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. © Grupo Arán Ediciones.

publication date

  • 2016-01-01