Antioxidant Enzyme Activities In Patients Research Articles

Correlation between CRAB Symptoms and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

To investigate the relationship between clinical indicators of CRAB symptoms and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the bone marrow supernatants of 44 patients with MM and 12 patients with non-malignant hematological diseases was detected by colorimetric assay, and then the differences in the activity of antioxidant enzymes between the two groups were compared. Furthermore, the relationship between the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the MM group and the levels of serum calcium, serum creatinine (Scr), hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as bone lesions were analyzed. The antioxidant enzyme activity was lower in MM patients compared with the control group (P < 0.05). When the concentrations of serum calcium and ALP were higher than the normal levels, Hb was lower than 85 g/L, and there were multiple bone lesions, the activity of CAT, SOD and GPX was significantly declined (P < 0.05); When the concentration of Scr≥177 μmol/L, the activity of GPX was significantly declined (P < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that CAT, SOD and GPX were negatively correlated with serum calcium (r =-0.538, r =-0.456, r =-0.431), Scr (r =-0.342, r =-0.384, r =-0.463), and ALP (r =-0.551, r =-0.572, r =-0.482). The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including CAT, SOD and GPX, were decreased in patients with MM and they were negatively correlated with some clinical indicators of CRAB symptoms (such as serum calcium, Scr, and ALP), which suggests that promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes may be beneficial to treat the CRAB symptoms of the patients with MM.

Trace Elements Status and Their Associations With Related Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis

It remains ambiguous as to whether the status of trace elements would affect their related enzyme activities toward defending a possible higher oxidative stress in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD) treatment. We investigated copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) status in patients receiving PD or HD treatments and further determined the association of these trace elements with their related antioxidant capacities in those patients. Sixty PD and 80 HD patients before and after HD treatment had their blood drawn. Demographic, clinical, and 24-hour diet recall data were recorded and collected. Plasma trace elements, oxidative stress indicators, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. Patients receiving PD or HD treatments experienced similar Zn and Cu intakes. PD and HD patients displayed adequate mean plasma Cu, Zn, and Se levels. Patients receiving PD treatment showed significantly higher levels of Cu, Zn, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, but had significantly lower levels of Se and total antioxidant capacity when compared to levels in the HD patients at the pre-HD session. The levels of 3 trace elements and AOPP increased significantly, while the levels of glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GPx, and SOD activities decreased significantly after receiving HD treatment than did the levels in the pre-HD session. Plasma Cu, Se, and Zn levels had a different correlation with plasma AOPP level, GPx, and SOD activities during PD, pre- or post-HD sessions. Plasma Cu, Zn, and Se levels did not have any association with their associated enzyme activities in patients with PD, while plasma Cu and Zn levels may have influenced SOD activity in HD patients. An adequate Cu, Zn, and Se status is required in order to help their associated enzyme activity cope with increased oxidative stress during PD or HD sessions.

Effect of dendritic cell vaccine on blood redox status in patients with cervical cancer

Purpose of the study. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of parameters of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with advanced cervical cancer (CC) receiving anticancer treatment with dendritic cell vaccine (DCV).Patients and methods. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activity were studied in 27 patients aged 27–65 years with advanced primary and recurrent CC receiving chemotherapy (CT) with DCV or DCV as monotherapy at a dose of 10 million cells intradermally once a week. The same indices were studied in 20 healthy women from the comparison group.Results. The majority of patients showed the initial increase of MDA: in blood plasma by an average of 66.7 %, in red blood cells – statistically insignificant. After CT, MDA levels were elevated respectively in primary and recurrent patients in erythrocytes by 85.6 % and 96.4 % compared to donors, and by 53.9 % and 33.7 % compared to the initial values; the levels in plasma were elevated by 79.8 % and 57.1 % compared to donors. After 5–7 DCVs in combination with CT, MDA levels in erythrocytes and in blood plasma were similar to the donor values. MDA in erythrocytes of patients receiving DCV without CT decreased by 36 % compared to initial values. Oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin, initially increased by 34.2–57.1 %, normalized after DCV. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased by 16.7–27.3 % after 4–6 DCVs and normalized after 7 DCVs. Catalase activity, initially reduced by more than 40 %, remained 20–38 % lower than the norm at all stages of DCV. In this setting, hydrogen peroxide was probably inactivated by glutathione peroxidase whose activity was increased at all stages of treatment and decreased only when MDA was normalized after 7 DCVs.Conclusion. Administration of 5–7 DCVs in combination with CT or as monotherapy to patients with advanced CC normalizes parameters of free radical oxidation and antioxidant system of the blood.

