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Redox Report : Communications in Free Radical Research logoLink to Redox Report : Communications in Free Radical Research
. 2013 Jul 19;16(3):101–107. doi: 10.1179/174329211X13049558293551

Unbalanced oxidant–antioxidant status and its effects in pediatric diseases

Valentina Chiavaroli 1, Cosimo Giannini 1,2, Stefania De Marco 1, Francesco Chiarelli 1,2, Angelika Mohn 1,2,✉
PMCID: PMC6837647  PMID: 21801491

Abstract

Oxidative stress results from a disparity between the generation of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant ability of the organism. The alteration of the oxidant–antioxidant system brings in adults an effective state of imbalance, which may influence the pathogenesis of many diseases. Oxidative stress also plays a pivotal role in the progression of various pathologies in childhood, through a manipulation of regulatory proteins. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that an unbalanced oxidant–antioxidant status is able to determine toxic effects even during infancy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge about the dynamic relationship between oxidative stress and systemic diseases during childhood. In order to better understand these complex mechanisms, a comprehensive review of the literature was done, focusing mainly on pre-pubertal children. In fact, this age-group offers a unique opportunity to exclude confounding factors, especially those related to the metabolic effects induced by puberty. Early identification of these very young patients should be aimed at minimizing the degree of oxidative damage. Only by achieving early diagnosis, will it be possible to identify those children who could benefit from specific therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative stress.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, Oxidants, Antioxidants, Pre-pubertal, Pediatric diseases

Introduction

Oxidative stress results from a disparity between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant ability. Unbalanced oxidant–antioxidant status is emerging as a prominent health concern in both adults and children. Previously published data have clearly emphasized the key role of unbalanced oxidant–antioxidant status in many biological complications, with a high risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, certain cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.1,2 Interestingly, the impaired oxidant–antioxidant status contributes to toxic effects even during infancy, when the body is extremely vulnerable. Several studies have revealed a direct correlation between oxidative stress and the risk of developing complications in young subjects affected by systemic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), low and high birth weight-related alterations, growth hormone deficiency (GHD), asthma, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).3–9 Careful follow-up of oxidant status alterations is therefore necessary throughout infancy to prevent associated damage. In order to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, the aim of the present review was to summarize current knowledge about the dynamic relationship between oxidative stress and systemic diseases during infancy. The literature review was focused mainly on pre-pubertal children. This age group offers a unique opportunity to exclude confounding factors, especially those related to the metabolic effects induced by puberty, which influence the oxidant–antioxidant balance.

Oxidant−antioxidant status: a dynamic system

Oxygen represents the most important chemical element for human life as it moderates the oxidation–reduction reactions that are indispensable for the energy metabolism of cells. The majority of inhaled oxygen is utilized by mitochondria to produce energy, while just a small percentage is transformed into ROS. Although the major sources of reactive species are mitochondria, their generation occurs also in non-phagocytic cells. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, xanthine oxidase (XO), and nitric oxide (NO) synthase represent the main enzymes involved in this process. ROS induce beneficial effects as they modulate a number of cellular signaling pathways and play a critical role in protection from pathogens. Usually, ROS are neutralized by the antioxidant defense system, while during pathological conditions they can dramatically increase and provoke severe damage. The main reactive molecules are hydroxyl radical (HO), superoxide (O2−), singlet oxygen (1O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and NO. Effects triggered by these molecules include: alterations of cell membranes, inflammation, failed enzyme activity, inhibited protein synthesis, damage/mutation of DNA, and apoptosis. In particular, ROS determine toxic organic effects through the oxidation of lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Antioxidants are substances able to counteract or reduce molecular and cellular ROS injury. These defense systems have been categorized as cellular, membrane, and extracellular antioxidants. Cellular antioxidants are composed of several enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidases (GPX). SOD catalyzes O2− dismutation into H2O2 and oxygen, while catalase converts H2O2 into oxygen and water. GPX reduces H2O2 producing glutathione (GSH). GSH has a key role in antioxidant intracellular defense, including removal of ROS and discharge of lipid peroxides, and in nutrient metabolism, such as regulation of cysteine bioavailability and its intracellular transport. Furthermore, GSH modulates important pathways, including glutathionylation of proteins and regulation of the intracellular redox status.10 Membrane antioxidants include Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbate), and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Vitamin A is placed in lipophilic membranes, while vitamin C is the main water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is a proficient ROS scavenger in the lipid core of cell membranes and blocks lipid peroxidation. There is an important relationship between intracellular and membrane antioxidants by the self-regenerating ascorbate-alpha-tocopherol-GSH system. In physiological conditions this system defends the human cells and tissues against oxidative stress, preventing above all lipid peroxidation. More specifically, alpha-tocopherol is regenerated from tocopheroxy radicals by ascorbate or GSH. In turn, ascorbyl radicals are cyclically reduced back at the expense of GSH or NADPH. Oxidized GSH is recycled back into the original form by GSH reductase in the presence of NADPH.11 Finally, the extracellular antioxidants encompass several ligands including haptoglobin, hemopexin, and albumin as well as lactoferrin, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin.

