Antioxidant activity and levels of lipid peroxidation in glucose -6- phosphate deficient neonates

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic abnormality that results in inadequate amount of this all important protein that help regulate key physiological processes in the body. This study was carried out to evaluate plasma activity of antioxidants and level of lipid peroxidation in neonates with G6PD deficiency. A total of forty neonates delivered at Wesley Guide Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State were used for this study. They were divided into two groups; group 1 consists of 20 G6PD deficient neonates as the test while group2 consists of 20 G6PD positive neonates as control. 5mls of venous blood was taken from both test and control and prepared to obtain the plasma. The plasma was stored at room temperature prior analysis. The plasma activity of antioxidant enzyme [superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)], non-enzymatic antioxidant (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene) and plasma level of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) was carried out in both test and control using standard methods. The results of the study revealed no significant difference (p<0.05) in the plasma activity of most of the antioxidant enzymes with the exception of GPx which was significantly raised in the test subjects when compared with the control.. However, the plasma activity of both vitamin C and beta-carotene increased significantly (p<0.05) in the test when compared with the control. The plasma level of MDA was also significantly raised in the test when compared with the control group. This study revealed the presence of lipid peroxidation and possibly oxidative stress in G6PD deficient neonates.