Can amniotic fluid protect developing fetal lungs against the harmful effects of oxidative stress?

BACKGROUND: Preterm births cause fetuses to be born without completing the development of their organs. Due to this undesirable situation, it is the pulmonary tissue which has to be most exposed to harmful effects of extrauterine environment. Early disappearance of the prophylactic and constructive effects of amniotic fluid (AF) on developing tissues, such as pulmonary tissue, facilitates the formation of pulmonary morbidities resulting from oxygen. Setting out from this knowledge, we wanted, in addition to assessing the beneficent effects of AF on pulmonary tissue, to study the importance of AF in morbidities of this tissue thought to originate from oxygen. METHODS: In this experimental study, while the study group was made up of the fetuses of pregnant rats exposed to hyperbaric oxygen, (hyperoxic pregnant rat fetuses-HPRF), the control group was formed of the fetuses of the rats pregnant in the usual room setting (normoxic pregnant rat fetuses-NPRF). The pulmonary and hepatic tissues taken from the fetuses of these pregnant rats on the 21st day of their pregnancy were compared biochemically and histologically. For biochemical assessment, total glutathione (tGSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) values and for histopathological assessment, apoptosis, alveolar wall count (AWC), vena centralis count (VCC) were included. RESULTS: Statistical significance was found in the pulmonary tissue values of tGSH on behalf of NPRF, and MDA on behalf of HPRF (p < 0.05). In liver tissue, statistical significance was detected in tGSH and CAT values in favor of NPRF and in MDA, and TNF-α values in favor of HPRF (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: : Our study has demonstrated that AF protects the pulmonary tissue from the harmful effects of oxygen in the intrauterine period. In addition, our data have suggested that the pulmonary tissue's being deprived of the useful effects of AF owing to premature birth may be an important trigger in the occurrence of the pulmonary morbidities thought to result from oxygen.

Can Platelet Mass Index Be a Parameter to Predict Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Newborns?

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is an important problem in neonatal units not only in terms of its consequences but also its follow-up and the prediction of its emergence in newborns. In this study, we have compared platelet parameters such as platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet mass index (PMI) in terms of IHV in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) newborns. Thus, we have tried to determine platelet values to guide clinicians in both the prediction and follow-up of IVH. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective, multicenter, and case-controlled study. In this study, 386 cases of VLBW newborns (below 1,500 g) and gestational age below 32 weeks, hospitalized and monitored between August 8, 2012, and April 7, 2018, were included. The platelet values of the cases on their 12th hour postpartum (PC1, MPV1, and PMI1) and the platelet values on days 5 to 7 (PC2, MPV2, and PMI2) were recorded in their study cards. A p-value of <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: While there was no difference of PC1, MPV1, PMI1, PC2, or MPV2 values (p > 0.05), PMI2 values in the severe stage IVH group cases were found to be significantly lower compared with other platelet parameters (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PMI2 values can provide clinicians with important knowledge that may aid them in recognizing important pathologies such as IVH.

Effects of Lycopene in Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury in Newborn Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lycopene on a hyperoxia-induced lung injury model in rat pups. Full-term rat pups were included in the study 12-24 h after delivery. The pups were separated into 4 groups: normoxia control (NC), hyperoxia control (HC), hyperoxia + lycopene (HL), and normoxia lycopene (NL). The normoxia groups were housed in ambient air, and the hyperoxia groups in > 85% O2. HL and NL groups received 50 mg lycopene in oil/kg body weight/day delivered intraperitoneally (i.p.), the other groups received oil alone. On day 11, the rat pups were sacrificed and their lungs removed. Statistically significant injury was observed in all histological parameters measured (MLI, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and apoptosis) in the HC group (HC vs NC, p = 0.001). This injury could not be reversed with lycopene treatment (HC vs HL, 0.05; NC vs HL, p = 0.001). With hyperoxia, statistically significant decreases were observed in biochemical parameters in terms of SOD, MDA, and IL-6 values (HC vs NC: SOD, p = 0.02; MDA, p = 0.043; IL-6, p = 0.001). The use of lycopene did not provide any improvement in these values (HC vs HL, p > 0.05). Hyperoxia or lycopene had no effect on IL-1ß and GPx (p > 0.05). When comparing NC and NL groups, negative effects were observed in the group given lycopene in terms of MLI, PCNA, apoptosis, and IL-6 (all parameters, p = 0.001). We observed that 50 mg lycopene in oil/kg body weight/day given via i.p. had no curative effect on the hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats and may even induce adverse effects.

