Correlation Between Umbilical Cord Histomorphometry and Oxidative Stress Markers in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): A review

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, often resulting from placental insufficiency that impairs fetal nutrient and oxygen supply. Structural changes in the umbilical cord, including increased vessel wall thickness, narrowed lumen, and reduced Wharton’s jelly volume, have been frequently observed in IUGR cases and are indicative of compromised vascular function. This review synthesizes data comparing umbilical cord histomorphometry between IUGR and appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates, alongside analyses of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase in cord blood. Evidence consistently shows that histomorphometric alterations in the umbilical cord correlate with elevated oxidative stress—characterized by increased MDA and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity—suggesting oxidative injury plays a key role in vascular remodeling during IUGR. The relationship between biochemical and structural changes highlights the potential of combined assessments as early diagnostic tools for IUGR. Furthermore, these findings support the exploration of antioxidant therapies to mitigate oxidative damage in affected pregnancies. However, further large-scale, prospective studies are necessary to confirm these associations and evaluate their clinical relevance in prenatal management.