Changes of Oxidative Stress, Glutathione, and Its Dependent Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma before and after Tumor Resection.

The changes in and relationship between oxidative stress and the glutathione (GSH) antioxidant system in the plasma and tissues of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after tumor resection have not been clearly determined. We investigated the changes in oxidative stress, GSH status and its dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in HCC patients before and after tumor resection, and to determine the association of oxidative stress with GSH and its dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and tissues. This study employed a cross-sectional design. Forty-four men and 16 women with HCC were recruited. Fasting blood was drawn on the day before the tumor resection and one month after the tumor resection. HCC tissue and adjacent normal liver tissue were obtained at the time of surgical resection. Patients had significantly increased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized-low density lipoprotein levels but decreased GSH and oxidized GSH levels before tumor resection compared with the corresponding post-resection values. GSH and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) levels and activities of GSH peroxidase were significantly increased while MDA level was significantly lower in HCC tissue when compared with the adjacent normal tissue. The pre-resection plasma MDA level was significantly correlated with pre-resection plasma GSH concentration, and MDA level in HCC and adjacent normal tissues. Pre-resection plasma GSH concentration was significantly correlated with GSH and TEAC level in HCC tissue. HCC patients had increased oxidative stress, decreased GSH, and lower dependent antioxidant capacities before tumor resection. However, hepatocellular tumor had increased GSH and TEAC levels as well as GSH peroxidase activities which might protect itself against increased oxidative stress.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) as a possible biomarker in patients with coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Western world, and a major cause of this disease is atherosclerosis. Research has demonstrated that pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) plays a role in cardiovascular disease, as evidenced by the association between PAPP-A and severity of heart damage. The aim of this work was to investigate the correlation between PAPP-A concentrations in coronary and peripheral blood and certain clinicopathological factors and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. For 65 patients, arterial blood was obtained by puncturing the femoral or radial artery, and coronary blood was obtained via percutaneous coronary intervention. PAPP-A, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) levels were measured using spectrometric methods. Coronary PAPP-A levels were slightly higher than peripheral PAPP-A levels (81.25±2.34 and 62±3ng/mL, respectively, P<0.0001); these levels were correlated with each other (r=0.6629, P<0.001) but not with clinicopathological factors (P>0.05). Coronary PAPP-A levels were significantly elevated among patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (P<0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly higher in coronary samples than in peripheral samples from subjects with ischemic cardiopathy secondary to atherosclerosis (P<0.001). Neither coronary nor peripheral PAPP-A levels were correlated with antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with cardiopathy secondary to atherosclerosis (P>0.05). PAPP-A levels could be used as biomarkers to identify patients at risk of coronary artery disease.

Blood metal levels and related antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with ataxia telangiectasia

Transition metals are cofactors for a wide range of vital enzymes and are directly or indirectly involved in the response against reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cellular components. Their altered homeostasis has been studied in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but no data are available on rarer conditions.We aimed at studying the role of essential trace elements in ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), a rare form of pediatric autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with altered antioxidant response. We found an increased level of copper (Cu, p=0.0002) and a reduced level of zinc (Zn, p=0.0002) in the blood of patients (n. 16) compared to controls, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Other trace elements involved in the oxidative stress response, such as manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se), were unaltered. Cu/Zn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was shown to have a 30% reduction in gene expression and 40% reduction in enzyme activity upon analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines of patients (Student's t-test, p=0.0075). We also found a 30% reduction of Mn-SOD (SOD2; Student's t-test, p=0.02), probably due to a feedback regulatory loop between the two enzymes. The expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), and SOD2 was unaltered, whereas catalase (CAT) was increased in A-T cells, both at the mRNA level and in terms of enzyme activity (~25%). Enhanced CAT expression can be attributed to the high ROS status, which induces CAT transcription.These results suggest that alterations in essential trace elements and their related enzymes may play a role in the pathogenesis of A-T, although we cannot conclude if altered homeostasis is a direct effect of A-T mutated genes (ATM). Altered homeostasis of trace elements may be more prevalent in neurodegenerative diseases than previously thought, and it may represent both a biomarker and a generic therapeutic target for different disorders with the common theme of altered antioxidant enzyme responses associated with an unbalance of metals.

Serum antioxidant enzymes activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke: influence on neurological status and outcome.

Oxidative stress is well believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke. Reports on antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with stroke are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate serum antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 1st, 5th, and 21st day after stroke onset and also the relationship between these results and the clinical status of patients. The current study comprised 45 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 30 healthy controls. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients within 24 h after stroke onset than controls (p < 0.05), whereas serum catalase activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in GSH-Px and SOD activities. Serum catalase and SOD activities were significantly lower in fifth day than those of controls (both, p < 0.05) but GSH-Px activity and MDA levels did not change (p > 0.05). Serum SOD activity was significantly lower in 21st day compared to SOD activity of controls (p < 0.05) but MDA levels, GSH-Px, and CAT activities did not change significantly. Our study demonstrated that acute ischemic stroke patients have increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities. These findings indicated that an imbalance of oxidant and antioxidant status might play a role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke.

Antioxidant status in neonatal jaundice before and after phototherapy.

Background:Neonatal jaundice refers to yellow coloration of the skin and the sclera (whites of the eyes) of newborn babies that result from the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin and mucous membranes. Because bilirubin is potentially toxic to the central nervous system. Genetic disorders of bilirubin conjugation, particularly the common Gilbert's syndrome, can also contribute to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid per-oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with neonatal jaundice before and after phototherapy.Materials and Methods:The study includes 50 neonatal jaundice patients with average age 2-15 days. All patients of neonatal jaundice receiving phototherapy except feeding, cleaning. Subjects selected were from the patients attending Pediatrics Department. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) to monitor the bilirubin level.Results:The results show increased levels of bilirubin compared with controls (P < 0.001) shows the level of plasma MDA in control, before and after phototherapy. Represents the level of GPX was significantly increased in after the phototherapy group when compared with before phototherapy and control SPSS soft ware: (P < 0.001). Shows the reduced glutathione (GSH) level in plasma was significantly decreased in the after phototherapy group when compared with before phototherapy and control (P < 0.001). And finally with ascorbic acid and CAT.Conclusion:It is evident from the study that increased oxidative stress in neonatal jaundice babies leads to decrease in the levels of antioxidants like GSH and ascorbic acid and disturb their metabolism, that weaken their ability to fight the growing stress. Intense oxidative stress and decreased antioxidants may contribute to neural cell death and alter the erythrocytomembrane structure processing in neonatal jaundice.

Evaluation of Lipid Peroxidation and Some Antioxidant Activities in Patients with Primary and Metastatic Liver Cancer

HCC is the 6th most common cancer in the world. The main risk factors associated with HCC are hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viral infections and other factors that play a role in HCC development, include aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) cigarette smoking, and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with primary and metastatic liver cancer. For this purpose, 25 primary and metastatic liver cancer patients and 15 healthy controls were included in the study. In blood samples taken from the patient and control groups, the main product of lipid peroxidation MDA and SOD, GSH, GPx activity levels were examined. In result of study serum MDA level is higher and erythrocyte SOD, GSH, and GPx activities were found to be significantly lower in the patient group compared with the control group (p 0.05). As a result, liver cancer is associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant system weakens, which is an important indicator of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation levels increased and promotes the tissue damage.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of central nervous system in which a higher oxidative stress may contribute to its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with MS. Materials and methods: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trail to determine the effect of CoQ10 supplement (500 mg/day, n = 24) versus placebo (controls, n = 24) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after a 12-week intervention to analyze malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] activity. Results: Forty-five subjects with MS completed intervention study. After 12 weeks, CoQ10-treated patients had significant increase in SOD activity (p = 0.013); and decrease in MDA levels (P=0.003) compared with controls. Despite the significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on plasma TAC (p = 0.010), no significant differences were found between the two groups. CoQ10 supplementation did not affect GPx activity. Conclusion: Present study suggests that CoQ10 supplements at a dose of 500 mg/day can decrease oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with relapsing–remitting MS.