Relationship between maternal c-reactive protein level and neonatal outcome in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes treated with Ampicillin and Azithromycin.

This historical cohort study aimed to assess the relationship between antenatal maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) level and neonatal outcome preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). We reviewed the records of 70 singleton pregnancies with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks. Maternal CRP levels of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, grade 3-4 intraventricular haemorrhage and stage 2-3 necrotizing enterocolitis, perinatal mortality were compared with those without these complications. Administration of corticosteroid, tocolysis for two days and prophylactic antibiotics (intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam, and oral azithromycin) were the standard management protocol. The mean age at PPROM was 29 weeks 2 days (±3 weeks), the mean age at birth was 30 weeks 5 days (±20 days). CRP levels were not different between groups. Uni/multivariate analysis showed that maternal CRP levels were not related with neonatal outcomes. Neonatal complications in PPROM are related with the degree of prematurity and maternal WBC counts.

Predictive value of gelsolin for the outcomes of preterm neonates: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Plasma gelsolin is a circulating actin-binding protein that has a protective role against tissue injuries. Our aim was to compare the baseline levels of gelsolin in premature infants with neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A total of 32 preterm neonates born at 23-32 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Plasma gelsolin levels at 72 h were significantly lower in patients with respiratory distress syndrome, in patients who were administered surfactant therapy and in patients who developed sepsis (P < 0.05). Plasma gelsolin levels at 28 days were significantly lower in patients who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low plasma gelsolin levels in the first postnatal month may be associated with poor outcomes in premature infants.

Effect of iodine loading on the thyroid hormone level of newborns living in Kayseri province.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive iodine exposure during the fetal and neonatal periods can lead to neonatal hypothyroidism. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of iodine loading among newborns living in Kayseri province. A total of 59 newborns, who were admitted due to disorders in thyroid hormone levels, were included in the study. Materials and METHODS: Among the patients who applied with thyroid hormone dysfunction, newborns with a spot urine iodine level ≥ 20 µg/dL were included in the study between the years 2003 and 2013. Free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), breast milk iodine, thyroid ultrasonography, and control measurements of fT3, fT4, TSH, and Tg levels were obtained accordingly from both groups of patients who received or did not receive treatment. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 15 days with a 36/23 girl to boy ratio. Statistically, no significant difference was noticed between all the girls and boys with respect to all the measured values. The etiologic search showed that out of 59 cases, in 18 cases (30.5%) only the mother and in 19 cases only the newborns (32.2%) had a history of povidone iodine exposure; in 8 cases both mothers and their babies had exposure to povidone iodine (13.6%). In 14 cases (23.7%), the source of iodine loading could not be determined. Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) treatment was initiated in 56% of the patients (n = 33). Out of 33 patients who were under treatment with L-thyroxine, in 13 cases only the mother had history of povidone iodine exposure; in 12 cases, only the baby had a history of povidone iodine exposure; in 1 case, both mother and her baby had a history of povidone iodine exposure, but the etiology could not be found in 7 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of antiseptics-containing iodine for mothers before and after birth and for newborns, especially for umbilical cleansing, can lead to iodine loading and hypothyroidism. If transient hypothyroidism develops within this period, then it may not be detected promptly. This can later lead to retardation in psychomotor development and disorder in learning skills during the childhood period.

Compare the effects of intravenous and intraperitoneal mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on ultrafiltration failure in a rat model of chronic peritoneal dialysis.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the possible healing effects of intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on ultrafiltration failure (UFF) in a chronic rat model of peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: Rats were initially divided into two groups. The UFF-group received once-daily IP injections of 20 mL of 3.86% glucose PD solution for six weeks to stimulate the development of UFF, and a control group received no injections. The UFF group was sub-divided into four groups: an UFF-C group, a MSC-IP group, a MSC-IV group and a placebo (P) group. Peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) and peritoneal biopsies were performed in the control and UFF-C groups. MSCs were administered by IP injection in the MSC-IP group and by IV injection in the MSC-IV group. The P group received IP injection of placebo. PETs and peritoneal biopsies were performed in the MSC-IP, MSC-IV and P groups at the three weeks after receiving MSCs or placebo. RESULTS: When compared with the control group, ultrafiltration capacity significantly decreased, and the submesothelial thickness increased in the UFF-C and P group, but there were no differences between the control and MSC-IP and MSC-IV groups. The rate of glucose transport was high in the UFF-C and P group compared with the control group, and D/PCr rates in the UFF-C and P group were lower than in the control group. However, D/D0glucose was higher and D/PCr was lower in the MSC-IP group than in the UFF-C and P groups, but D/D0glucose rate of MSC-IV group similar to UFF-C and P groups and there was no difference between MSC-IV group and the other groups in terms of D/PCr rates. The MSC-IP, MSC-IV and P groups had significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor α concentrations compared with the UFF-C group. MSC-IP group had lower levels of TGF-ß1 compared with the P group; MSC-IP group had also lower levels of interleukin-6 compared with UFF-C group. CONCLUSION: The UFF group had a high permeability UFF. These results showed that IV and IP MSC transplantation exerted positive effects on UFF in a chronic rat model of PD. However, healing effect of small solute transport in MSC-IP group was better than MSC-IV group. IP MSC transplantation may be more effective than IV MSC transplantation for the renewal of the peritoneum in chronic PD patients with UFF.

