Antioxidants, reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage associated to the presence of organochlorine pesticides in breast milk [Antioxidantes, especies reactivas de oxígeno y daño oxidativo asociado a la presencia de plaguicidas organoclorados en la leche materna] Article uri icon

abstract

  • Introduction: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the effects of which can be countered by the antioxidant system, also present in breast milk. Objective: To evaluate the indicators of oxidative stress in breast milk associated to the presence of OCPs, and their relationship with seafood intake. Methods: Breast milk was collected from 108 lactating women. Indicators of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione concentration, superoxide radical [O2 •-] production, lipid peroxidation and carbonylated protein concentration) were analyzed by spectrophotometry. OCPs concentrations were measured by gas chromatography. •-Results and discussion: O2 production had no significant relationship with OCPs concentrations. Significant correlations between OCPs concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione reductase [GR] activity and aldrin concentration [r =-0.5], superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity and α-HCH concentration [r = 0.45]) were found. Oxidative damage had a low correlation with OCPs content (r < 0.30, p < 0.05). •-•-It is possible that OCP’s levels are not sufficient to increase O2 production, that production of ROS other than O2 is increased, or that the antioxidant capacity is sufficient to avoid oxidative damage in breast milk. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that marine diet is not a determinant factor in the level of contamination by OCP’s or in the oxidative damage in breast milk. © 2016, ARAN Ediciones S.A.. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • 2016-01-01