in” cel-miR-39. Oxidized Hb and total heme levels were determined by spectrophotometry as well as IL-8, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin concentrations by ELISA. To reveal the origin of the investigated miRNAs, controlled hemolysis experiments were performed in vitro; in addition, human choroid plexus epithelial cell (HCPEpiC) cultures were treated with metHb, ferrylHb, heme, or TNF-α to replicate IVH-triggered cellular conditions. Levels of miR-223, miR-155, miR-181b, and miR-126 as well as Hb metabolites along with IL-8 were elevated in CSF after the onset of IVH vs. controls. Significant correlations were observed among the miRNAs, oxidized Hb forms, and the soluble adhesion molecules. During the post-IVH follow-up, attenuated expression of miRNAs and protein biomarkers in CSF was observed upon elimination of Hb metabolites. These miRNAs remained unaffected by a series of artificially induced hemolysis, which excluded red blood cells as their origin, while stimulation of HCPEpiCs with oxidized Hb fractions and heme resulted in increased extracellular miRNA levels in the cell culture supernatant. Overall, the hemorrhage-induced CSF miRNAs reflected inflammatory conditions as potential biomarkers in preterm IVH.

Oxidative stress biomarkers in the perinatal period: Diagnostic and prognostic value

Perinatal oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the physiopathology of many pregnancy-related disorders and is largely responsible for cellular, tissue and organ damage that occur in the perinatal period especially in preterm infants, leading to the so-called "free-radicals related diseases of the newborn". Reliable biomarkers of lipid, protein, DNA oxidation and antioxidant power in the perinatal period have been demonstrated to show specificity for the disease, to have prognostic power or to correlate with disease activity. Yet potential clinical applications of oxidative stress biomarkers in neonatology are still under study. Overcoming the technical and economic difficulties that preclude the use of OS biomarkers in the clinical practice is a challenge that needs to be overcome to identify high-risk subjects and to predict their short- and long-term outcome. Cord blood, urine and saliva represent valid and ethically acceptable biological samples for investigations in the perinatal period.

Early predictors of perinatal brain damage: the role of neurobiomarkers

The early detection of perinatal brain damage in preterm and term newborns (i.e. intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and perinatal asphyxia) still constitute an unsolved issue. To date, despite technological improvement in standard perinatal monitoring procedures, decreasing the incidence of perinatal mortality, the perinatal morbidity pattern has a flat trend. Against this background, the measurement of brain constituents could be particularly useful in the early detection of cases at risk for short-/long-term brain injury. On this scenario, the main European and US international health-care institutions promoted perinatal clinical and experimental neuroprotection research projects aimed at validating and including a panel of biomarkers in the clinical guidelines. Although this is a promising attempt, there are several limitations that do not allow biomarkers to be included in standard monitoring procedures. The main limitations are: (i) the heterogeneity of neurological complications in the perinatal period, (ii) the small cohort sizes, (iii) the lack of multicenter investigations, (iv) the different techniques for neurobiomarkers assessment, (iv) the lack of consensus for the validation of assays in biological fluids such as urine and saliva, and (v), the lack of reference curves according to measurement technique and biological fluid. In the present review we offer an up-to-date overview of the most promising developments in the use of biomarkers in the perinatal period such as calcium binding proteins (S100B protein), vasoactive agents (adrenomedullin), brain biomarkers (activin A, neuron specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-L1) and oxidative stress markers.

Benefits and harms of increased inspiratory oxygen concentrations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The topic of perioperative hyperoxia remains controversial, with valid arguments on both the 'pro' and 'con' side. On the 'pro' side, the prevention of surgical site infections was a strong argument, leading to the recommendation of the use of hyperoxia in the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and the WHO. On the 'con' side, the pathophysiology of hyperoxia has increasingly been acknowledged, in particular the pulmonary side effects and aggravation of ischaemia/reperfusion injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Some 'pro' articles leading to the Center for Disease Control and WHO guidelines advocating perioperative hyperoxia have been retracted, and the recommendations were downgraded from 'strong' to 'conditional'. At the same time, evidence that supports a tailored, more restrictive use of oxygen, for example, in patients with myocardial infarction or following cardiac arrest, is accumulating.