Volumetric apparent diffusion coefficient histogram analysis in term neonatal asphyxia treated with hypothermia.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to estimate the long-term neurological sequelae and prognosis in term neonatal asphyxia treated with hypothermia via volumetric apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map histogram analysis (HA). METHODS: Brain MRI studies of 83 term neonates with asphyxia who received whole-body hypothermia treatment and examined between postnatal (PN) fourth and sixth days were retrospectively re-evaluated by 2 radiologists. Volumetric HA was performed for the areas frequently affected in deep and superficial asphyxia (thalamus, lentiform nucleus, posterior limb of internal capsule, corpus callosum forceps major, and perirolandic cortex-subcortical white matter) on ADC map. The quantitative ADC values were obtained separately for each region. Qualitative-visual (conventional) MRI findings were also re-evaluated. Neonates were examined neurodevelopmentally according to the Revised Brunet-Lezine scale. The distinguishability of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes was statistically investigated. RESULTS: With HA, the adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes could only be distinguished from mild-moderated impairment and normal development at the thalamus with 10th percentile ADC (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively) and ADCmin (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively). Also with the conventional MRI findings, adverse outcome could be distinguished from mild-moderated impairment (P = .04) and normal development (P = .04) via cytotoxic oedema of the thalamus, corpus striatum, and diffuse cerebral cortical. CONCLUSION: The long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns with asphyxia who received whole-body hypothermia treatment can be estimated similarly with volumetric ADC-HA and the conventional assessment of the ADC map. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study compares early MRI ADC-HA with neurological sequelae in term newborns with asphyxia who received whole-body hypothermia treatment. We could not find any significant difference in predicting adverse neurological sequelae between the visual-qualitative evaluation of the ADC map and HA.

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation may provide a new therapy for ultrafiltration failure in chronic peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible healing effects of intraperitoneal (IP) mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on ultrafiltration failure (UFF) in a chronic rat model of peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: Rats were initially divided into two groups. The APUF group received once-daily IP injections of 20 mL of 3.86% glucose PD solution for 6 weeks to stimulate the development of UFF and a control group received noinjections. The PUF group was sub-divided into three groups: a PUF-C group, an MSC group and a Placebo (P) group. Peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) and peritoneal biopsies were performed in the control and PUF-C groups. MSCs were administered by IP injection in the MSC group and the PUF-C and P groups received IP injection of placebo. PETs and peritoneal biopsies were performed in the MSC and P groups at the first [P-1 (and MSC-1 groups] and second [P-2 and MSC-2 groups] week after receiving MSCs or placebo. RESULTS: When compared with the control group, ultrafiltration capacity significantly decreased and the submesothelial thickness increased in the PUF-C and P groups (P-1, P-2) (P < 0.05), but there were no differences between the control and MSC groups (MSC-1, MSC-2). The rate of glucose transport was high in the PUF-C and P-2 groups compared with the control group, and D/PCr rates in the PUF-C and P-2 groups were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). However, D/D0(glucose) was higher and D/P(Cr)was lower in the MSC-2 group than in the PUF-C and P-2 groups (P < 0.05). Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) levels were lower in the MSC groups than in the P and PUF-C groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The PUF-C group had a high permeability UFF. These results showed that MSC transplantation exerted positive effects on UFF in a chronic rat model of PD. MSC transplantation may provide new options for the renewal of the peritoneum in chronic PD patients with UFF.

