Erythrocyte glutathione S transferase as a marker of oxidative stress at birth

Aims-To determine the level of oxidative stress and cell damage as a result of exposure to O-2 at birth. Methods-Using glutathione S transferase (GST) as an indicator of oxidative stress, GST activity in cord blood was compared with that in samples taken three hours after birth. Twenty four prematurely born infants and eight ful l term infants were studied. To test whether stronger effects occur under l ess favourable conditions, the neonates were divided in three groups: healt hy premature; sick premature; and healthy full term infants. Results-GST activity three hours after birth was significantly decreased co mpared with that at birth in all three groups tested. There were no signifi cant differences in the magnitude of this effect among the three groups. Conclusions-These results indicate that a sudden increase in oxygenation ex poses the neonate to oxidative stress. Measurement of GST activity might be useful for the evaluation of protective treatment in trials considering an tioxidant strategies.