The Effect of Antenatal L-Arginine and Antioxidant Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Marker Levels in Newborns

Abstract

Introduction:The present study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics, Paediatrics & Biophysics IMS, BHU, Varanasi with an aim to study the role of L-arginine and oral antioxidants as a part of therapy in patients diagnosed with IUGR (Intra uterine growth restriction ) and cord serum NO and oxidative stress markers GSH and SOD in newborns following delivery of such patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 pregnant patient between 30-32 weeks of gestation diagnosed with IUGR who were divided into 3 groups: Group I (treated with L-arginine N=10), Group II (treated with antioxidants N=10), Group III (without nutritional supplementation N=10) and Group IV (healthy control pregnant patients of same gestational age range N=10) were taken. Cord serum NO & oxidative stress markers (GSH & SOD) were measured following delivery of patients from those four groups. Results: The cord serum NO levels (µmol/lt) showed a significant increase & SOD (U/ml) & GSH (U/lt) values were increased in newborns to mothers diagnosed with IUGR after treatment with L-arginine. Similar results were obtained for treatment with antioxidants. Conclusion: The reduced NO & reduced cord serum circulating levels of oxidative stress markers (GSH & SOD) activity may play an important role in the occurrence of IUGR.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• l- arginine