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Increased oxidative stress in kwashiorkor.
M J Manary1, C Leeuwenburgh, J W Heinecke
1Department of Pediatrics, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|September 2, 2000
Summary
Kwashiorkor is linked to higher levels of oxidative stress markers. Urinary o,o'-dityrosine and ortho-tyrosine were elevated in children with kwashiorkor, suggesting protein damage contributes to the condition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in various diseases.
- The role of oxidative stress in kwashiorkor requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between kwashiorkor and oxidative stress.
- To quantify urinary levels of specific oxidized amino acids in children with kwashiorkor.
Main Methods:
- Urinary concentrations of o,o '-dityrosine and ortho-tyrosine were measured.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed for analysis.
- Comparison was made between children with kwashiorkor and well-nourished children.
Main Results:
- Children with kwashiorkor exhibited a 3- to 7-fold increase in urinary o,o '-dityrosine.
- A 1.5- to 2-fold increase in urinary ortho-tyrosine was observed in affected children.
- Elevated levels were present regardless of concurrent infection.
Conclusions:
- Kwashiorkor is associated with increased oxidative stress.
- Oxidative damage to proteins may contribute to kwashiorkor's clinical features.
- Further research is warranted to understand the implications of these findings.