Objective: This 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).
Methods: This 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).
Results: TAC 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.
Conclusion: Lower 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.
Keywords: Cord inflammatory markers; Cord oxidative markers; Dietary antioxidant intake; Fetal growth restriction; Oxidative stress.
Copyright © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.