Major differences in the levels of redox status and antioxidant defence markers in the erythrocytes of pre- and full-term neonates with intrauterine growth restriction

• We examine changes in the level of free radicals and antioxidants in human neonates.
• Mature and pre-mature neonates with intrauterine growth restriction are compared.
• Metallothioneins are good candidates to characterize intrauterine growth restriction.
• Hemoxigenases are good candidates to characterize intrauterine growth restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pleiotropic complication of pregnancy. Prematurity and growth abnormalities are common risk factors for perinatal morbidity and mortality. Free radical damage has been recognized as a common pathogenic mechanism of many neonatal diseases. The aim of the present study was to characterize the possible links between the level of maturity, the birthweight and the antioxidant status of neonates born with IUGR. Our data suggest that the stress markers measured on the cord blood of neonates with IUGR and mature, healthy neonates do not necessarily reflect the extent of oxidative stress. However, significant correlations were found between the maturity of the neonates with IUGR and the oxidative damage. The mature IUGRs exhibited ONOO− accumulation and increased lipid peroxidation more frequently as compared with the pre-term group. The results suggest that the oxidative injury in IUGR may depend on the level of maturity and the birthweight.