Characteristics of lipid peroxidation processes and factors of the antioxidant defense system in chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer

Abstract

Background. The problem of gastric cancer remains unresolved throughout the world, while chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) increases the likelihood of its development by 15 times. In the Russian Federation, the incidence of gastric cancer (GC) is among the highest, with it prevailing among males. One of the leading mechanisms in molecular pathology of membranes is lipid peroxidation (LPO). The severity of oxidative membrane damage depends on concomitant diseases, contributing to emergence and progression of pathological processes and development of cancer. Currently, the problem of LPO is unsolved in biological systems.The aim of this study was to investigate the state of LPO and antioxidant defense system in CAG and GC. Materials and methods. The parameters were studied in 45 patients with CAG and 50 patients with GC. The control group included 50 practically healthy volunteers without gastrointestinal complaints, who did not have changes in the gastric mucosa according to the fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS) findings.Results. In patients with CAG, an increase in malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase was found in the blood plasma compared with the control group. In patients with CAG, lipid peroxidation was activated, and the malondialdehyde level increased by 3.5 times relative to normal values. At the same time, the body fought against oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. All patients with GC showed pronounced oxidative stress in the blood plasma in the form of a 45-fold increase in malondialdehyde. The activity of the main antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase was reduced in GC. Catalase was activated, which indicated pronounced oxidative stress, significant damage to blood vessels, and massive cell death. Glutathione-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase) and the antioxidant protein ceruloplasmin were activated, which also indicated significant oxidative stress and severe intoxication in patients with GC.Conclusion. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, an in-depth study of lipid peroxidation and factors of the antioxidant defense system can be used to correct therapy and prevent cancer and can serve as markers of progression and prognosis in gastric cancer.