Effect of pupil dilation on intraocular pressure in preterm and term infants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of pupil dilation on intraocular pressure in preterm and term newborns. METHODS: This prospective study involved 55 eyes of 28 preterm infants and 38 eyes of 20 term infants. The infants were divided into two groups according to their gestational ages at birth as follows: preterm group, <37 weeks and term group, ≥37 weeks. Pupil dilation was attained with tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 2.5%. Intraocular pressure measurements were performed with Icare PRO (Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland) before and after pupil dilation. A paired t test was used to compare the measurements before and after pupil dilation. RESULTS: The mean intraocular pressure change was -1.04 ± 3.03 mmHg (6.20/-11.40 mmHg) in the preterm group and -0.39 ± 2.81 mmHg (4.60/-9.70 mmHg) in the term group. A statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure was observed only in the preterm group after pupil dilation (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: An unexpected alteration in intraocular pressure in newborns may occur after pupil dilation, especially in preterm infants.

Tubular calcium, magnesium, and phosphate excretion during therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyperphosphatemia are common electrolyte disturbances in perinatal asphyxia (PA). Different reasons have been proposed for these electrolyte disturbances. This study investigated the effect of the urinary excretion of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) on the serum levels of these substances in babies who were treated using therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) caused by PA. This study sheds light on the pathophysiology that may cause changes in the serum values of these electrolytes. METHODS: This study included 21 healthy newborns (control group) and 38 patients (HIE group) who had undergone therapeutic hypothermia due to HIE. Only infants with a gestational age of 36 weeks and above and a birth weight of 2000 g and above were evaluated. The urine and serum Ca, Mg, P, and creatinine levels of all infants were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h. RESULTS: The lower serum Ca value and the higher serum P value of the HIE group were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum Mg values between the groups. However, hypomagnesemia was detected in five patients from the HIE group. The urine excretion of FeCa and FeMg at 24 h, and FeP excretion at 48 and 72 h were found to be significantly higher in the HIE group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that the urinary excretion of Ca, Mg, and P has an effect on the serum Ca, Mg, and P levels of infants with HIE.

Fetal Pulmonary Artery Acceleration/Ejection Ratio for Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn in Uncomplicated Term Small for Gestational Age Fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity in preterm deliveries and has been reported in term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses; therefore, determination of fetal lung maturity before delivery is extremely important. Our present study aimed to evaluate the ratio of fetal pulmonary artery acceleration time to ejection time (At/Et) in uncomplicated term SGA fetuses and whether this ratio changes with TTN. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred seventy-five pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered after 37 gestational weeks were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were divided by birth weight percentiles into SGA (n = 86) and healthy control groups (n = 89). All participants underwent ultrasound examination to determine fetal pulmonary artery At/Et. After delivery, the neonates were grouped according to diagnosis of TTN (i.e., TTN-positive SGA group [n = 14], TTN-negative SGA group [n = 72], and TTN-negative control group [n = 86]), and the fetal pulmonary artery At/Et was compared between the two. RESULTS: Maternal demographic characterizes were similar between groups. At/Et was 0.309 ± 0.181 in the SGA group and 0.348 ± 0.213 in the control group and was significantly lower in the SGA group. At/Et was 0.290 ± 0.007 in the TTN-positive SGA group, 0.313 ± 0.017 in the TTN-negative SGA group, and 0.351 ± 0.186 in the TTN-negative control group, a significant difference. Additionally fetal pulmonary artery At/Et was found to be inverse correlated with TTN. (-0,464 P = 0.000). The cut-off value of 0.298 provided optimal specificity of 93.0 % and sensitivity of 81.0 % for subsequent diagnosis of TTN in term SGA newborns in the neonatal period. CONCLUSION: The risk for TTN increases in uncomplicated term SGA fetuses. The fetal pulmonary artery At/Et appears to be a noninvasive useful method by which to predict TTN in these fetuses.

