Measurement of oxidative stress-related markers in gastro-intestinal damages in Bulgarian pediatric patients

Abstract

Cow's milk allergy (CMA), affects ~2 - 7.5% of the infants, and results in an immunological response to casein and α-/β-lactalbumins such as: skin rashes, respiratory and gastrointestinal disturbances. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting adolescents, is sustained by an impaired immune/ inflammatory response against intestinal microorganisms. Reactive oxygen/nitrogen (ROS/RNS) overproduction in the gastrointestinal tract damages the mucosa in CMA and IBD. The aim of the present study was to determine ROS/RNS and oxidative disturbances in the intestinal mucosa influence in CMA and IBD. We investigated the levels of advanced protein (OPC), protein carbonyls (PCC), nitric oxide (•NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in blood serum in CMA and IBD patients. The results showed a significant increase in PCC (p < 0.0001), OPC (p < 0.0001), and increased •NO deposition (p < 0.001) and TAC (p < 0.0001) that likely induce oxidative damage in CMA versus IBD patients. In conclusion, the ROS/RNS accumulation, and oxidative damage to the protein skeleton in the colonic mucosa play a key role in the CMA and IBD pathophysiology, especially in the initiation, duration and maintenance of mucosal inflammation.