Oxidative Stress and Anti-Oxidant Markers in Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) caused by decreased surfactant and structural lung immaturity. The imbalance between oxidative status and antioxidant defence system was suggested to be an important trigger for lung affection with RDS. AIM: The goal of the current research was to elucidate the significance of the oxidant/ antioxidant status in the pathogenesis of RDS in preterm infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This controlled study included 31 preterm neonates with RDS and 36 healthy preterm neonates. Quantification level of oxidative stress biomarkers; malondialdehyde (MDA) & hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) along with antioxidant enzymes activity; catalase (CAT) & superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma of healthy premature neonates compared with those with RDS. RESULTS: status of oxidative stress markers (MDA & H2O2) showed a significant increase with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT & SOD) in neonates with RDS when compared to healthy prematures. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicate that the increased oxidative stress accompanied by reduced antioxidant defences may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress in preterm newborns

Prediction of Gut Wall Integrity Loss in Viral Gastroenteritis by Non-Invasive Marker

BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis.AIM: This study was designed to assess serum I-FABPs as a predictor of gut wall integrity loss in viral gastroenteritis.PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 cases of acute viral gastroenteritis. Twenty-eight healthy children matching in age were recruited as control group. Serum I-FABPs were measured using ELISA technique. Viral detection and typing were done by PCR for adenovirus, and by Reverse transcriptase PCR for rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus.RESULTS: Serum I-FABPs level was significantly higher in the cases compared to the controls and was also higher in the 46 rotavirus gastroenteritis cases compared to other viral gastroenteritis cases. Serum I- FABPs level was significantly higher in severely dehydrated cases as compared to mildly dehydrated ones (P=0.037).CONCLUSION: Serum I-FABPs could be used as an early and sensitive predictor marker of gut wall integrity loss in children with viral gastroenteritis and its level can indicate case severity

Plasma Ghrelin in Marasmic Infants

Abstract: Objectives: Malnutrition is one of leading health problems in developing countries. Ghrelin, a recently discovered peptide hormone, has been proven to influence appetite and body weight in adults. This work aims to measure plasma ghrelin level in infants suffering from marasmus and to assess its relation with some metabolic and anthropometric measures. Design and M ethods: The study included 26 marasmic infants (age ranged from 4-24 months), who's hospital admission was mainly due to chest infection or gastroenteritis. Twenty-seven age and sex matched healthy infants served as a control group. Anthropometric measurements including weight, length, head circumference and body mass index were recorded. Complete blood picture, random blood glucose and plasma insulin were measured. Total plasma ghrelin was determined using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay. Results: Results revealed that the anthropometric measures were significantly lower in marasmic infants. Anemia and leukocytosis were significantly more common in marasmic group. The plasma ghrelin was significantly higher in marasmic infants, while insulin and blood glucose were significantly lower when compared to the control group. Plasma ghrelin correlated positively with the total leukocyte count and negatively with hemoglobin percent and sex in marasmic infants. It did not show any correlation with any of the recorded anthropometric measurements. Conclusion: W e postulated that ghrelin release in marasmic infants can be attributed to negative energy balance caused by low insulin and blood glucose

37 ID Design

Abstract BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis

Basic Science

Abstract BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis