Antioxidant Role of Plasma Carotenoids in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants

Objectives: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and consequently, it might be theorized that sufficient antioxidant defenses are needed to prevent BPD. We hypothesized that, except for vitamins E and A, carotenoids may be important in this defense. Carotenoids are present in human milk; however, they are not added to parenteral nutrition, the main food source of preterm infants in the first week of life. Aim: To evaluate prospectively the role of carotenoids in BPD in a cohort of preterm infants. Methods: The plasma concentrations of F-2 alpha-isoprostane, alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, vitamin A, and the vitamin E/cholesterol ratio were studied at days 1, 3, and 7 in a cohort of 109 preterm infants, of whom 19 had BPD. Results: When comparing the BPD and control group, infants in the BPD group were younger (p<0.001) and beta-carotene (day 7, p<0.01) and vitamin A concentrations were lower (days 3 and 7, p<0.001). Lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and F-2 alpha-isoprostane concentrations did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Plasma beta-carotene and vitamin A concentrations are lower in BPD infants which may result in a reduction of their antioxidant protection.