The association of plasma homocysteine and cysteine with antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer

Colorectal polyps are considered to be precursors of colorectal cancer, especially of adenomatous polyps. Cysteine is synthesized by the transsulfuration pathway of homocysteine, and further contributed to glutathione. Although increased homocysteine has been shown to be associated with the development of colorectal polyps and carcinogenesis, the role of cysteine is not cleared. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of plasma homocysteine and cysteine with glutathione‐dependent antioxidant enzymes [i.e., glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST)] in patients with colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. 70 subjects with adenomatous polyps, 40 subjects with hyperplastic polyps and 168 patients with colorectal cancer were recruited. Fasting plasma homocysteine and cysteine concentrations in patients with colorectal cancer were significantly higher than subjects with adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps. There was no significant association of homocysteine with GPx and GST activities in all subjects. However, cysteine significantly correlated with GPx and GST after adjusting for age, gender, serum creatinine and smoking in subjects with adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps. Higher cysteine rather than homocysteine is an important contributing factor in the elevation of GPx and GST activities in subjects with colorectal polyps.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MethodsThis was an intervention study. Patients who were identified by cardiac catheterization as having at least 50% stenosis of one major coronary artery or receiving percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (n = 51) were randomly assigned to the placebo group (n = 14) or one of the two coenzyme Q10-supplemented groups (60 mg/d, n = 19 [Q10-60 group]; 150 mg/d, n = 18 [Q10-150 group]). Intervention was administered for 12 wk. Patients’ blood samples were analyzed every 4 wk for plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase) activity. ResultsForty-three subjects with CAD completed intervention study. Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration increased significantly after coenzyme the Q10-150 intervention (P < 0.01). The MDA levels were significantly lower than baseline in the Q10-150 group at week 4 (P = 0.03). The Q10-150 group had significantly lower MDA levels than the placebo group at week 8 (P = 0.03). With respect to antioxidant enzyme activity, subjects in the Q10-150 group had significantly higher CAT (P = 0.03) and SOD (P = 0.03) activity than the placebo group at week 12. The plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration was significantly correlated with MDA levels (r = −0.35, P = 0.02) and CAT (r = 0.43, P = 0.01) and SOD activity (r = 0.39, P = 0.01). The ratio of plasma coenzyme Q10 to total cholesterol was significantly correlated with SOD activity (r = 0.39, P = 0.02). The ratio of plasma coenzyme Q10 to low-density lipoprotein was significantly correlated with CAT (r = 0.35, P = 0.04) and SOD (r = 0.45, P = 0.01) activity. However, there was no relation between coenzyme Q10 concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity. ConclusionCoenzyme Q10 supplements at a dose of 150 mg can decrease oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with CAD. A higher dose of coenzyme Q10 supplements (>150 mg/d) might promote rapid and sustainable antioxidation in patients with CAD.

Alterations of plasma magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and selenium concentrations and some related erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace elements magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations and their some related antioxidant enzyme activities, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Fifty patients with AD and fifty healthy control subjects were included in this study. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), plasma Mg and Fe concentrations by spectrophotometric methods and plasma Se concentrations by graphite furnace AAS were determined. Erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Plasma Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Se levels and erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD compared with controls. These results suggest that alterations in essential trace elements and their related enzymes may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of AD. Also, there is a defect in the antioxidant defense system, which may lead to oxidative damage in patients with AD. The changes in antioxidant enzyme activities may be secondary to the alterations in their cofactor concentrations.