The oxidant–antioxidant mechanisms and their effects in childhood are shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 1.

Figure 1.

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The oxidant–antioxidant mechanisms and their effects in childhood. SOD, superoxide dismutase; GPX, glutathione peroxidases; CoQ10, coenzyme Q10; VIT A, vitamin A; VIT E, vitamin E; VIT C, vitamin C; HO, hydroxyl radical; O2−, superoxide; 1O2, singlet oxygen; H2O2, hydrogen peroxide; NO, nitric oxide; LDL, low-density lipoproteins; AGEs, advanced glycation endproducts; RAGEs, receptors for advanced glycation endproducts; T1D, type 1 diabetes; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; SGA, small for gestational age; LGA, large for gestational age; GHD, growth hormone deficiency; JIA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Pathophysiology of oxidant-related organic damage in pediatric diseases

The main oxidant pathways involved in the pathophysiology of pediatric diseases are lipid peroxidation, advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs)/receptors for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGEs) pathway, NADPH oxidase and XO, NO, and carbonyl stress.

Lipid peroxidation represents the mechanism through which lipids are degraded, leading to the generation of peroxidized lipids and aldehydes. When redox regulation is impaired, lipids rich in polyunsatured fatty acids (FAs) undergo the subtraction of hydrogen, and react with oxygen to produce H2O2. This molecule interacts with further lipids creating a persistent process of auto-oxidation and causing cellular damage. In particular, the relationship between oxidative stress and childhood disease originates in oxidative changes of low-density lipoproteins (LDL).12,13 Among the numerous markers of oxidative stress, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), which reflects the lipid peroxide content of LDL, lag phase, an indicator of susceptibility of LDL to in vitro oxidation, and isoprostanes, a new class of molecule indicating both in vivo and ex vivo lipid peroxidation, represent reliable methodologies.

In children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) persistent hyperglycemia induces an impaired oxidant–antioxidant status, leading to precocious endothelial injury. LDL peroxidation stimulates H2O2 production, impairs GSH and NO bioavailability, and promotes the expression of pro-atherogenic molecules by the activation of oxidized LDL-receptors in vessels. In addition, oxidized LDL stimulate endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and monocytes to produce growth and chemotactic factors promoting acceleration of atherosclerosis.14,15 High MDA levels have been demonstrated in T1D children with scarce glycemic control,16 while no difference was detected between pre-pubertal children with well-controlled diabetes and healthy peers. These data show that a high-quality metabolic control represents an important factor that is able to suppress the production of ROS.17 Unfortunately, oxidative stress seems to take place even during the initial phases of diabetes. In fact, markers of endothelial alterations have already been detected in children with T1D without complications, thus demonstrating the role of an early intervention in restoring oxidative status in this high-risk group of children.18