Differential Effects of Pentoxifylline on Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in the human perinatal period often leads to significant long-term neurobehavioral dysfunction in the cognitive and sensory-motor domains. Using a neonatal HI injury model (unilateral carotid ligation followed by hypoxia) in postnatal day seven rats, the present study investigated the long-term effects of HI and potential behavioral protective effect of pentoxifylline. METHODS: Seven-day-old rats underwent right carotid ligation, followed by hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.08). Rats received pentoxifylline immediately after and again 2 hours after hypoxia (two doses, 60‒100 mg/kg/dose), or serum physiologic. Another set of seven-day-old rats was included to sham group exposed to surgical stress but not ligated. These rats were tested for spatial learning and memory on the simple place task in the Morris water maze from postnatal days 77 to 85. RESULTS: HI rats displayed significant tissue loss in the right hippocampus, as well as severe spatial memory deficits. Low-dose treatment with pentoxifylline resulted in significant protection against both HI-induced hippocampus tissue losses and spatial memory impairments. Beneficial effects are, however, negated if pentoxifylline is administered at high dose. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that unilateral HI brain injury in a neonatal rodent model is associated with cognitive deficits, and that low dose pentoxifylline treatment is protective against spatial memory impairment.

A case of laryngeal atresia accompanied by persistent pharyngotracheal ductus.

Laryngeal atresia is generally a fatal congenital anomaly with an incidence of 1: 50,000 births. This congenital anomaly is a condition of multifactorial inheritance, in which the fetus has a dilated trachea, enlarged echogenic lungs, an inverted or flattened diaphragm, fetal hydrops, and ascites. Diagnosis is usually made when there is failure to perform endotracheal intubation in a neonate with severe respiratory distress and absence of audible cry. Here, we present a very rare case of a newborn with laryngeal atresia who had respiratory distress and was sustained for the first few minutes of life using partial ventilation via a persistent pharyngotracheal duct. We would like to draw the attention of all physicians to this issue by reporting a rare fatal case of a newborn with a congenital presentation.

Laringeal atrezi, 50.000 dogumda bir görülen ve üst hava yolu tikanikligi ile giden ölümcül bir dogustan anomalidir. Çok etmenli kalitilir. Fetal ultrasonografide trakeada genisleme, akcigerlerde genisleme ve hiperekojenite, diyafragmada düzlesme ya da tersine dönme, hidrops ve asit saptanir. Dogumda agir solunum sikintisi olan yenidoganlarda endotrakeal entübasyonun basarilamamasi ve aglama çabasina ragmen ses duyulmamasi ile tani konulur. Bu yazida dogumdan sonra solunum sikintisi gelisen, ancak entübe edilemeyen, yasamin ilk dakikalarinda persistan faringotrakeal kanal yardimiyla kismi solunum yaparak hayatta kalabilen laringeal atrezili bir preterm olgu klinisyenlerin dikkatine sunuldu.

Can lycopene eliminate the harmful effects of hyperoxia in an immature brain? / ¿El licopeno puede eliminar los efectos perjudiciales de la hiperoxia en los cerebros inmaduros?

OBJECTIVES: In addition to protecting cells against free radical harm thanks to its anti-oxidant nature, lycopene strengthens the bonds among cells and improves cell metabolism. This study focuses on analyzing therapeutic effects of lycopene in hyperoxia-induced neurodegenerative disorders in newborn rats. METHODS: Term newborn rats were divided into four groups as the normoxia control group (group-1), normoxia+lycopene group (group-2), hyperoxia control group (group-3) and hyperoxia+lycopene group (group-4). Group-1 and group-2 were monitored in room air while the group-3 and group-4 were monitored at > 85% O2. The group-2 and group-4 were injected with lycopene intrapertioneally (i.p. ) at 50mg/kg/day while the other groups were injected with corn oil i.p. at the same volume. The rats we sacrificed on the 11th day following the 10-day hyperoxia. The brains were removed and oxidant system parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Injury resulting from hyperoxia was detected in the white matter, cortical regions, and thalamus of the brains. It was observed that the number of apoptotic cells increased and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells decreased in the groups-3 and 4 compared to the group-1. No significant improvement in the number of apoptotic cells and PCNA positive cells was observed in the groups-3 and 4, and apoptosis increased as well. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that lycopene, did not show any therapeutic effects for brain damage treatment in newborn rats. In addition, this study demonstrated that lycopene might lead to toxic effects.

