Maternal and Neonatal Evaluation of Derived Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential in Donkey Mares and Foals

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to measure the concentrations of derived reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) of donkey mares and foals in order to evaluate the maternal and neonatal oxidative status at delivery and to verify the protective role of the placenta against fetal oxidative stress. A total of 15 Amiata jennies and 17 foals (four foals were born from twin foaling) were included. Immediately after delivery, maternal and foal venous blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein and from one of the two umbilical arteries. Plasma samples were evaluated for d-ROMs and BAP. Lactate was also assessed from whole blood. Statistical analysis was performed. Blood lactate was higher in foals than in their dams. Our results support the hypothesis that the placenta may be a protective barrier against oxidative damage and that the antioxidant system is not well formed at birth in donkey foals. ABSTRACT: Our aim was to measure the concentrations of derived reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) of donkey mares and foals at delivery and to verify the protective role of the placenta against fetal oxidative stress. A total of 15 Amiata jennies with a physiological gestation length and delivery were included together with 17 foals (two twin foalings). After delivery, maternal and foal venous blood samples were collected along with blood from the artery. Circulating lactate and plasma d-ROMs and BAP were evaluated. The Wilcoxon test for paired data was applied to verify differences in d-ROMs and BAP values, while the Spearman test was used to evaluate correlations. A significantly higher d-ROMs concentration was found in jennies compared to their foals, and to the umbilical artery blood. The BAP was higher in jennies than in their foals, but no differences were observed in the umbilical artery blood. No difference was found between foals and their umbilical cord. Blood lactate was higher in foals than in their dams. Positive correlations were found between mares and umbilical cord for BAP and d-ROMs, and between mares and foals and umbilical cord for BAP. In conclusion, the placenta may be a protective factor for the fetus. As with equine foals, the antioxidant system of donkey foals does not seems to be effective at birth.