ABSTRACT
Lycopene is a carotenoid present in fruits and vegetables. The richest sources of lycopene are tomatoes and tomato products. The beneficial effects of lycopene in human health and disease are mainly associated with its antioxidant properties. Lycopene is a carotenoid with strongest antioxidant property because of its capability of quenching the singlet oxygen. Eleven conjugated double bonds of lycopene give it a deep red color and are responsible for its antioxidant activity which is major functional feature of lycopene. Dietary intakes of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene have been shown to be associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases in numerous studies. Although there are evidences from many epidemiological and cell culture and animal studies explaining the inverse relationship between lycopene and cancer or cardiovascular disease risk, more clinical trial data is needed to support this hypothesis. In this article we outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current understanding of its role in human health and disease prevention.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy remain a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study prospectively examined the immediate neonatal outcome of women with maternal hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HPD).Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at NICU in Universal College of Medical Sciences Hospital over a period from 2nd February 2018 to 1st February 2019. Fifty-two mothers and their newborn were selected. Mothers with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension and chronic hypertension were included.Results: Mean maternal age was 26.4 years. Mean gestational age was 34±4 weeks. 38 were male and 24 were female with male: female ratio 1.72:1. Thirty seven (71.2%) mothers needed lower uterine caesarian section, fourteen (26.9%) mothers delivered NVD and one (1.9%) forceps delivery. Low birth weight (<2.5kg) babies were 25 (48.1%%), very low birth weight (<1.5kg) were 9 (17.3%) and normal weight were 18 (34.3%). Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were 18(30%). Perinatal asphyxia 10 (19.2%) were most common cause of admission, other cause of admission were sepsis and prematurity.Conclusions: Eclampsia is still a common and serious complication of pregnancy. Proper antenatal care, detection of preeclampsia with early management and timely referral of high risk patient, administered of MgSO4 in correct doses and properly timed caesarean section in selected cases would reduce the incidence of eclampsia associated maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in our facility.