Serum selenium and plasma malondialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder

There is mounting evidence indicating that reactive free radical species are involved in initiation and development of many different forms of human pathologies including psychiatric disorders. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether serum selenium (Se), antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px, superoxide dismutase, SOD, and catalase, CAT) activities, and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a product of lipid peroxidation, were associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The participants were 28 patients with OCD that were drug-free at least for a month and a control group ( n = 28) of healthy subjects, matched with respect to age and sex. In both groups, the levels of the erythrocyte MDA, GSH-Px, SOD, Se, and the CAT were measured. The levels of MDA and SOD were statistically significantly higher ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively) in patients than controls. The activities of CAT, GSH-Px, and serum Se levels were statistically significantly lower ( p < 0.0001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively) in patients than controls. There was a positive correlation in patients between plasma GSH-Px activity and Se concentration ( r = 52, p = 0.001). However, in patients with OCD, CAT and SOD activities were significantly and negatively correlated with MDA levels ( r = − 0.45, p = 0.017 for CAT and r = − 0.54, p = 0.020 for SOD). The study shows the presence of a significant relationship of OCD and oxidative stress, and consequently, an involvement of free radicals and of the antioxidant defence.

Effects of seaweed supplementation on blood glucose concentration, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the physiological effects of seaweed supplementation on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects were randomized into either a control group or a seaweed supplementation group. Pills with equal parts of dry powdered sea tangle and sea mustard were provided to the seaweed supplementation group three times a day for 4 weeks. Total daily consumption of seaweed was 48 g. We found that total dietary fiber intake was 2.5 times higher in subjects receiving seaweed supplementation than in the control group. Accordingly, fasting blood glucose levels (p<0.01) and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose measurements (p<0.05) were decreased significantly in those ingesting seaweed. Furthermore, the serum concentrations of triglycerides were decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased significantly in seaweed supplement group (p<0.05). However, the concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not affected by seaweed supplementation. The level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in erythrocytes was significantly lower with seaweed supplementation compared to controls (p<0.05). Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities with seaweed supplementation were higher than the controls (p<0.05), but superoxide dismutase activity was not affected. We, therefore, conclude that ingestion of seaweed influences glycemic control, lowers blood lipids, and increases antioxidant enzyme activities.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

We investigated the parameters of oxidative stress in 71 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients. They were divided into three sub-groups according to the thyroid function: group I—euthyroid subjects; group II—hypothyroid subjects; and group III—subjects treated with Levothyroxin. Thirty healthy subjects were studied as controls. The level of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) in the plasma and the antioxidant defences such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in erythrocytes were measured. Concentrations of MDA and SOD activity were not different in sub-groups of patients and controls. CAT activity was significantly lower in group II in comparison with both controls (p = 0.01) and group III (p = 0.02) as well as in group I compared to the controls (p = 0.04). Activity of GPX in erythrocytes in hypothyroidism was significantly higher compared to controls (p = 0.02). GPX activity in both groups I and III tended to be lower in comparison with controls. Our results indicate a deficiency of cellular antioxidative defense in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients in all stages of disease. Accordingly, we suppose that the supplementation with antioxidants from an early stage of the disease, in addition to thyroid hormone replacement, may have a positive benefit in the treatment.

Oxidant/antioxidant status in men with Behçet’s disease

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, progressive disorder that affects many systems of the body including the eye. The aim of this study was to assess whether the increase in oxidative stress in the affected tissues is reflected by lipid peroxidation and to check for alterations in antioxidants and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with BD. Erythrocyte antioxidant potential (AOP), glutathione (GSH) and GSH-dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GRD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) and some trace elements (zinc, Zn; copper, Cu; manganese, Mn) levels in men with BD. Erythrocyte CAT, GSH-Px activities, MDA, GSH, AOP and serum Zn values were significantly lower in patients with BD than in the control group. However, erythrocyte Cu-Zn SOD, GRD activities, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and Cu values were significantly higher in patients with BD than in the control group, but GST activity and serum Mn values were unchanged. In conclusion, our results confirm the presence of oxidative stress in patients with BD and suggest that the severity of BD may arise from impaired antioxidant mechanisms. Therapy with antioxidants may lead to the increase in the antioxidant defense system and thus improvement in clinical symptoms.

