Evaluation of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Levels and Oxidative Stress in Preterm Infants

 Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that change under different conditions. This peptide is known as a therapeutic target in diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GLP-1 and oxidative stress in preterm infants.

In this case-control study, 40 term and preterm infants (gestational age less than 37 weeks) were used. GLP-1 concentration was measured by ELISA. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and uric acid concentration were measured.

Serum GLP-1 level in preterm infants was significantly higher than term infants (p=0.003). Serum TAC level in preterm infants (973.16±235.53) was significantly lower than term infants (837.00±218.97) (p=0.006). Serum TOS level in preterm infants (65.46±33.52) was significantly higher than term infants (31.50±14.62) (p<0.001). Uric acid levels in preterm infants (5.83±1.73) were statistically higher than term infants (5.13±0.90) (p=0.02). Serum GLP-1 level in preterm infants was negatively and significantly correlated with TAC (p<0.001, r=-0.674) and positively and significantly correlated with TOS (p<0.001, r=0.754) and uric acid (p<0.001, r=0.633).

The results showed that the levels of GLP-1, TOS and uric acid in preterm infants were higher than term infants and GLP-1 had a negative correlation with TAC capacity and a positive correlation with TOS and uric acid in these infants.