PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS ON BIRTH WEIGHT

Abstract

ISEE-188 Objectives: Oxidative stress on pregnant women plays an important role in low birth weight. Vitamin C plays major role in providing the antioxidant defense against oxygen free radicals. This vitamin is transported to the fetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin C against adverse effect of oxidative stress on birth weight. Methods: Pregnant women, who visited Ewha Womans University Hospital for prenatal care, participated in this study from their 24th to 28th gestational weeks. We included 318 healthy singleton pregnant women and surveyed for general characteristics. We measured the urinary levels of two oxidative injury biomarkers, the oxidative DNA adduct (8-OH-dG) and the lipid peroxidation product (MDA), and the serum level of one oxidative marker, homocysteine, in the second trimester of pregnancy. We followed birth outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, and baby sex) after delivery of their babies by review of medical chart. Results: Adjusted birth weights were decreased with increased oxidative stress levels. Adjusted birth weights from mothers with lower level of 8-OhDG and MDA were higher than infant’s birth weight from others (3338g vs. 3227g for 8-OH-dG and 3415g vs. 3227g for MDA). Adjusted birth weights from mothers with higher level of vitamin C (>75 percentile) was higher than infants from others (3378g vs. 3281g). Using multiple regression model, level of 8-OH-dG was significantly associated with decrease of birth weight in mothers with low level of vitamin C. However, in mothers with high level of vitamin C, level of 8-OH-dG was not associated with decrease of birth weight in mothers. Conclusions: Prenatal vitamin C might play a role in providing the antioxidant defense against oxygen free radicals to birth weight.