Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry - Volume 3, issue 3
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The
Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry is an English multidisciplinary peer-reviewed international journal publishing articles in the field of child biochemistry, pediatric laboratory medicine and biochemical aspects to the study of childhood diseases in body fluids, cells or tissues.
The
Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry provides an in-depth update on new subjects, and current comprehensive coverage of the latest techniques in biochemical diagnosis in childhood. The journal encourages submissions from all authors throughout the world. The following articles will be considered for publication: editorials, original and review articles, short report, rapid communications, letters to the editor, and book reviews. The aim of the journal is to share and disseminate knowledge between all disciplines that work in the field of child biochemistry.
The
Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry is published quarterly (January, April, July and October) by the Society of Child Science, Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey. Manuscripts are judged by two experts solely on the basis of their contribution of original data and ideas and their presentation. All articles will be critically reviewed within two months, but longer delays are sometimes unavoidable. All manuscripts must comply with the Instructions to Authors.
Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are normally produced in aerobic organisms. Free radicals play a physiological role being necessary for cellular functioning because redox reactions are the basis for numerous biochemical pathways as well as cellular chemistry, biosynthesis of macromolecules and metabolic regulation. They can able to act as second messengers, producing the stimulation of cell proliferation and being mediators for the activation of cells. However, ROS and RNS can also lead…to unwanted oxidation reactions when accumulate and if they are in high amounts they can produce toxic effects. The organism must confront and control the presence of both pro-oxidants and antioxidants continuously. The balance between these is tightly regulated and extremely important for maintaining vital cellular and biochemical functions. Although the exposure of the organism to ROS is extremely high from exogenous sources, the exposure to endogenous sources is much more important and extensive. The dual nature of these species with their beneficial and deleterious characteristics implies the complexities of their specific functioning at a biological site.
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Abstract: Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defense in favor of the first. Free radicals can exert negative effects on biomolecules and metabolic reactions that results in cellular damage which may be involved in aging processes and degenerative pathologies. To limit the harmful effects of free radicals, the organism has developed a series of antioxidant defense systems in order to protect themselves. These systems give to the free radicals elimination…or its transformation into stable molecules. The antioxidant defense system consists on cellular enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and non-enzymatic antioxidants either endogenous (glutathione) or exogenous (vitamin E, vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids) between others.
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Abstract: Pregnancy, delivery and neonatal age are critical developmental stages that are particularly prone to the formation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress is manifested at the maternal-fetal interface from early pregnancy onwards. During the first trimester, the conceptus develops in a low-oxygen environment that favors organogenesis in the embryo, and may protect against teratogenesis mediated by ROS. The establishment of fetoplacental circulation at the end of the first trimester is associated with…a three-fold increase in the oxygen concentration within the placenta. ROS generation is stimulated at higher rates than it was previously and can lead to oxidative stress. This physiological placental oxidative stress occurs in every normal pregnancy. It constitutes an essential part of placental remodeling. Healthy pregnant women overcome oxidative stress by upregulating the antioxidation machinery. However, the increase in antioxidants could be insufficient to offset the increase in lipid peroxidation. Given these findings, the balance favors increased oxidative stress during pregnancy. Labor and childbirth may be associated with periods of both hypoxia and oxidative stress for the newborn while neonatal plasma is relatively deficient in antioxidants.
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Abstract: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is the failure of the fetus to achieve his/her intrinsic growth potential, due to anatomical and/or functional disorders and diseases in the feto-placental-maternal unit. Fetal growth within the uterus is a complex biological event influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, as well as maternal nutrition. These factors impact on the size and functional capacity of the placenta, uteroplacental blood flows and transfer of nutrients and oxygen from mother to…fetus. Oxidative stress can influence metabolic pathways that alter the epigenetic state (stable alterations of gene expression through DNA methylation and histone modifications) of the fetal genome. This may provide a molecular mechanism for the role of oxidative stress on fetal programming. IUGR results in significant perinatal and long-term complications, including the development of insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome in adulthood. By linking oxidative stress with dysregulation of specific target genes, we may be able to develop therapeutic strategies that protect against organ dysfunction in the programmed offspring.
