Maternal dietary total antioxidant and oxygen radical absorption capacities and cord blood oxidative-inflammatory response in late-onset fetal growth restriction


Baştemur A. G., Gezer İ. S., Türe A., Özdal B. B., KESİKLİ B., Tanaçan A., ...More

Placenta, vol.177, pp.1-7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 177
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.placenta.2026.02.014
  • Journal Name: Placenta
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-7
  • Keywords: Cord inflammatory markers, Cord oxidative markers, Dietary antioxidant intake, Fetal growth restriction, Oxidative stress
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal total antioxidant (TAC)/oxygen radical absorption (dORAC) capacities and oxidative-inflammatory markers in fetal cord blood in pregnancies complicated by late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR).MethodsThis prospective observational study included 61 pregnant women, 27 diagnosed with late-onset FGR and 34 healthy pregnant women, who underwent elective cesarean delivery. TAC and dORAC were derived from 3-day dietary records. Cord blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), anti-inflammatory marker interleukin-10 (IL-10), and oxidative stress parameters (Total Antioxidant Status-TAS and Total Oxidant Status-TOS).ResultsTAC and dORAC scores were significantly lower in the FGR group. Cord blood TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in FGR fetuses, while IL-6, IL-10, TAS, and TOS levels showed no significant differences. A negative correlation was found between dORAC and TNF-α levels. Maternal intake of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper was significantly lower in the FGR group, and vitamin C was positively correlated with dORAC. No significant association was observed between TAC and cord TNF-α levels.ConclusionLower maternal dietary antioxidant capacity, especially dORAC, was associated with a higher fetal inflammatory response, suggesting a potential role of maternal diet in modulating intrauterine inflammation in FGR. Further longitudinal studies, including assessments of trimester-specific maternal serum antioxidant levels and placental and nutritional evaluations, are warranted to explore causal relationships and potential nutritional interventions.