Comparison of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and embryologic level of neural tube defects

Increased exposure to oxidant-derived free radicals or inadequate systems for antioxidant defense could alter cellular response at critical points in development We measured 5 antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes and their plasma cofactor trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu) in 37 children with myelomeningocele and in 37 age-matched controls. We placed the patients into 3 groups according to motor level of the lesion at birth. We found signficantly loner GSH-Px activities (p = 0.007) in children with myelomcningocele. For paired comparisons among the 3 patient groups and controls, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between controls and both high (thoracic) and mid (lumbar) level embryologic lesions. The finding of antioxidant enzyme variations in our patients with myclomeningocele may indicate a role for abnormal oxidative metabolism in the development of this defect. The contribution of oxidative stress to human birth defects warrants investigation. We discuss potential relationships between oxidative stress and energy metabolism during primary neurulation.