Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:
Oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species has a known significant impact on intrauterine fetal growth and the risk of metabolic diseases in adulthood. Compounds accumulated in fetal meconium may be a source of information about the oxidoreductive status during the intrauterine development. Three metal-containing proteins ceruloplasmin (CP), lactoferrin (LF) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) constitute the complementary panel modulating oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of these proteins and their correlations in meconium from healthy neonates.
METHODS:
The CP, LF and MPO concentrations were determined using ELISA Kits. All serial meconium portions (n=80) were collected from healthy full-term neonates (n=19).
CONCLUSIONS:
Strong correlations between the meconium concentrations of CP, LF and MPO indicate a possible role of these complementary proteins in maintaining homeostasis of the intrauterine environment of the fetus. CP, LF and MPO measured in meconium may serve as biomarkers for assessment of impairment of oxidative balance during intrauterine life with its potential impact on disease development in adulthood
J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2016 Nov 23. pii: S0946-672X(16)30297-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.11.007.