The effects of different treatments on prolidase and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with bronchial asthma

The effects of two different treatment combinations of bronchial asthma on antioxidant defense systems and serum prolidase activity were investigated. The groups were organized as follows: the first group (control) consisted of healthy subjects. The second group (treatment 1) consisted of patients with bronchial asthma inhaling budesonide (2 × 400 mcg/d, as puff) + formaterol (2 × 9 mcg/d, as puff). In the third group (treatment 2) patients with bronchial asthma were treated with montelukast (1 × 10 mg/d, as pill) + budesonide (2 × 400 mcg/d, as puff) + formaterol (2 × 9 mcg/d, as puff). The medical therapy of the patients in treatment 1 and treatment 2 lasted 12 weeks. Before and after treatment in all three groups blood samples were taken and the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the activities of prolidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSSG-Rd) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Prolidase activity was found to be significantly higher in patients compared to control ( p < 0.05). Treatment 2 was successfully reduced the prolidase activity ( p < 0.05). Before treatments, SOD activity was significantly decreased whereas TBARS level and other antioxidant enzymes were increased in both treatment groups comparing with control ( p < 0.05). Both of different treatments given in treatment 1 and treatment 2 groups caused significant increase in SOD whereas decrease in TBARS, CAT, GSSG-Rd, GSH-Px ( p < 0.05). When compared the treatment groups after treatments, SOD activity was significantly higher in treatment 2 group than treatment 1 group ( p < 0.05). No significant difference was seen in other parameters. The balance between oxidant–antioxidant system is impaired in patients with asthma.

Reactive oxidant species in asthma

This overview summarizes some recent studies on the balance of oxidants to antioxidants in patients with asthma. The aim of the review is to compare studies on the changes in oxidants/antioxidants in stable asthma or in acute exacerbation of asthma. Our review of the recent literature in this field seems to indicate conflicting findings. Increased release of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide has been reported in exhaled breath condensates and from circulating granulocytes, and from the bronchoalveolar lavage cells of patients with asthma. In asthma, bronchial obstruction is associated with an increased spontaneous and stimulus-induced production of oxygen free radicals. The primary defense against reactive oxygen species is endogenous antioxidants, which are found to be altered in asthma. A marked decrease in plasma antioxidant capacity occurs. Superoxide dismutase activity is higher in erythrocytes and serum of asthmatic than in normal subjects and is diminished in cells from lavage and brushing samples of patients with asthma. Higher level of erythrocyte catalase activity has only been found in Chinese asthmatic patients while decreased glutathione peroxidase activity has been well documented. Since there are considerable discrepancies in erythrocyte or plasma antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with asthma, the problem at this time is attempting to sort out these conflicting results and to find their roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. There is good evidence that antioxidant compounds may have a potential role in the treatment of asthma, especially of asthma exacerbation.

Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Patients with Leukemia

Essential elements, mainly selenium and zinc, were involved in protection against oxidative stress in cells. Oxidation could lead to the formation of free radicals that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including leukemia. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to antioxidant enzyme and essential elements alterations. This study was undertaken to examine the levels of essential elements, antioxidant enzymes activities, and their relationships with different types of leukemia. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, plasma Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined in 49 patients with different types of leukemia before initial treatment. Serum selenium and zinc concentrations were lower in leukemia patients than those of controls (p<0.01). Serum copper concentration was higher in leukemia patients than that of controls (p<0.01). The activities GPx and Cu-Zn SOD were significantly increased in leukemia patients, especially with acute leukemia (AL), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) (p<0.05), whereas no difference was found between those of chronic myelogenous leukemia and the controls. The levels of LPO were normal as controls. Serum selenium concentration was not correlated with GPx, and serum levels of zinc and copper were not related to Cu-Zn SOD. Serum zinc levels had a negative correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells, whereas serum copper had a positive correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells. Increased GPx and Cu-Zn SOD activities and normal levels of LPO, which were a protective responses, were an indicator of mild oxidative stress; it might indicate that the essentials elements alterations in leukemia patients were mostly dependent on tumor activity. Changes of their levels demonstrated that there are low selenium, zinc, and high copper status in leukemia patients. The decrease of plasma zinc and increase of the Cu/Zn ratio could be the index that showed an unfavorable prognosis of acute leukemia.