Features of the Free Radical Oxidation Process and Antioxidant System in Newborns Born to HIV-Infected of Mothers Who Received Antiretroviral Therapies to Prevent HIV Transmission.

The LPO processes and the state of the antioxidant system in perinatally HIV-exposed newborns were studied. Perinatally HIV-exposed (n=62) and healthy newborns (n=80; control) were examined retrospectively (Apgar score 8 in both groups). Blood plasma and erythrocyte hemolysate were used as the material for biochemical tests. Using spectrophotometric, fluorometric, and statistical methods, we found enhanced LPO processes insufficiently compensated by the antioxidant system with excessive accumulation of damaging metabolites in the blood of perinatally HIV-exposed newborns. These changes can be a consequence of oxidative stress during the perinatal period.

Length of Leukocyte Telomeres in Newborns of HIV-Infected Mothers.

We studied the relative length of telomeres in newborns with unrealized perinatal transmission of HIV (zero viral load according to PCR results). A cross-sectional survey of 62 newborns of HIV-infected mothers (Apgar score 8); the control group consisted of 80 healthy newborns (Apgar score 8). DNA extracted from whole venous blood samples was analyzed. In newborns of HIV-infected mothers, the relative length of telomeres was significantly lower (0.69 (0.66; 0.72)) than in newborns of the control group (1.1 (0.97; 1.22)) (p<0.001). No significant differences in the relative length of telomeres were found between newborns of mothers with a viral load at the time of delivery and with undetectable viral load: 0.69 (0.66; 0.73) and 0.69 (0.63; 0.72). These findings indicate that HIV-infection in mothers or exposure to antiretroviral therapy has an impact on the relative telomere length in leukocytes of newborns.

Pro-and Antioxidant Status in Newborn with COVID-19.

There is practically no information on the state of oxidative stress reactions in newborns with coronavirus infections. At the same time, such studies are extremely important and can contribute to better understanding of the process of reactivity in patients of different ages. The content of pro- and antioxidant status indicators was assessed in 44 newborns with confirmed COVID-19. It was found that the content of compounds with unsaturated double bonds, primary, secondary, and final LPO products were elevated in newborns with COVID-19. These changes were accompanied by higher SOD activity and retinol level and reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase. Contrary to popular opinion, newborns can be a COVID-19-susceptible age group and require more close monitoring of metabolic reactions during the period of neonatal adaptation that is an aggravating background during infection.