An impaired oxidant–antioxidant status has also been demonstrated in childhood obesity. Adipose tissue represents one of the main sources of ROS,19 which are critical for the pathogenesis of early coronary-wall alterations, even from infancy. These oxidant molecules induce LDL peroxidation, which is a well-known key determinant of the development of foam cells and fatty streaks.12 Moreover, insulin resistance (IR), which is associated with adipose tissue, is able to intensify ROS generation.20 In fact, both the higher degree of IR and increased levels of isoprostanes, detected in obese pre-pubertal children in comparison with healthy subjects, have been associated with increased carotid intima medial thickness.21 Notably, oxidative stress has been shown to be significantly reduced by a 6-month dietary restriction, demonstrating the possibility of reversing the obese-related oxidant–antioxidant alteration in young subjects.4 In addition to the adverse effects of increased adipose tissue on oxidative stress, constitutional leanness has been similarly characterized by an impaired oxidant–antioxidant status. Oxidative stress has recently been demonstrated in a group of pre-pubertal constitutional lean children in comparison with healthy peers. It is notable that in lean children no significant difference was documented in oxidative status when compared with obese children,22 revealing an important role of adipose tissue depletion in regulating the oxidant–antioxidant balance.

Oxidative stress is also an important risk factor in the development of NAFLD, one of the most significant liver complications related to childhood obesity.23 Although the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease is not completely clear, the interrelationship between oxidative stress and IR mechanisms plays a pivotal role in the progression from liver steatosis to steatohepatitis.24 Fat accumulation in the liver is likely to result from IR, which alters lipolysis and lipid storage leading to an increased flux of free FAs to the hepatocytes.24 This hepatic overloading of FAs increases mitochondrial ROS production by depletion of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FAs25 and exacerbation of IR, through the phosphorylation of insulin receptor.26 The progression of liver steatosis to steatohepatitis is related to an exacerbation of oxidative stress, due to upregulation of cytochrome P450-family 2-subfamily E-polypeptide 1, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased activity of NADPH oxidase.27–29 The redox upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1alpha),26 through activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and activator protein-1), reinforces the initial mechanism of IR and ROS.29 A recent study has shown that the link between oxidative stress and the severity of non-alcholic steatohepatitis is identifiable from childhood, as demonstrated by increased circulating immunoglobulin (Ig)G against MDA-adducted human serum albumin in children with scores for lobular inflammation significantly higher than patients with IgG in the normal range.30

The crucial role of lipid peroxidation has widely been recognized in children born small for gestational age (SGA) as well as in children born large for gestational age (LGA). In fact, an impaired oxidant–antioxidant status has been documented in pre-pubertal normal-weight SGA and LGA children. These data clearly suggest a background of oxidative derangement, most likely due to an adverse fetal environment with adaptive reactions and pathophysiological modifications.31 An additional impaired oxidant–antioxidant status has been detected in a group of obese pre-pubertal SGA and LGA children.6 These data show that the background oxidative derangement related to birth weight can be exacerbated by excessive fat mass accumulation.

Oxidative stress has also been reported to be directly involved in GHD-related cardiovascular diseases.32 Specifically, low insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels seem to be directly responsible for an increased generation and a reduced removal of ROS. A recent study has demonstrated high oxidative stress and low IGF-1 levels in pre-pubertal children with GHD, with a significant correlation between oxidative stress and IGF-1. However, these effects appear to be reversible. In fact, after a 1-year treatment with recombinant GH (rGH), children showed a significant increase of IGF-1 levels associated with a parallel improvement of oxidant–antioxidant status markers.7

Moreover, oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of JIA,33 a chronic arthritis of unidentified cause starting in subjects younger than 16 years of age.34 In fact, children with inflamed joints alternate activity with static periods, leading to sequences of hypoxia-reperfusion with a redox milieu and ROS generation.35 High thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in children with JIA were initially reported,36 and have subsequently been demonstrated to be associated with high MDA and H2O2 levels.37

