Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Marker Malondialdehyde Level in the Cord Blood of Newborn Infants

Abstract

Introduction: Due to high energy demand for growth of the fetus, a mother takes large amount of oxygen for metabolic functions. This oxygen in excess can lead to many pathological conditions and have oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde level in the umbilical cord blood of newborn is indicative of oxidative stress during the perinatal period. The extent of free radicalinduced oxidative stress can be enhanced by the decreased effi ciency of an antioxidant mechanisms. The present study was conducted to investigate the extent of oxidative stress in cesarean section (C/S) and normal vaginal delivery (NVD). Materials and Methods: Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were analyzed in the circulations of 30 umbilical cord blood of neonates born via C/S and NVD. Results: Signifi cantly increased concentrations of plasma TBARS, were observed in cord blood of C/S than NVD and was signifi cantly high (P ≤ 0.0001). Increase levels of lipid peroxidation may be due to excessive oxidative stress. Conclusion: Our study shows that both the mother and their newborn in C/S are exposed to higher oxidative stress as compared with NVD.