Objetivos: Al ser un antioxidante, el licopeno protege a las células contra el daño causado por los radicales libres, fortalece los enlaces intercelulares y mejora el metabolismo celular. Este estudio analiza los efectos del licopeno sobre los trastornos neurodegenerativos por hiperoxia en ratas recién nacidas a término. Métodos: Estas ratas se dividieron en cuatro grupos: grupo 1 de referencia con normoxia, grupo 2 con normoxia + licopeno, grupo 3 de referencia con hiperoxia y grupo 4 con hiperoxia + licopeno. Los grupos 1 y 2 se supervisaron en condiciones de aire ambiental, y los grupos 3 y 4 se supervisaron con un nivel de oxígeno > 85 % O2. Los grupos 2 y 4 recibieron inyecciones intraperitoneales de licopeno de 50 mg/kg/día; los otros grupos recibieron inyecciones intraperitoneales de aceite de maíz con el mismo volumen. Las ratas se sacrificaron en el día 11, después de 10 días con hiperoxia. Se extrajeron los cerebros, y se evaluaron los parámetros del sistema oxidativo. Resultados: Se detectaron lesiones cerebrales por hiperoxia en sustancia blanca, regiones corticales y tálamo. Aumentó la cantidad de células apoptóticas y disminuyó la cantidad de células PCNA positivas en los grupos 3 y 4, comparados con el grupo 1. No se observó una mejora significativa en la cantidad de células apoptóticas y células PCNA positivas en los grupos 3 y 4; además, aumentó la apoptosis. Conclusión: Se halló que el licopeno no mostró efectos terapéuticos para el daño cerebral en ratas recién nacidas. Además, se demostró que el licopeno podría causar efectos tóxicos.

A Study of the Relationship Between Cystatin C and Metabolic Bone Disease in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE: Cystatin C (CysC) is commonly used as a marker of renal failure in premature infants. The aim of this study was to investigate serum CysC levels in osteopenia of prematurity (OP) and determine whether CysC could be safely used as a marker of renal insufficiency in infants with OP. METHODS: Subjects were 50 preterm infants (≤32 gestational weeks). Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum levels were measured in postnatal week nine, and bone density was measured concurrently by quantitative ultrasonography. Patients with a Z score of <-2 were considered to have OP. RESULTS: The mean serum CysC levels in preterm infants in postnatal week nine were 1.50±0.19 mg/L. Serum CysC levels were not correlated with speed of sound values, Z scores, serum Ca, P or ALP levels. Serum CysC levels were not significantly different between infants with OP [1.50 (1.35-1.61) mg/L] and in infants without OP [1.58 (1.28-1.70) mg/L]. CONCLUSION: The presence of OP does not affect the safety of CysC as a marker of renal insufficiency in preterm infants.

Platelet mass index can be a reliable marker in predicting the prognosis of retinopathy of prematurity in very preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative vitreoretinopathy resulting from vascular defect of the retina. The present study evaluates platelets, which are involved in VEGF storage, transport and release, and their functions with regard to the prognosis of the disease. The objective was to suggest a simple minimal invasive method that will facilitate the management of the disease and help clinicians in predicting the prognosis. METHODS: In this single center, retrospective, case-control study, we included a control group consisting of very preterm newborns (n = 83) at risk of ROP and a laser photocoagulation group including infants (n = 63) who received laser therapy during their follow-up examinations. The employed assessments included platelet counts and platelet mass index (PMI) which provide guidance in understanding platelet activity. In doing so, consideration was given to the first and second phases of ROP. The accuracy of prognostication was assessed with receiver operating characteristic analyses. RESULTS: The study groups did not differ statistically significantly by platelet count during the first and second phases of ROP (p > 0.05) nor were the PMI measurements statistically significantly different between the study groups during the first phase of the disease (p > 0.05). PMI values of the study groups, however, differed significantly in the second phase of ROP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study found a significant difference between the two groups in PMI measurements which reflect increased VEGF levels during the neovascularization phase, which underlies the disease. This conclusion demonstrated that monitoring the PMI values in newborns at risk of ROP can be considered to be a minimally invasive method that by changing the retinal examination procedure in use today which is rather troublesome for both the physician and the newborn, can provide facilities in monitoring the disease for both the physician and the newborn.

Short-term Refractive Effects of Propranolol Hydrochloride Prophylaxis on Retinopathy of Prematurity in Very Preterm Newborns.

