Oxidative stress in twins.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the value of the total antioxidant system (TAS) and level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase in the case of premature twins - identical twins, monozygotic, on the 1st and 5th day of life and to compare the values between the first-born twin A and the second-born twin B. RESULTS: We confirmed the difference between A and B twins in values of TAS and MDA, as well as the difference between the 1st and 5th day of life. CONCLUSION: The values of TAS, which show the total activity of antioxidant enzymes in a newborn's organism, reflect the ability of protection against oxidative stress before and during delivery. In the case of twin pregnancy, the value of TAS is crucial and determines the degree and severity of consequences of asphyxia. MDA values indicate the presence of lipoperoxidation.