The Relationship Between IgA Vasculitis and Antioxidant Activity In Children

Abstract

Objective: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is the most common systemic vasculitis seen in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between malondialdehyde-induced oxidative stress, antioxidant system and organ involvement in IgAV patients. Method: 32 patients and 28 healthy children were included in the study. Serum malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, vitamin E, vitamin C, retinol, and beta-carotene levels were measured in patients (separately in both the active and remission phases) and healthy children. Results: MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with active phase while reduced glutathione and vitamin C levels were markedly lower in both the active and the remission phases. Retinol and beta-carotene levels were lower in the active phase. It was found that retinol levels were significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal system involvement compared to those without. Vitamin C levels were significantly lower in those with kidney involvement compared to those without. Also, a negative correlation was observed between retinol levels and the number of organs involved. Conclusion: We consider that especially vitamin C and vitamin A may be used in the treatment of IgAV. However, whether the derangements of the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the direction of increased oxidative stress are consequences or causes of the events occurring in the active phase of IgAV are open to further investigation.