Free Radicals and Diseases in Premature Infants

Abstract

Free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of human diseases. Premature infants are probably developmentally unprepared for extrauterine life in an oxygen-rich environment and exhibit a unique sensitivity to oxidant injury. Diseases associated with premature infants, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and necrotizing enterocolitis, have been linked to free radical-mediated cell and tissue injury. With the advent of therapies designed to combat the injurious effects of free radicals, the role of these highly reactive chemical molecules in the pathogenesis of neonatal diseases needs to be fully determined.

Transcriptome profiling of the newborn mouse lung after hypoxia and reoxygenation: hyperoxic reoxygenation affects mTOR signaling pathway, DNA repair, and JNK-pathway regulation

“…Preterm neonates are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress due to an immature intracellular antioxidant defense and presence of non-protein-bound iron, often in combination with ongoing infections (8). This can have long-term consequences contributing to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (9).…”

Free Radical Status in Retinopathy of Prematurity

“…Free radicals have been implicated in the development and progression of several age related and inflammatory diseases [3]. Excessive production of free radicals from lipid peroxidation and deficient antioxidant system has been associated with certain neonatal diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and intraventricular haemorrhage [4].…”

Preterm Birth and Hypertension Risk

“…[70][71][72] However, neonates born preterm have an immature antioxidant defense system: virtually all research has demonstrated lower levels of antioxidant enzymes and reduced induction capacity thereof, 73,74 as well as significantly increased indices of oxidative stress in preterm newborns. [75][76][77][78][79] In the setting of organ development, significantly reduced cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis (via lipid peroxidation, protein aggregation, and DNA damage) because of the activity of reactive oxygen species may be particularly injurious. 80 Besides an increase in reactive oxygen species, exposure to high oxygen concentrations after birth may also alter oxygensensing pathways in the preterm neonates.…”