SUMMARY

The change in recommendation exemplifies that despite much work performed on the field of hyperoxia recently, evidence on either side of the argument remains weak. Outcome-based research is needed for reaching a definite recommendation.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells ameliorate hyperoxia-induced lung injury in a mouse model

Hyperoxia-induced lung injury occurs in neonates on oxygen support due to premature birth, often leading to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Current treatment options have limited effect. The aim of this study was to determine if human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and those differentiated to an alveolar-like phenotype (diPSCs) could repair hyperoxia-induced lung damage in a mouse model. Neonatal C57BL6/J mice were separated into two groups and exposed to 75% oxygen over 6 or 14 days. Cell treatments were instilled intra-orally following removal. Controls included hyperoxia, normoxia, and a vehicle. 7 and 14 days post treatment, lungs were extracted and histomorphometric analysis performed. Gene expression of markers mediating inflammation (Tgfβ1, Nfkb1, and Il-6) were investigated. In addition, exosomes from each cell type were isolated and administered as a cell free alternative. There was a significant difference between the mean linear intercept (MLI) in hyperoxic vs. normoxic lungs prior to treatment. No difference existed between the MLI in iPSC-treated lungs vs. normoxic lungs after 6 and 14 days of hyperoxia. For mice exposed to 6 days of hyperoxia, gene expression in iPSC-treated lungs returned to normal 14 days later. At the same time points, diPSCs were not as effective. Exosomes were also not as effective in reversing hyperoxic lung damage as their cellular counterparts. This study highlights the potential benefit of using iPSCs to repair damaged lung tissue through possible modulation of the inflammatory response, leading to novel therapies for acute hyperoxia-induced lung injury and the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Study on the Multitarget Synergistic Effects of Kai-Xin-San against Alzheimer's Disease Based on Systems Biology

Kai-Xin-San (KXS), a classical Chinese traditional prescription, was widely applied in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), while its functional mechanisms still remain unclear. By using systems biology approaches at animal, cellular, and molecular levels, the improvement of KXS on cognitive impairment was achieved by inhibiting abnormal acetylcholinesterase. The function on the nerve skeleton was performed by regulating the Tau phosphorylation pathway. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects by modulating the aberrant upregulation of ROS, proinflammatory factors, and apoptosis-related proteins in the brain were studied to reveal the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of KXS. Then, formula dismantling in vitro indicated that ginseng was the principal herb, whereas three other herbs served adjuvant roles to achieve the best effect. After that, the in vivo analysis of components into plasma and brain of AD rats showed that 8 of 23 components in blood and 4 of 10 components in brain were from ginseng, respectively, further verifying the principal status of ginseng and the synergistic effects of the formula. Thus, the anti-AD effects of KXS were achieved by multitargets and multichannels. The systems biology approaches presented here provide a novel way in traditional herbal medicine research.

Correlation between cytotoxicity in cancer cells and free radical-scavenging activity: In vitro evaluation of 57 medicinal and edible plant extracts

Cancer is a complex interaction among multiple signaling pathways involving a variety of target molecules. Cancer causes morbidity and mortality in millions of people worldwide, and due to its prevalence, the discovery of novel anticancer drugs is urgently required. Nature is considered an important source of the discovery of anticancer treatments, and many of the cytotoxic medicines in clinics today are derived from plants and other natural sources. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce a variety of human cancers, and antioxidants or scavengers are used to counteract them. The current study reports on the screening of extracts from 57 plants that are used in the galilee district as a food and/or for traditional medicine. Investigating the free radical scavenging capacity and these plants, and their cytotoxicity, may prove helpful to high-throughput screening projects that use antioxidants and cytotoxic natural products. The current study assessed the correlation between free radical scavenging and cytotoxicity. Correlational analysis is important for increasing the efficiency of the screening process. In the present study, free radical scavenging was assessed using a DPPH assay, while cytotoxicity was measured using a XTT assay. A total of 9 extracts were indicated to exhibit EC₅₀ values <250 µg/ml, and 4 others exhibited a high antioxidant content, with EC₅₀ values, for free radical scavenging, of <0.5 µg/ml. An in-depth analysis of the results revealed that the extracts of plants that exhibit an EC₅₀ of free radical scavenging ≤10 µg/ml show a degree of enrichment toward increased cytotoxicity. It is recommended that future studies test the validity of the conclusions of the current study on other cancer cell-lines, and isolate and identify the bioactive agents that are found in the most cytotoxic extracts of plants.

Mechanistic actions of oxygen and methylxanthines on respiratory neural control and for the treatment of neonatal apnea

Apnea remains one of the most concerning and prevalent respiratory disorders spanning all ages from infants (particularly those born preterm) to adults. Although the pathophysiological consequences of apnea are fairly well described, the neural mechanisms underlying the etiology of the different types of apnea (central, obstructive, and mixed) still remain incompletely understood. From a developmental perspective, however, research into the respiratory neural control system of immature animals has shed light on both central and peripheral neural pathways underlying apnea of prematurity (AOP), a highly prevalent respiratory disorder of preterm infants. Animal studies have also been fundamental in furthering our understanding of how clinical interventions (e.g. pharmacological and mechanical) exert their beneficial effects in the clinical treatment of apnea. Although current clinical interventions such as supplemental O₂ and positive pressure respiratory support are critically important for the infant in respiratory distress, they are not fully effective and can also come with unfortunate, unintended (and long-term) side-effects. In this review, we have chosen AOP as one of the most common clinical scenarios involving apnea to highlight the mechanistic basis behind how some of the interventions could be both beneficial and also deleterious to the respiratory neural control system. We have included a section on infants with critical congenital heart diseases (CCHD), in whom apnea can be a clinical concern due to treatment with prostaglandin, and who may benefit from some of the treatments used for AOP.

Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of lung alveolarization and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. A key histopathological feature of BPD is stunted late lung development, where the process of alveolarization-the generation of alveolar gas exchange units-is impeded, through mechanisms that remain largely unclear. As such, there is interest in the clarification both of the pathomechanisms at play in affected lungs, and the mechanisms of de novo alveoli generation in healthy, developing lungs. A better understanding of normal and pathological alveolarization might reveal opportunities for improved medical management of affected infants. Furthermore, disturbances to the alveolar architecture are a key histopathological feature of several adult chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and fibrosis, and it is envisaged that knowledge about the mechanisms of alveologenesis might facilitate regeneration of healthy lung parenchyma in affected patients. To this end, recent efforts have interrogated clinical data, developed new-and refined existing-in vivo and in vitro models of BPD, have applied new microscopic and radiographic approaches, and have developed advanced cell-culture approaches, including organoid generation. Advances have also been made in the development of other methodologies, including single-cell analysis, metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics, as well as the generation and use of complex mouse genetics tools. The objective of this review is to present advances made in our understanding of the mechanisms of lung alveolarization and BPD over the period 1 January 2017-30 June 2019, a period that spans the 50th anniversary of the original clinical description of BPD in preterm infants.

Oxygen Toxicity in the Neonate: Thinking Beyond the Balance

Fetal development occurs in a relatively hypoxemic environment, and birth represents significant oxidative stress. Premature infants are disadvantaged by a lack of maternal antioxidant transfer and impaired endogenous antioxidant responses. O₂ metabolism is essential for life and its biochemical reactions are dynamic, compartmentalized, and difficult to characterize in vivo. There is a growing appreciation for the role of reactive oxygen species in nonpathologic processes, including regulation of cell signaling and mitochondrial function. There are several gaps in the knowledge about the role of reactive oxygen species in normal development and how oxidative stress alters normal signaling and subsequent development.

The Role of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. Fruits in Downregulation of Mast Cells-Mediated Allergic Responses

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, a flowering plant of Myrtaceae family from southern and southeastern Asia, was known to possess a rich source of structurally diverse and various biological activities. In this study, the inhibitory effect of R. tomentosa fruit extract (RFE) on allergic responses in calcium ionophore A23187-activated RBL-2H3 mast cells was investigated. The result showed that RFE was able to inhibit mast cell degranulation via decreasing β-hexosaminidase release and intracellular Ca²⁺ elevation at the concentration of 400 μg/ml. Moreover, the suppressive effects of RFE on the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evidenced. In addition, RFE effectively scavenged DPPH radical and suppressed the reactive oxygen species generation in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the pretreatment of RFE caused the downregulation of tyrosine kinase Fyn phospholipid enzyme phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. These results indicated that RFE could be a promising inhibitor of allergic responses and may be developed as bioactive ingredient for prevention or treatment of allergic diseases.

Antioxidative effects of caffeine in a hyperoxia-based rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background

While additional oxygen supply is often required for the survival of very premature infants in intensive care, this also brings an increasing risk of progressive lung diseases and poor long-term lung outcomes. Caffeine is administered to neonates in neonatal intensive care for the prevention and treatment of apneas and has been shown to reduce BPD incidence and the need for mechanical ventilation, although it is still unclear whether this is due to a direct pulmonary action via antagonism of adenosine receptors and/or an indirect action. This experimental study aims to investigate the action of caffeine on the oxidative stress response in pulmonary tissue in a hyperoxia-based model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborn rats.

Methods

Newborn Wistar rats were exposed to 21% or 80% oxygen for 3 (P3) or 5 (P5) postnatal days with or without recovery on room air until postnatal day 15 (P15) and treated with vehicle or caffeine (10 mg/kg) every 48 h beginning on the day of birth. The lung tissue of the rat pups was examined for oxidative stress response at P3 and P5 immediately after oxygen exposure or after recovery in ambient air (P15) by immunohistological staining and analysis of lung homogenates by ELISA and qPCR.

