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Altered anti-oxidant status and increased lipid peroxidation in marasmic children
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey. mansur@doruk.net.tr
Insights
Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in children impairs the antioxidant defense system. Marasmic children show reduced glutathione and selenium, alongside increased oxidative stress, indicating a compromised ability to combat free radicals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a prevalent pediatric issue in developing nations.
- The pathophysiology of PEM remains incompletely understood, with free radical involvement suggested.
- This study investigated the oxidant/antioxidant balance in children with marasmus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the oxidant/antioxidant status in children suffering from marasmus.
- To investigate the role of free radicals in the pathophysiology of PEM.
- To compare antioxidant markers between marasmic children and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Measured red blood cell glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities.
- Assessed serum selenium and copper concentrations as key cofactors.
- Evaluated serum lipid peroxidation using malondialdehyde as an indicator of oxidative stress.
Main Results:
- Marasmic children exhibited significantly lower red blood cell glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activity compared to controls.
- Serum selenium and copper concentrations were significantly reduced in marasmic children.
- Increased serum malondialdehyde levels indicated heightened lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the marasmus group.
Conclusions:
- The antioxidant defense system is demonstrably impaired in children with marasmus.
- Marasmic children experience both a reduced antioxidant status and elevated oxidative stress.
- These findings highlight the critical role of oxidative damage in the manifestation of marasmus.
Background:
Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common pediatric health problem in developing countries. Although the clinical features of PEM are well known, its pathophysiology is still unclear. Free radicals have been implicated in pathogenesis of PEM. In the present study, oxidant/anti-oxidant status in marasmus was investigated.
Methods:
Red cell glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and their related cofactors, serum selenium and copper, were studied in marasmic and control children. Serum lipid peroxidation was also evaluated to assess oxidative stress.
Results:
The red cell glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activities were found to be significantly lower in the marasmic children than in the controls. Red cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not different between two groups. Serum selenium and copper concentrations were significantly lower in the marasmic children than in the control subjects. The malondialdehyde concentration, which is an index of lipid peroxidation, was significantly higher in the marasmic group compared with the controls.
Conclusion:
The anti-oxidant defense system was affected in marasmic children. Reduced anti-oxidant status and increased oxidative stress occurs in marasmic children.