Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a major cause of severe neonatal jaundice in Nigeria, but not all G6PD-deficient babies become jaundiced. Neonatal jaundice not attributable to G6PD deficiency nor to any other known aetiology is also common. In an effort to explain these two facts, we have measured the levels of the three enzymes G6PD, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPX), and glutathione reductase (GSSGR) in 38 jaundiced newborns, 26 control newborns, and 44 normal adults, all of them males. We could not yet prove an additive effect of GSSGR or GSHPX deficiency with G6PD deficiency in causing jaundice. There was no evidence that low levels of GSHPX per se are associated with jaundice. However, jaundiced newborns with normal G6PD had significantly lower levels of GSSGR than control newborns with normal G6PD. These data suggest that a relatively low activity of GSSGR, a riboflavin-dependent enzyme, may predispose the red cells to accelerated destruction in the neonatal period.

Keywords:
Erythrocyte enzymes, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase, Neonatal jaundice
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1976 S. Karger AG, Basel
1976
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.