Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Marker Malondialdehyde Level in the Cord Blood of Newborn Infants

Introduction: Due to high energy demand for growth of the fetus, a mother takes large amount of oxygen for metabolic functions. This oxygen in excess can lead to many pathological conditions and have oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde level in the umbilical cord blood of newborn is indicative of oxidative stress during the perinatal period. The extent of free radicalinduced oxidative stress can be enhanced by the decreased efficiency of an antioxidant mechanisms. The present study was conducted to investigate the extent of oxidative stress incesarean section (C/S) and normal vaginal delivery (NVD). Materials and Methods: Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were analyzed in the circulations of 30 umbilical cord blood of neonates born via C/S and NVD. Results: Significantly increased concentrations of plasma TBARS, were observed in cord blood of C/S than NVD and was significantly high (P <= 0.0001). Increase levels of lipid peroxidation may be due to excessive oxidative stress. Conclusion: Our study shows that both the mother and their newborn in C/S are exposed to higher oxidative stress as compared with NVD.