In vivo oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation as a biomarker of oxidative stress in preterm low-birthweight infants.

Objectives: To analyze the status of oxidative stress in relation to the degree of prematurity and birthweight of neonates.
Materials and Methods: Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained at the time of delivery. 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OHdG) has been measured as oxidative DNA damage marker in preterm low-birthweight (LBW) newborns by competitive in vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) along with malondialdehyde (MDA) as marker of lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant status to study the oxidative stress.
Results: Significant elevation in the levels of 8-OHdG along with malondialdehyde has been noted in preterm LBW newborns. Serum 8-OHdG is found to be significantly and negatively correlated with birthweight (r = -0.834, p < 0.001) and gestational age of the newborn (r = -0.626, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These results provide evidence of increased oxidative stress in the form of DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in premature LBW newborns, which may be responsible for different complications associated with prematurity.