Free radicals and antioxidants status in neonates with congenital malformation

Impact of GSM-EMW exposure on the markers of oxidative stress in fetal rat liver

The current study investigated the effects of 24 h/day prenatal exposure to global system for mobile communication electromagnetic fields (GSM-EMFs), 900 MHZ-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR), on oxidative stress (OS) status, apoptotic, and inflammatory changes in liver of rats during their fetal development period. Fifty-two Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were equally divided into control and exposed groups. Whole embryos were removed at 7.5 dpc (days post coitus), while liver tissues were extracted from embryos at 11.5, 15.5, and 19.5 dpc. For exposed animals, results showed an increased OS reflected by high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a decrease in cytosolic superoxide dismutase (cytoSOD) activity, in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (mitoSOD) levels and catalase (CAT) mRNA expression but also in hepatic nuclear factor erythroïd 2-related Factor 2 (Nrf-2), protein kinase B (Akt1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA expression at 15.5 dpc. Moreover, GSM-EMR exposure was shown to significantly decrease mitoSOD and CAT activities at almost all studied ages. Thus, rat embryos may be protected by their mothers from OS, apoptotic, and pro-inflammatory responses till a sensitive developmental stage, during a continuous prenatal EMR exposure. This protection could be then created from the embryos themselves.

Pathogenesis of Congenital Malformations: Possible Role of Oxidative Stress

OBJECTIVE

Congenital anomalies are important causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the physiopathology of pregnancy-related congenital malformations. This review summarizes the role of OS in the pathogenesis of congenital malformations; in particular, its purpose is to describe how OS influences the development of heart congenital malformations, oesophageal atresia, biliary atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of previous studies about the role of OS in pregnancy and its possible effects in developing of congenital malformations. One electronic database (PubMed) was searched and reference lists were checked.

RESULTS

An imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense can occur early in pregnancy and continue in the postnatal life, producing OS. It may destroy the signaling pathways needed for a correct embryogenesis leading to birth defects. In fact, cell functions, especially during embryogenesis, needs specific signaling pathways to regulate the development. These pathways are sensitive to both endogenous and exogenous factors; therefore, they can produce structural alterations of the developing fetus.

CONCLUSION

Because OS plays a significant role in pathogenesis of congenital malformations, studies should be developed in order to better define their OS mechanisms and the beneficial effects of supplemental therapeutic strategies.

KEY POINTS

· Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of congenital malformations.. · Heart malformations, oesophageal atresia, biliary atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney are analyzed.. · A knowledge of pathomechanism of OS-related congenital malformations could be useful to prevent them..

Targeting Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Response in Traumatic Brain Injury: Therapeutic Perspectives of Phytochemicals

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), known as mechanical damage to the brain, impairs the normal function of the brain seriously. Its clinical symptoms manifest as behavioral impairment, cognitive decline, communication difficulties, etc. The pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI are complex and involve inflammatory response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and so on. Among them, oxidative stress, one of the important mechanisms, occurs at the beginning and accompanies the whole process of TBI. Most importantly, excessive oxidative stress causes BBB disruption and brings injury to lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to the generation of lipid peroxidation, damage of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, neuronal apoptosis, and neuroinflammatory response. Transcription factor NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a basic leucine zipper protein, plays an important role in the regulation of antioxidant proteins, such as oxygenase-1(HO-1), NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), to protect against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Recently, emerging evidence indicated the knockout (KO) of Nrf2 aggravates the pathology of TBI, while the treatment of Nrf2 activators inhibits neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory responses via reducing oxidative damage. Phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, grains, and other medical herbs have been demonstrated to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway and exert neuroprotective effects in TBI. In this review, we emphasized the contributive role of oxidative stress in the pathology of TBI and the protective mechanism of the Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response for the treatment of TBI. In addition, we summarized the research advances of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, terpenoids, natural pigments, and otherwise, in the activation of Nrf2 signaling and their potential therapies for TBI. Although there is still limited clinical application evidence for these natural Nrf2 activators, we believe that the combinational use of phytochemicals such as Nrf2 activators with gene and stem cell therapy will be a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI in the future.

