Evaluation of oxidative stress in the newborn foal: a multibiomarker approach

Background During the perinatal period, neonates experience a sudden increase in oxygen exposure, predisposing them to oxidative stress. Aims This prospective, in vivo study aimed to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence in healthy neonatal foals during the first 48 hours of life. Methods Ten Standardbred foals were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at birth, 24 hours, and 48 hours after birth and analyzed for biomarkers using spectrophotometry assays. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests and linear regression. Results The results revealed significant differences in arylesterase (AREase), paraoxonase (POase), butyrylcholinesterase (BTChE), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) over time, with POase increasing and the other enzymes decreasing over time. There were no significant changes in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity over time. No correlations were found between biomarkers and blood glucose or lactate at birth. Conclusion These findings suggest that healthy foals undergo rapid postnatal changes in their redox balance, characterized by dynamic changes in specific antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress biomarkers. This study highlights the need for further research to investigate the evolution of oxidative stress biomarkers after 48 hours of life and their possible clinical implications.