What are the roles of superoxide dismutase isoforms (SOD1 and SOD3) and glutathione (GSH) in amniotic fluid (AF) during fetal gastrointestinal development?
Label:chem
Topic
Amniotic fluid (AF) plays a crucial role in fetal gastrointestinal development by delivering bioactive factors that support intestinal maturation. The redox environment of AF and its potential contribution to fetal intestinal homeostasis remain insufficiently characterized. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzymatic antioxidant that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anions (O2−) into molecular oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thereby mitigating oxidative stress. SOD exists in three isoforms—SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3—each differing in cellular localization and metal cofactor requirements. Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular thiol in intestinal epithelial cells and plays a central role in maintaining redox homeostasis, detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS), and supporting epithelial barrier integrity.
From: "Evidence for Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase (SOD3), Glutathione and Redox Dynamics in Amniotic Fluid Throughout Gestation", Children 2025, 12(8), 1086;
Answer
SOD1 and SOD3 in AF concentrations decrease significantly with gestational age, while oxidative DNA damage marker 8-OHdG levels increase. SOD3 shows a negative correlation with 8-OHdG, suggesting its role in mitigating oxidative DNA damage. GSH levels do not significantly correlate with gestational age but contribute to maintaining redox homeostasis. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of the redox environment in AF and its potential importance for fetal gastrointestinal tract development. The disruption of this balance by preterm birth or inadequate AF intake during fetal life may have long-term consequences for intestinal development and function.
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