
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Obese Mothers and Their Appropriate For Gestational Age Newborns
2237-2245
Correspondence
Professor MERZOUK H, Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University ABOU-BEKR BELKAĂŹD, Tlemcen 13000, (Algeria)
E.mail : hafidamerzouk_2@hotmail.com; Phone : 00 213 778303645
Obesity during pregnancy affects maternal and foetal lipid and lipoprotein levels, but our knowledge on oxidative stress biomarkers is limited. The aim of this study is todetermine the oxidant and antioxidant status in obese mothers and their newborns. 43 obese and 50 normal weight mothers and their appropriate for gestational age newborns were consecutively recruited from the maternity of Tlemcen hospital. The plasma total antioxidant activity (ORAC), vitamins A, C and E, hydroperoxides, carbonyl proteins and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and peroxidase) were measured in mothers and their newborns. Changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were also determined.
Obese mothers had low ORAC, vitamin C and E values, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, high plasma triglycerides, hydroperoxide and carbonyl protein levels as compared to control mothers. Newborns of obese mothers also showed decreased ORAC, vitamins and increased hydroperoxides and antioxidant enzyme activities as compared to control newborns. There were no significant differences in plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations between newborns of obese mothers and those of control mothers. There were significant relationships between maternal and neonate oxidative stress biomarkers, thus, suggesting that maternal oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is an important causative factor in foetal stress in the obese group.
In conclusion, obese mothers and their newborns are exposed to oxidative stress. Their oxidant and antioxidant status should be carefully considered and appropriate management should be organized during the pregnancy and the early postnatal period, including antioxidant supplementation.