Maternal Obesity: A Focus on Maternal Interventions to Improve Health of Offspring

Maternal obesity has many implications for offspring health that persist throughout their lifespan that include obesity and cardiovascular complications. Several different factors contribute to obesity and they encompass interplay between genetics and environment. In the prenatal period, untreated obesity establishes a foundation for a myriad of symptoms and negative delivery experiences, including gestational hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and labor complications. However, data across human and animal studies show promise that nutritional interventions and physical activity may rescue much of the adverse effects of obesity on offspring metabolic health. Further, these maternal interventions improve the health of the offspring by reducing weight gain, cardiovascular disorders, and improving glucose tolerance. Mechanisms from animal studies have also been proposed to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate inflammation, lipid metabolism, and oxidative capacity of the tissue, ultimately providing potential specific courses of treatment. This review aims to pinpoint the risks of maternal obesity and provide plausible intervention strategies. We delve into recent research involving both animal and human studies with maternal interventions. With the increasing concerning of obesity rates witnessed in the United States, it is imperative to acknowledge the long-term effects posed on future generations and specifically modify maternal nutrition and care to mitigate these adverse outcomes.

Oxidative Stress at Birth Is Associated with the Concentration of Iron and Copper in Maternal Serum

Oxidative stress (OS) in the foetal and neonatal periods leads to many disorders in newborns and in later life. The nutritional status of pregnant women is considered to be one of the key factors that triggers OS. We investigated the relationship between the concentration of selected mineral elements in the blood of pregnant women and the concentration of 3′nitrotyrosine (3′NT) as a marker of OS in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. The study group consisted of 57 pregnant women and their newborn children. The concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in maternal serum (MS) were measured by the flame atomic absorption/emission spectrometry (FAAS/FAES) method. The concentration of 3′NT in umbilical cord serum (UCS) of newborns was determined by the ELISA method. A positive correlation between MS Fe and UCS 3′NT in male newborns was shown (rho = 0.392, p = 0.053). Significantly higher UCS 3′NT was demonstrated in newborns, especially males, whose mothers were characterized by MS Fe higher than 400 μg/dL compared to those of mothers with MS Fe up to 300 μg/dL (p < 0.01). Moreover, a negative correlation between the MS Cu and UCS 3′NT in male newborns was observed (rho = −0.509, p = 0.008). Results of the study showed the need to develop strategies to optimize the nutritional status of pregnant women. Implementation of these strategies could contribute to reducing the risk of pre- and neonatal OS and its adverse health effects in the offspring.

Association of Oxidative Stress on Pregnancy

The pathophysiological mechanism underlying pregnancy complications such as congenital malformations, miscarriage, preeclampsia, or fetal growth restriction is not entirely known. However, the negative impact of the mother's body oxidative imbalance on the fetus and the course of gestation is increasingly discussed. This article is an integrative review of some original studies and review papers on the effects of oxidative stress on the adverse pregnancy outcomes mainly birth defects in fetuses. A systematic search for English language articles published from 2010 until 2020 was made, using MEDLINE data. Additionally, we analyzed the Cochrane and Scopus databases, discussions with experts, and a review of bibliography of articles from scientifically relevant and valuable sources. The main purposes are to assess the contribution of the existing literature of associations of oxidative stress on the etiology of the abovementioned conditions and to identify relevant information and outline existing knowledge. Furthermore, the authors aim to find any gaps in the research, thereby providing grounds for our own research. The key search terms were "oxidative stress in pregnancy," "oxidative stress and congenital malformations," and "oxidative stress and adverse pregnancy outcomes." Studies have confirmed that oxidative stress has a significant impact on pregnancy and is involved in the pathomechanism of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Gene-by-gene interactions associated with the risk of conotruncal heart defects

BACKGROUND

The development of conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) involves a complex relationship among genetic variants and maternal lifestyle factors. In this article, we focused on the interactions between 13 candidate genes within folate, homocysteine, and transsulfuration pathways for potential association with CTD risk.

METHODS

Targeted sequencing was used for 328 case-parental triads enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). To evaluate the interaction of two genes, we applied a conditional logistic regression model for all possible SNP pairs within two respective genes by contrasting the affected infants with their pseudo-controls. The findings were replicated in an independent sample of 86 NBDPS case-parental triads genotyped by DNA microarrays. The results of two studies were further integrated by a fixed-effect meta-analysis.

RESULTS

One SNP pair (i.e., rs4764267 and rs6556883) located in gene MGST1 and GLRX, respectively, was found to be associated with CTD risk after multiple testing adjustment using simpleM, a modified Bonferroni correction approach (nominal p-value of 4.62e-06; adjusted p-value of .04). Another SNP pair (i.e., rs11892646 and rs56219526) located in gene DNMT3A and MTRR, respectively, achieved marginal significance after multiple testing adjustment (adjusted p-value of .06).

CONCLUSION

Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm and elucidate these potential interactions.

Prepregnancy Obesity, Maternal Dietary Intake, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Fetomaternal Unit

Background

Obesity and pregnancy increase levels of maternal oxidative stress (OS). However, little is known about the maternal, placental, and neonatal OS status.

