Non-invasive monitoring of saliva can be used to identify oxidative stress biomarkers in preterm and term newborn infants

Aim: The aim of this study was to appraise the feasibility and reproducibility of applying a validated analytical method to determine salivary oxidative stress biomarkers in newborn infants.

Methods: Prospective observational single-centre study was carried out in level III neonatal intensive care unit. Eligible patients were preterm infants and healthy full-term newborn infants. Salivary samples were analysed in the chromatographic system.

Results: A total of 23 premature newborn infants and 13 full-term newborns were included. We analysed salivary levels of oxidative stress biomarkers for 5-F_2t isoprostane, 15-E_2t isoprostane, prostaglandin E₂ and prostaglandin F2α. The multivariate predictive model showed a positive association between female and 5-F_2t isoprostonae, and between female sex and prostglandin F2α. In addition, we found a positive association between gestational age and levels of prostaglandin E₂ . Furthermore, in the premature group, we found a positive association between the inspired fraction of oxygen and levels of prostaglandin G₂ .

Conclusion: We identified and determined lipid peroxidation biomarkers in term and preterm newborn infants' saliva using specific and validated mass spectrometry technology.