Emerging Role of Free Radicals and Therapeutic Approach towards Antioxidants in Childhood Disorders

Antioxidants are thought to aid in the protection of the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. According to this article, there may be an association between oxidative stress and anaemia tremor syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, tuberculosis (TB), malnutrition, and newborn problems. The latest data from ongoing studies will be available in the forthcoming years and will illuminate the role of antioxidants in the aetiology and management of many childhood disorders. In comparison to term neonates, there were low erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity levels in preterm neonates. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) levels in term neonates have a better correlation at birth weights of 2500–3000 g. The TAA level of preterm neonates increases as their birth weight increases. The mean TAA level in stage III hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was significantly lower than that in control neonates (p<0.5). This decreased TAA level in severe HIE cases could be due to a blunted physiologic response and overwhelming production of free radicals due to anoxemic stress and therapy that might have consumed existing antioxidants. It is an axiom that seizures in HIE are associated with poor outcomes. It is a field for further research to determine whether the presence of seizures leads to lower antioxidant activity or whether lower TAA could be a causative factor for these seizures. It is too early to comment on this, and further studies are needed to understand this relationship. The addition of antioxidants to the therapeutic strategy of HIE neonates is recommended. Malnutrition and a deficiency of vitamin A and zinc predispose to the development of active tuberculosis. It is proposed that during treatment of tuberculosis, adjuvant antioxidants should be considered in combination with anti-tubercular drugs. The objectives of this study include the neutralization of free radicals through the utility of antioxidants in childhood disorders.