Role of antioxidants as a stress factor for potentially malignant, malignant disorders and healthy individuals: A correlative study

Abstract

Background: The possible role of free radicals in pathogenesis of a disease and its prevention by antioxidants is well-known. Literature reveals an independent correlation between the risk factors and these disorders. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the values of vitamin A, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in normal individuals and patients with potentially malignant and malignant disorders. Materials and Methods: In this study, serum vitamin A, E, SOD, and MDA levels were assessed in 80 patients divided into four groups marked as a group I normal individuals, group IIa individuals with habits but without any lesions, group IIb with potentially malignant disorders, and group III with malignant disorders. Results: The mean vitamin A level in the group I was 3.07 ± 0.27, group IIa was 1.48 ± 0.37, group IIb was 0.89 ± 0.21, and group III was 0.67 ± 0.17. The mean vitamin E level in group I was 9.89 ± 0.75, group IIa was 8.85 ± 0.42, group IIb was 7.63 ± 0.39, and group III was 6.43 ± 0.34. The mean MDA level in group I was 2.92 ± 0.36, group IIa was 6.05 ± 0.78, group IIb was 10.13 ± 0.75, and group III was 14.15 ± 0.47. The mean SOD activity level among group I was 189.45 ± 14.17, group IIa was 169.05 ± 4.98, group IIb was 115.65 ± 19.60, and group III was 52.63 ± 4.02. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in serum Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and SOD levels whereas there was a significant increase in serum MDA levels in patients with potentially malignant and malignant disorders as compared to normal individuals.