Determination of Malondialdehyde and Superoxide Dismutase in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Subjects

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a dangerous bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. It has long been documented that there is an increase circulating levels of free radicals and oxidative stress markers in TB subjects. Malnutrition and deficient antioxidant capabilities further complicate the patient’s situation. The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and normal volunteers at Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The present study consists of one hundred and thirty-four (134) subjects, Ninety (90) among which are diagnosed TB patients and forty-four (44) apparently healthy controls attending Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital Dutse. Venous samples were collected from ninety consecutive, consenting PTB on drugs and those that have not started medications. MDA levels were analysed using the method of Nadigar et al (1986). The mean values of MDA in the 24 tuberculosis infected males who are yet to commence drug was 4.0±0.32, 2.8±0.53 in those that are on drugs and 2.0±0.23 in the male control subjects. It was 4.1±0.35, 2.9±0.29 and 1.9±0.32 in female that are TB infected and yet to commence drugs, those on drugs and the control subjects respectively. The total mean MDA value for those on tuberculosis drugs was 4.0±0.33, 2.8±0.46 for those that are yet to commence the treatment and 2.0±0.28 for the control subjects, the serum levels of SOD was found significantly lower (p<0.005) in PTB subjects on treatment compared to those without treatment and control subjects. Conclusively, the findings of the current study showed that pulmonary tuberculosis patients are predisposed to oxidative stress leading to an increased MDA and consequent decreased SOD levels as compared to the control subjects.