Finally, a close link between asthma and oxidative stress has been demonstrated even during childhood. As a result of an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants leading to hyper-responsiveness and bronchial inflammation, an elevated pulmonary amount of ROS has been found in asthmatic subjects.38 Moreover, high MDA levels have been reported in children with asthma,8 as well as high levels of isoprostanes, which appear to be related to asthma severity.39

The AGEs/RAGEs pathway has recently been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative-related organic damage during infancy. AGEs–RAGEs interaction induces oxidative stress, modifying gene expression in numerous cells.8,40 More specifically, RAGE is a multiligand cell-surface receptor with three main splicing variants.41 The full-length RAGE and the N-truncated variants stay in the plasma membrane, whereas the C-truncated variant, named endogenous secretory RAGE (esRAGE), lacks cytosolic and trans-membrane domains and is extracellularly secreted. The enzymatic cleavage of the full-length cell surface generates an additional type of extracellularly secreted RAGE, named soluble RAGE (sRAGE). esRAGE and sRAGE combine with the circulating ligands and counteract their effects. However, in the presence of a large amount of circulating ligands, the decoy receptors decrease drastically, revealing the system function.

In children with T1D, hyperglycemia can induce oxidative stress by glucose autoxidation and non-enzymatic protein glycation with production of glucose-derived AGEs.42 Although glucose oxidation seems to be the principal ROS source,43 the AGEs/RAGEs system is strongly engaged in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications.42 The AGEs/RAGEs system leads to oxidative stress by impairing NO bioavailability, inducing heme oxygenase mRNA and activating NADPH oxidase and nuclear transcription factors, such as NF-kB. This activation increases the expression of adhesion molecules as well as pro-inflammatory and chemoattractant mediators which in turn provoke further endothelial damage through artery-wall infiltration.44 A corresponding and notable correlation between AGEs and MDA has been detected in T1D children with scarce glycemic control.16

Considerably reduced esRAGE and sRAGE levels with an independent correlation with steatosis have been reported in obese pre-pubertal children with NAFLD.5 These data suggest that the AGEs/RAGEs pathway has an independent role in the progression of liver diseases, even during infancy.

NADPH oxidase and XO have commonly been defined as the two major enzymes involved in ROS generation. It has been widely demonstrated in children with T1D that hyperglycemia induces an impaired oxidant–antioxidant status throughout these two important enzymes.20,45 In T1D, hyperglycemia induces an over-expression of mitochondrial NADPH oxidase by the activation of protein kinase C, causing a decreased production of reduced GSH.46 Furthermore, the role of IR in the amplification of ROS generation through NADPH oxidase has been described in obese children.20

The NO molecule has widely been identified as an important endogenous vasodilator. Appropriate levels of this molecule are essential in protecting the human body from ischemia, while high levels of NO lead to toxic effects.

A recent study reported that children with T1D showed high NO levels, leading to intrarenal hemodynamic alterations from early stages of nephropathy.47 Chronic hyperglycemia has several effects: induces increased NO biosynthesis and actions; enhances blood flow and vascular permeability; and leads to endothelial alterations, glomerular hyperfiltration, and microalbuminuria.48 High NO levels have been shown in children with JIA, highlighting the important role of nitrogen and reactive species in joint injury.49

In asthmatic children exhaled NO (eNO) reflects bronchial inflammation50 and has recently been identified as a new complementary tool in the follow-up of airways inflammation by using the eNO fractional concentration (FeNO).51 Above all, children with increased FeNO seem to be at high risk of new-onset asthma,52 while in asthmatic children antioxidant albumin concentrations have been demonstrated to be decreased and related to elevated FeNO.53

Oxidative stress can produce carbonyl stress (reactive carbonyl complexes) from amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, leading to the production of AGEs.54 Persistent exposure of proteins to ROS can provoke structural alterations, including the generation of carbonyl proteins55 which have cytotoxic properties on cell metabolism.

Increased levels of carbonyls have been detected in children with JIA, principally in those children with high-disease activity.56 It has been reported, however, that protein carbonyls did not increase during a 1-year follow-up study, perhaps due to proteolysis during anti-inflammatory therapy.57

Pathophysiology of antioxidant-related organic damage in pediatric diseases

The main antioxidant pathways involved in the pathophysiology of pediatric diseases include cellular and membrane systems.