PURPOSE: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the major problems of surviving premature infants with several ophthalmic morbidities such as increased risk of refractive errors, strabismus, and cortical visual impairment. Use of propranolol hydrochloride (PH) for the prevention of ROP is a new promising treatment modality. However, long-term effects are still to be defined. In our study, we aimed to investigate the short-term refractive effects of PH used for ROP prophylaxis in very preterm newborns. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Very preterm newborns with a birthweight less than or equal to 1500 g and/or born prior to 32 gestational weeks were included in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CG, n = 37) given placebo and PH group (PHG, n = 34) given PH starting from 4 weeks after birth (27.1 ± 2.1 day). PHG patients received PH therapy for about 1 month (25.7 ± 7.8 day). Anthropometric measurements including weight, length, and head circumference were recorded before PH treatment (at birth) and during eye control (at corrected age). Cycloplegic refraction values were measured by retinoscopy at corrected age (CG: 10.3 ± 4.3 months, PHG: 11.4 ± 4.8 months). RESULTS: Anthropometric measurements including gestational age, weight, length, and head circumference were similar at birth and corrected age in both groups. The mean level of spherical refraction was significantly less hyperopic in the PHG than in the CG (CG: 1.37 ± 1.40 D, PHG: 0.37 ± 1.44 D) (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: PH may lead to myopic shift by affecting the beta-adrenergic receptors in the choroid or ciliary body of the developing eye. Long-term refractive follow-up is required in order to elucidate the effects of PH on emmetropization process of these very preterm infants.

Influence of maternal nicotine exposure on neonatal rat bone: protective effect of pentoxifylline.

Limited research in young adults and immature animals suggests a detrimental effect of tobacco on bone during growth. The aim of this study was to determine the adverse effects of maternal nicotine exposure during pregnancy and lactation on neonatal rat bone development, and to determine a protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX). Gravid rats were assigned into four groups, one control (group I) and three experimental (groups II, III, and IV). In group II, pregnant rats received 3 mg/kg/day nicotine alone, subcutaneously, until 21 days postnatal. In group III, pregnant rats received nicotine (3 mg/kg/day) and PTX (60 mg/kg/day). In group IV, pregnant rats received PTX alone (60 mg/kg/day). Whole body mineral density (BMD), content (BMC), area (BA), and histopathologic and morphologic findings of the femur were determined at 21 days of age. The study revealed that nicotine exposure (group II) decreased birth weight, pregnancy weight gain, and length of femur compared with other groups (P < 0.01). Birth weight was higher in groups III (PTX + nicotine) and IV (PTX) than in group II (nicotine). Body weight at 21 days of age was higher (P = 0.009) in the PTX alone group (group IV) compared with the other groups. BMD was higher (P < 0.001) in the PTX-treated groups (group III and IV) compared with other groups. In addition, there were more apoptotic chondrocytes in the hypertrophic zone of rats exposed to nicotine alone (group II) compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, maternal nicotine exposure resulted in decreased birth weight, pregnancy weight gain, and bone lengthening, and increased apoptosis. Pentoxifylline supplementation was found to prevent the adverse effects of maternal nicotine exposure on BMD and birth weight.

Protective effect of vitamin D against hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm infants have risks of developing vitamin D deficiency. Thus we aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D on hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats. METHODS: Full term rat pups were included in the study 12-24 hr after delivery. The pups were randomly divided into eight groups as follows: normoxia control group (NC), normoxia plus vitamin D group (ND1, 1 ng/gr/day vitamin D), normoxia plus vitamin D group (ND2, 3 ng/gr/day vitamin D), normoxia plus vitamin D group (ND3, 5 ng/gr/day vitamin D), hyperoxia control group (HC), hyperoxia plus vitamin D group (HD1, 1 ng/gr/day vitamin D), hyperoxia plus Vitamin D group (HD2, 3 ng/gr/day vitamin D), hyperoxia plus vitamin D group (HD3, 5 ng/gr/day vitamin D). The histopathological effects of vitamin D were assessed by alveolar surface area (with mean linear intercept (MLI) method), apoptosis index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index. RESULTS: MLI values were significantly lower among three groups (HD1: 83.93 ± 1.95 µm, HD2: 81.76 ± 1.68 µm, and HD3: 82.33 ± 1.87 µm) when compared with HC group (92.98 ± 2.09 µm) (P = 0.001, P = 0.0004, P = 0.002, respectively). Apoptotic cell index were significantly lower among three treatment groups (HD1: 1.455 ± 0.153, HD2: 0.575 ± 0.079, and HD3: 0.700 ± 0.105) when compared with HC group (2.500 ± 0.263) (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). Although PCNA positive cell index did not change in HD1 group (0.132 ± 0.008) (P > 0.05), there were significant increases in HD2 (0.277 ± 0.026) and HD3 (0.266 ± 0.018) group when compared with HC group (0.142 ± 0.010) (HD2 P = 0.001, HD3 P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D seems to protect hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:69-76. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.