Effect of preterm formula with and without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on the urinary excretion of F-2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-prostaglandin F-2 alpha

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of conve ntional and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP)-enriched preterm f ormula on the endogenous formation of F-2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-prostaglan din (PG) F-2 alpha as possible markers of lipid peroxidation in preterm inf ants during their first weeks of life. Methods: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, infants received either formula enriched with LCP (n = 8), standard preterm formula(n = 7), or (expressed) breast milk (n = 8). Urine was sampled at study entry and a fter the study period of 3 weeks. The formation of F-2-isoprostanes and 8-e pi-PGF(2 alpha) was evaluated by measuring the urinary excretion by gas chr omatography-mass spectrometry. Results: No differences in the urinary excretion of F, isoprostanes and 8-e pi-PGF(2 alpha) were observed at the end of the study period. Conclusions: This result suggests that supplementation of a preterm formula with LCP for a period of 3 weeks does not stimulate lipid peroxidation in preterm infants.