Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry 2016; 06(02): 73-78
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593757
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Free Radical Diseases of Newborn

Serafina Perrone
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Maria Luisa Tataranno
2   Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
,
Simona Negro
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Antonino Santacroce
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Nicola Di Virgilio
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Elisa Belvisi
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Fabrizio Proietti
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Francesco Bazzini
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Giuseppe Buonocore
1   Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, General Hospital “Santa Maria alle Scotte,” University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
on behalf of the “Gruppo di Studio di Biochimica Clinica Neonatale della Società Italiana di Neonatologia”› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 June 2016

21 June 2016

Publication Date:
21 October 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Free radicals (FRs) are unstable, short lived, and highly reactive molecules that are continuously generated by endogenous and exogenous mechanisms. The burden of FR generation is counteracted by the intracellular antioxidant systems, and the maintenance of oxidant/antioxidant balance is critical to normal cellular functions. The dangerous effects of FRs are linked to their property of being very unstable molecules and their ability to react with polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes, proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, causing functional alterations within the cell. In neonatal period, hypoxia, ischemia, ischemia-reperfusion, hyperoxia, inflammation, mitochondrial impairment, presence of nonprotein bound iron are responsible of excessive FRs production. Moreover, a less efficient antioxidant system is not able to counteract the harmful effects of FRs leading to FR-related cellular, tissue, and organ damages. In preterm babies, the severity of mechanisms responsible of FRs production, the stage at which the oxidative insult occurs, the degree of maturity of the organs have differential effects on the distinct cell populations of the body, with certain specific cell types being particularly vulnerable in perinatal period. We propose the hypothesis that oxidative stress (OS) is the common pathogenic factor involved in the onset and develop of intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. This suggests that developing effective antioxidant strategies for preterm infants requires a detailed understanding of oxidative stress reactions and cell responses in perinatal period.