Eight-epi-PGF2α:: A possible marker of lipid peroxidation in term infants with severe pulmonary disease

A prostaglandin F-2-like compound, 8-epi-PGF(2 alpha), formed from oxidation of arachidonate, has been proposed as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. We determined whether tracheal aspirate or urinary 8-epi-PGF(2 alpha) levels would differ over time or between infants in a control group and infants with severe respiratory failure. We correlated tracheal aspirate 8-epi-PGF(2 alpha) levels with the fraction of inspired oxygen and with mean airway pressures at 24 and 48 hours of life. Levels in tracheal aspirates were in the range of 0 to 36 pg/mu g of fSC of IgA and were higher in infants with severe pulmonary disorders compared with those in infants in the control group (p < 0.02). Urinary concentrations did not discriminate between sick infants and infants in the control group.