Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in the postpartum period

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to clarify the changes of oxidative stress and antioxidant potential in maternal plasma and total antioxidant capacity in human milk to investigate whether those indices may be associated with perinatal data.
Method
Fifty postpartum women were followed for one month after delivery. We measured reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in maternal plasma, and total antioxidant capacity (OXY adsorbent) in human milk by F.R.E.E. (Free Radical Elective Evaluator), as markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant potential, respectively.
Results
Oxidant stress decreased significantly to 393.2±71.9 U.CARR, but antioxidant potential increased significantly to 2288.8±252.1 μmol/L in one month postpartum (p<.001). The rate of change of oxidant stress correlated significantly with the rate of change of antioxidant potential (from 0~2 days to 4~5 days postpartum: r=.467, p<.01, from 4~5 days to one month postpartum: r=.337, p<.05). Total antioxidant capacity levels of human milk in one month postpartum were significantly lower than in 4~5 days postpartum (p<.001). High groups of total antioxidant capacity levels of human milk in 4~5 days postpartum (n=23) were correlated with antioxidant potential postpartum (p<.01).
Conclusions
Oxidant stress decreased in one month postpartum, however, it was still higher than the normal range. A significant increase was observed in antioxidant potential by one month postpartum. High groups of total antioxidant capacity in human milk were associated with antioxidant potential in maternal plasma. Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in the postpartum period is considered useful as indices of health care.