Antioxidant status and oxidative stress in organophosphate pesticide poisoning

Abstract

Objective: To study the antioxidant status and the extent of oxidative stress in patients with organophosphate poisoning before and after specific treatment. Material and methods : The study was conducted in 50 OP poisoned patients. Superoxide dimutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malonalaldehyde levels were estimated as an index of antioxidant status and oxidative stress respectively and comparisons were made(a) healthy control subjects& sprayer poisoned patients(b) between pretreated &post treated patients, after specific treatment . Results : There were significantly increase in superoxide dismutase(SOD)& catalase in the exposed sprayer groups, comparative to normal healthy control subjects .The increase in lipid peroxidation as reflected by elevated levels of malonalaldehyde (MDA) in the pesticide exposed group, indicates oxidative stress. There were progressive improvement observed in the both SOD&CAT levels after specific therapy in post treated patients, comparative to pretreated patients. Significant compensatory level of malonalaldehyde(MDA)were observed in post treated patients in comparison to pretreated patients. The level of improvement in post treated patients also depends on the severity grade of poisoning. . Conclusion: The increased level of MDA in OPP patients who failed to survive was probably reflective of accelerated lipid peroxidation, cell damage &death(oxidative stress).significant improvement was noticed in the SOD&CAT levels with specific treatment (atropine plus pralidoxime (PAM) therapy).