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Abstract: Inflammation is one of the main causes of preterm birth, frequently associated to intrauterine infection or chorioamnionitis. Oxidative stress is involved in preterm birth. On the one hand, reactive oxygen species are released by inflammatory cells against infection; on the other hand it is responsible of placental tissue damage after chorioamnionitis. Because of improvement in obstetric and perinatal care, survival rate in preterm births has increased, leading to changes in pathology of several processes, such as…bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a multifactorial entity which is consequence of multiple mechanisms, including perinatal inflammation and oxygen free radicals. Preterm newborn is very susceptible to chronic lung damage because of both, low antioxidant capacity, and exposure to high oxygen fractions during postnatal life. Modest lung oxidative stress damage after exposure to fetal endotoxin in premature newborns has been shown. Postnatal injury is needed to amplify the intrauterine inflammatory damage. Cell death induction by reactive oxygen species has been suggested as mechanism of lung damage. Several antioxidant therapies have been used in experimental studies in order to reduce or prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia. So far, care is needed to standardize its use, because of its undesirable effects on inflammatory defense and development.
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Abstract: Fetal to neonatal transition is characterized by abrupt changes in the cardio-respiratory physiology. In few minutes, the newly born infant expands the lungs, diminishes pulmonary vascular resistance dilating the pulmonary vessels, and establishes a highly efficient gas exchange between alveoli and the pulmonary capillary bed. However, under certain pathologic conditions asphyxia ensues. Asphyxia is characterized by prolonged periods of hypoxia and ischemia that cause brain energy exhaustion leading in many occasions to…a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The cornerstones of newborn resuscitation consist in the establishment of a functional residual capacity and an adequate oxygenation. Of note, the need for oxygen during resuscitation varies substantially between term and preterm infants as has been shown in physiologic studies. The aim of this review article is to present updated knowledge in the management of oxygen in the delivery room both in term babies suffering from birth asphyxia and in preterm babies needing aid to overcome postnatal adaptation.
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Abstract: Human milk can be considered a complete source of antioxidants. The antioxidant protection offered by breastfeeding is key to an adequate health protection after birth. Several antioxidant components have already been described, but many others are still hidden to present knowledge. New antioxidant components and antioxidant properties of known compounds, are being discovered every day worldwide but more is yet to come. The study of different ways to preserve the antioxidant capacity of breastmilk along lactation,…and factors which may improve the antioxidant status of mother and infant, constitute important fields of research. However, many questions are still to be answered. More research on methods for extraction and storage of expressed breast milk is needed in order to best preserve antioxidant properties and constituents of breast milk. This review summarizes our present knowledge on the antioxidant content and properties of human breast milk.
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Keywords: Antioxidants, breastfeeding, free radicals, human milk, lactation, oxidative stress
Abstract: Fetal to neonatal transition poses a relevant threat to the newly born infant. In few minutes oxygen delivery to tissue will rise abruptly. In addition, very often aggressive therapies which include the use of oxygen are going to be necessary to assure survival of the neonate. Interestingly, the antioxidant defense system maturation pattern is not complete until the end of gestation and, therefore, preterm babies are endowed with an immature and less effective antioxidant armamentarium. Under…these circumstances preterm infants are prone to oxidative stress derived serious conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or intra-periventricular hemorrhage. Remarkably, human milk even in preterm mothers provides with a vast array of antioxidant substances that will undoubtedly help the infant to confront with a pro-oxidant milieu. These antioxidant properties render human milk essential for the survival of preterm infants and its use should be therefore strongly reinforced.
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Keywords: Human milk, prematurity, oxidative stress, antioxidant, lactation, nutrition