Abstract
BackgroundFetal-to-neonatal transition is associated with oxidative stress. In preterm infants, immaturity of the antioxidant system favours supplemental oxygen-derived morbidity and mortality. ObjectivesTo assess if prolonging in utero-like oxygenation during the fetal-to-neonatal transition limits oxidative stress in the lung and brain, improving postnatal adaptation of mice pups. Material and methodsInspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) in pregnant mice was reduced from 21% (room air) to 14% (hypoxia) 8–12h prior to delivery and reset to 21% 6–8h after birth. The control group was kept at 21% during the procedure. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione and its precursors [γ-glutamyl cysteine (γ-GC) and L-cysteine (CySH)] content and expression of several redox-sensitive genes were evaluated in newborn lung and brain tissue 1 (P1) and 7 (P7) days after birth. ResultsAs compared with control animals, the GSH/GSSG ratio was increased in the hypoxic group at P1 and P7 in the lung, and at P7 in the brain. In the hypoxic group a significant increase in the mRNA levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (noq1), Sulfiredoxin 1 (srnx1) and Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (gpx) was found in lung tissue at P1, as well as a significant increase in gpx in brain tissue at P7. ConclusionsDelaying the increase in tissue oxygenation to occur after birth reduces short-and-long-term oxidative stress in the lung. Similar yet more subtle effects were found in the brain. Apparently, the fetal-to-neonatal transition under hypoxic conditions appears to have protective qualities.
Highlights
Birth amounts to a significant oxidative stress to the newborn, given the marked increase in tissue oxygen exposure
Lung reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratios were significantly higher in the experimental group, as compared with values from control animals at 24 h of age (P1) and this difference was still present on timepoints (Fig. 1A) on day 7 of life (P7)
The present study shows that oxidative stress in lung and brain tissue is increased in mice born in room air compared to mice born in a hypoxic environment resembling in utero oxygenation conditions
Summary
Birth amounts to a significant oxidative stress to the newborn, given the marked increase in tissue oxygen exposure. Objectives: To assess if prolonging in utero-like oxygenation during the fetal-to-neonatal transition limits oxidative stress in the lung and brain, improving postnatal adaptation of mice pups. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione and its precursors [γ-glutamyl cysteine (γ-GC) and L-cysteine (CySH)] content and expression of several redox-sensitive genes were evaluated in newborn lung and brain tissue 1 (P1) and 7 (P7) days after birth. Results: As compared with control animals, the GSH/GSSG ratio was increased in the hypoxic group at P1 and P7 in the lung, and at P7 in the brain. Conclusions: Delaying the increase in tissue oxygenation to occur after birth reduces short-and-longterm oxidative stress in the lung. The fetal-to-neonatal transition under hypoxic conditions appears to have protective qualities
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