Results

Lungs of newborn rats, corresponding to the saccular stage of lung development and to the human lung developmental stage of preterms, showed increased rates of total glutathione and hydrogen peroxide, oxidative damage to DNA and lipids, and induction of second-phase mediators of antioxidative stress response (superoxide dismutase, heme oxygenase-1, and the Nrf2/Keap1 system) in response to hyperoxia. Caffeine reduced oxidative DNA damage and had a protective interference with the oxidative stress response.

Conclusion

In addition to the pharmacological antagonism of adenosine receptors, caffeine appears to be a potent antioxidant and modulates the hyperoxia-induced pulmonary oxidative stress response and thus protective properties in the BPD-associated animal model. Free-radical-induced damage caused by oxidative stress seems to be a biological mechanism progress of newborn diseases. New aspects of antioxidative therapeutic strategies to passivate oxidative stress-related injury should be in focus of further investigations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-019-1063-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In vitro wound healing activity of 1-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-2-naphthalene-carboxaldehyde (HDNC) and other isolates of Aegle marmelos L.: Enhances keratinocytes motility via Wnt/β-catenin and RAS-ERK pathways

Wound healing is a complex process in which injured skin and tissues repaired by interaction of a complex cascade of cellular events that generates resurfacing, reconstitution and restoration of the tensile strength of injured skin. It follows β-catenin, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt signaling pathways. Aegle marmelos L., generally known as bael is found to act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ulcer agent. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that this Indian traditional medicinal plant, A. marmelos flower extract (AMF) was used for wound injury. Henceforth, the current study was investigated to ascertain the effect of its active constituents in vitro wound healing with mechanism involve in migration of cells and activation of β-catenin in keratinocytes, inhibition of PGE₂ in macrophages and production of collagen in fibroblasts. We have taken full thickness wound of rats and applied AMF for 2 weeks. Cutaneous wound healing activity was performed using HaCaT keratinocytes, Hs68 dermal fibroblasts and RAW264.7 macrophages to determine cell viability, nitric oxide production, collagen expression, cell migration and β-catenin activation. Results shows that AMF treated rats demonstrated reduced wound size and epithelisation was improved, involved in keratinocytes migration by regulation of Akt signaling, beta-catenin and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. AMF and its active constituent’s increased mRNA expression, inhibited nitric oxide, PGE₂ release, mRNA expression of mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages and enhances the motility of HaCaT keratinocytes in vitro wound healing of rats.

Oxidative Stress and Neonatal Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Oxidative stress is a frequent condition in critically ill patients, especially if exposed to extracorporeal circulation, and it is associated with worse outcomes and increased mortality. The inflammation triggered by the contact of blood with a non-endogenous surface, the use of high volumes of packed red blood cells and platelets transfusion, the risk of hyperoxia and the impairment of antioxidation systems contribute to the increase of reactive oxygen species and the imbalance of the redox system. This is responsible for the increased production of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite resulting in increased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage. The understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to redox imbalance would pave the way for the future development of preventive approaches. This review provides an overview of the clinical impact of the oxidative stress during neonatal extracorporeal support and concludes with a brief perspective on the current antioxidant strategies, with the aim to focus on the potential oxidative stress-mediated cell damage that has been implicated in both short and long-term outcomes.

Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorates Developmental Impairments of Rat Offspring with Prenatal Hyperhomocysteinemia

Maternal high levels of the redox active amino acid homocysteine—called hyperhomocysteinemia (hHCY)—can affect the health state of the progeny. The effects of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) treatment on rats with maternal hHCY remain unknown. In the present study, we characterized the physical development, reflex ontogeny, locomotion and exploratory activity, muscle strength, motor coordination, and brain redox state of pups with maternal hHCY and tested potential beneficial action of the H₂S donor—sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)—on these parameters. Our results indicate a significant decrease in litter size and body weight of pups from dams fed with methionine-rich diet. In hHCY pups, a delay in the formation of sensory-motor reflexes was observed. Locomotor activity tested in the open field by head rearings, crossed squares, and rearings of hHCY pups at all studied ages (P8, P16, and P26) was diminished. Exploratory activity was decreased, and emotionality was higher in rats with hHCY. Prenatal hHCY resulted in reduced muscle strength and motor coordination assessed by the paw grip endurance test and rotarod test. Remarkably, administration of NaHS to pregnant rats with hHCY prevented the observed deleterious effects of high homocysteine on fetus development. In rats with prenatal hHCY, the endogenous generation of H₂S brain tissues was lower compared to control and NaHS administration restored the H₂S level to control values. Moreover, using redox signaling assays, we found an increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipid peroxidation, and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the brain tissues of rats of the hHCY group. Notably, NaHS treatment restored the level of MDA and the activity of SOD and GPx. Our data suggest that H₂S has neuroprotective/antioxidant effects against homocysteine-induced neurotoxicity providing a potential strategy for the prevention of developmental impairments in newborns.