Oxidative Stress in the Newborn – A 30-Year Perspective

Abstract

In this review the development of the concept 'hypoxia-reoxygenation injury' is outlined. An update of some important factors and mechanisms related to oxidative stress injury in newborn infants is presented, including the metabolism of glutathione, the role of antioxidants, iron and nitric oxide, and how these may influence health and disease in the newborn and contribute to 'oxygen radical disease of the newborn'. New insight into how hyperoxia and hypoxia may induce changes leading to retinopathy of prematurity by vascular endothelial growth factor acting in concert with insulin-like growth factor is briefly summarized. Inflammation and oxidative stress seem to be two sides of the same coin in newborn babies both contributing to injury partly through similar mechanisms.