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Trace elements and antioxidant enzymes in Behçet's disease
K Saglam1, A F Serce, M I Yilmaz
1Department of Internal Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik-Ankara, Turkey 06018. ksaglam@gata.edu.tr
Rheumatology International
|July 12, 2002
Summary
Behçet's disease patients show lower antioxidant enzyme activity and altered trace element levels, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits from trace element supplementation to combat oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Trace Element Research
Background:
- Oxidative stress from free oxygen radicals and insufficient antioxidant enzymes are linked to Behçet's disease (BD) pathogenesis.
- Trace elements are crucial cofactors for antioxidant enzymes, but their combined role with the antioxidant system in BD remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interplay between the antioxidative system and trace elements in Behçet's disease.
- To provide insights into BD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Assessed glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities.
- Measured plasma and erythrocyte levels of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe).
- Compared findings between 50 BD patients and 30 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- BD patients exhibited significantly lower erythrocyte GSH-Px and SOD activities.
- Lower erythrocyte Se, plasma Fe, Mn, and Zn levels were observed in BD patients.
- Higher plasma Cu and erythrocyte Zn and Mn levels were found in BD patients.
Conclusions:
- Behçet's disease is associated with insufficient antioxidant enzyme activities.
- Trace element supplementation may enhance scavenger enzyme activity and potentially improve clinical symptoms in BD.