Abstract
The RBC-MDA assay reflects adequacy of the overlapping antioxidant systems of the RBC, including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, selenium, vitamin E and methemoglobin reductase. It gives no indication of the antioxidant protection afforded by serum proteins and so underestimates in vivo defenses. Membrane oxidant stress changes with ambient oxygen concentration, level of pro-oxidant metals, such as iron, and level and degree of unsaturation of membrane lipids. Equilibration of RBC membrane lipids with plasma lipids, which change at birth and with progression from parenteral to enteral feedings, requires about 2 weeks time. Membrane lipid equilibration in other tissues occurs more slowly. All of these factors affect tissue peroxidation rates. As seen in the table below, RBC-MDA assays on < 2000 g BW infants, performed at birth and during the first week on hyperalimentation and intralipid feedings, were usually abnormally high (> 150 nM/g Hgb or > 3 SD above normal adult mean), inspite of serum E/TL ratios well above normal for adults. Some degree of oxidant damage to cellular membranes following birth would appear to be inevitable.
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Johnson, L., Abbasi, S., Dalln, C. et al. 278 RED BLOOD CELL MALONDIALDEHYDE (RBC-MDA) AND VITAMIN E TO TOTAL LIPID SERUM RATIO (E/TL) IN LOW BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS. Pediatr Res 19, 157 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00308
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00308