Objective

To analyze the relation between prepregnancy obesity and the expression of OS markers and antioxidant capacity in the fetomaternal unit and their association with dietary intake.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 33 women with singleton, noncomplicated pregnancies. Two groups were formed: women with prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI) within normal range (18.5-24.9 kg/m², n = 18) and women with pBMI ≥ 30 kg/m², suggestive of obesity (n = 15). Dietary and clinical information was obtained by questionnaire and from clinical records. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured on maternal and cord serum by colorimetric techniques, and placental expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) was measured by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Placental GPx4 expression was lower in the group with pBMI suggestive of obesity than in the normal weight group (ß = -0.08, p = 0.03, adjusted for gestational age and magnesium intake). Concentrations of TAC and MDA in maternal and cord blood were not statistically different between groups (p>0.05). Cord MDA concentration was related to maternal MDA concentration (ß = 0.40, p < 0.01), vitamin A intake (tertile 2: ß = -0.04, p = 0.40, tertile 3: ß = 0.13, p = 0.03, vs tertile 1), and placental GPx4 expression (ß = -0.09, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Prepregnancy obesity is associated with a decrease in GPx4 expression in the placenta, which is related to OS in the newborn. The influence of micronutrient intake on OS biomarkers highlights the importance of nutritional assessment during pregnancy and adequate prenatal care.

Activated neuro-oxidative and neuro-nitrosative pathways at the end of term are associated with inflammation and physio-somatic and depression symptoms, while predicting outcome characteristics in mother and baby

OBJECTIVES

To examine oxidative & nitrosative stress (O&NS) biomarkers at the end of term in relation to perinatal affective symptoms, neuro-immune biomarkers and pregnancy-related outcome variables.

METHODS

We measured plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), -sulfhydryl (-SH), peroxides (LOOH) and paraoxonase (PON)1 activity in pregnant women with and without prenatal depression and non-pregnant controls.

RESULTS

Pregnancy is accompanied by significantly increased AOPP and NOx, and lowered TRAP, -SH and LOOH. Increased O&NS and lowered LOOH and -SH levels are associated with prenatal depressive and physio-somatic symptoms (fatigue, pain, dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal symptoms). Increased AOPP and NOx are significantly associated with lowered -SH, TRAP and zinc, and with increased haptoglobin and C-reactive protein levels. Increased O&NS and lowered TRAP and PON 1 activity, at the end of term predict mother (e.g. hyperpigmentation, labor duration, caesarian section, cord length, breast milk flow) and baby (e.g. sleep and feeding problems) outcome characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy is accompanied by interrelated signs of O&NS, lowered antioxidant defenses and activated neuro-immune pathways. Increased O&NS at the end of term is associated with perinatal depressive and physio-somatic symptoms and may predict obstetric and behavioral complications in mother and baby.

Selected oxidative stress biomarkers in antenatal diagnosis as 11-14 gestational weeks

The primary objective in modern obstetrics and prenatal diagnosis is to predict risks of congenital abnormalities. The aim of the research was to assess the correlation between selected oxidative stress biomarkers with the risk of foetal chromosomal aberration evaluated at the first trimester screening. A series of studies show that balanced free radical activity and oxidative homeostasis are essential for proper bodily growth and function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be one of the factors associated with disruption of cell cycle and tissue development, thus leading to developmental abnormalities. That's why it's so important to examine connection between level of oxidative stress and congenital abnormalities. Using ultrasonography examinations between 11-13+6d gestational weeks combined with serum levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein A and human chorionic gonadotropin and spectrophotometric analysis of oxidative stress markers such as glutathione (GSH), S-transferase, S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), protein and nitrites we tried to find correlation between birth defects and oxidative stress status. In conclusion, our analysis suggests that elevated maternal serum levels of protein, S-transferase and TEAC as well as decreased maternal serum levels of GSH and protein correlated with the risk of chromosomal aberrations and congenital developmental defects in a foetus.

Oxidative Stress Related Diseases in Newborns

We review oxidative stress-related newborn disease and the mechanism of oxidative damage. In addition, we outline diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and future directions. Many reports have defined oxidative stress as an imbalance between an enhanced reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and the lack of protective ability of antioxidants. From that point of view, free radical-induced damage caused by oxidative stress seems to be a probable contributing factor to the pathogenesis of many newborn diseases, such as respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, and retinopathy of prematurity. We share the hope that the new understanding of the concept of oxidative stress and its relation to newborn diseases that has been made possible by new diagnostic techniques will throw light on the treatment of those diseases.