Oxidative stress and antioxidant profile evaluation in the neonatal period of puppies born by vaginal eutocia or elective cesarean section

Abstract

Newborns have an immature antioxidant system, due to low oxygen exposure in intrauterine environment during fetal life. Soon after birth, many sudden changes of physiological and environmental conditions cause a significant increase in oxygen consumption, resulting in a production of free radicals. Both in human and veterinary neonatology, these conditions turn the newborn vulnerable for the negative effects of oxidative stress, which potentially can impair in neonatal vitality. This study aims to compare the antioxidant profile and oxidative stress of puppies born in vaginal eutocia or elective cesarean section and assess whether there is an influence of obstetrical condition for such parameters. For this purpose, helathy pregnant bitches will be selected, which, according to the obstetric condition, will constitute two sample groups: eutocia Vaginal (n = 10) and Cesarean Elective (n = 10), subdivided into initial group (puppies borned by first) and final group (puppies borned by last). Females will be evaluated in the prodromal stage of labor, intrapartum; one hour and three days postpartum: blood samples will be collected for analysis of antioxidant profile (measurement of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione, determination of total serum antioxidant status (TAS)) and oxidative stress (measurement of the lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation). Newborns will be assessed by Apgar score at 0, 5 and 60 minutes of birth; clinical evaluation at 12 and 24 hours, and at the 3rd day of birth; lactatemia blood, pulse oximetry, determination of antioxidant status and oxidative stress at 0, 60 minutes, 12, 24 hours and the 3rd day of birth. Further studies about the antioxidant system and maternal and fetal oxidative stress in different obstetrical conditions may contribute, in future, propose antioxidant treatments and prevent tissue damage according to the delivery condition. (AU)