With regard to cellular antioxidants, an increased activity of erythrocytic GPX has been detected in children with steatosis, suggesting that toxic damage stimulates antioxidant enzymes, even during the first phases of NAFLD.58

Furthermore, an impaired activity of catalase has been documented in overweight LGA children in comparison with SGA children, exacerbating the risk of obesity-related complications.59

A reduced SOD activity36 has been detected in children with JIA, who also demonstrated a decreased GPX activity.60 Conversely, another study reported increased SOD and GPX activity not only in the serum but also in the saliva of young JIA subjects.61 These data have been supported by a further study showing a high antioxidant enzyme activity in the saliva of children with JIA.9

In children with asthma significantly decreased concentrations of reduced GSH have been reported.8 Specifically, increased oxidative stress has been found in the lung epithelial lining fluid of asthmatic children, with a large glutathione disulfide production and its transformation to the more oxidized form.62 Oxidative stress can also modify the immune response of T helper 1/T helper 2 cells, which leads to the activation of NF-kB, a well-known inducer of pro-inflammatory genes.63 In fact, a crucial point is represented by the genetic vulnerability to oxidative stress, because antioxidant enzyme polymorphisms are potential risk factors for bronchial inflammation. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) represents a candidate gene for its protection against oxidative stress and also because the GST-T1 null genotype has commonly been found in asthmatic subjects.64 These genes may be crucial during intrauterine life as they could modify the respiratory outcome of fetal exposure to maternal smoke.65

Regarding membrane antioxidants, evidence from several studies demonstrates reduced vitamin E levels in obese children, due to its sequestration by fat mass with alteration in assimilation and metabolism.4,66 Reduced concentrations of other lipophilic antioxidant vitamins, including lycopene, and alpha-tocopherol, have been found in obese children.66 So, it can be presumed that an excessive food intake of poor nutritional quality may provoke excessive ROS production in young children.

Concerning NAFLD, the first therapeutic approach in children is to change lifestyle, including weight loss and physical activity. However, as these approaches are not easy to put into practice, antioxidants have been recognized as valid alternative treatments to prevent progression to cirrhosis.67 In particular, vitamin E supplementation has been shown to normalize transaminase levels in obese children with NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.68

Low levels of vitamin E have also been detected in children with GHD; however, after 1 year of rGH therapy there was a significant improvement in this antioxidant vitamin.7 These data confirm that children with GHD have an adverse oxidant–antioxidant status, which can apparently be restored by rGH treatment.

Decreased vitamin E levels have been shown in normal-weight pre-pubertal SGA and LGA children. Furthermore, impaired CoQ10 metabolism and catalase activity have been documented in overweight LGA children in comparison with SGA children.59

Reduced vitamin E levels69 and beta-carotene values37 have also been detected in children with JIA, together with low vitamin C concentrations.60

Low vitamin E levels have been found in children with inadequately controlled asthma,53 with a deficit in bronchial function, especially in children with an insufficient antioxidant vitamin intake.70 Among antioxidants, lack of vegetables and fruits has been demonstrated to be related to coughing, while low fish intake was the main predictor of reduced lung function. These data suggest that these foods, rich in antioxidant vitamins, could have a role in reducing the risk of developing asthma.71

Conclusion

In summary, oxidative stress plays a critical role in developing and exacerbating the pathogenesis of several disorders, even in pre-pubertal children. Some useful surrogate biomarkers have been proposed to evaluate the oxidant injury and the antioxidant defense systems in most childhood diseases. In order to minimize the degree of oxidative damage, early identification of these young patients becomes imperative. Merely by prompt diagnosis and close follow-up, it would be possible to identify those children who could benefit from therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative stress. As every disease has a characteristic pathological pathway, further investigations are required to assess the utility of specific antioxidant treatments during childhood.

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