Micronucleated erythrocytes in preterm newborns in relation to maternal pathology

Abstract

SUMMARY. Introduction. The micronucleus assay detects DNA damage. Certain pathologies that are associated with free radical production may increase the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE). Here, we have investigated whether pathologies that are associated with the formation of free radicals lead to an increase in embryonic MNE frequencies during pregnancy. Materials and Methods. We have used the in vivo micronuclei test on peripheral blood erythrocytes to determine MNE frequencies in preterm newborns (PN) from apparently healthy mothers. MNE frequencies were compared with those obtained from the peripheral blood from PN born to mothers with diabetes mellitus (DM), systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) or vaginal infection (VI). Blood samples were grouped according to gender, maternal pathology, and maternal folic acid intake. Results. In the peripheral blood of PN born to mothers with pathologies the MNE and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) frequencies were higher than in the PN