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Oxidative stress in chronic lymphoedema
1Herzog-Julius Hospital for Rheumatology and Orthopaedics, Bad Harzburg, Germany.
QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Chronic lymphoedema increases oxidative stress, indicated by lower glutathione and higher lipid peroxidation markers like malondialdehyde (MDA). Antioxidant therapies may benefit patients with this debilitating condition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Oncology Rehabilitation
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Chronic lymphoedema is a frequent complication following cancer treatment.
- It significantly impacts patient rehabilitation and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if chronic lymphoedema is associated with increased oxidative stress.
- Investigate biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense in lymphoedema patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study involving 38 chronic lymphoedema patients.
- Analysis of blood biomarkers: glutathione (GSH, GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE).
- Comparison with 90 healthy volunteers and 20 cancer patients without lymphoedema.
Main Results:
- Lymhoedema patients showed lower reduced glutathione (GSH) and higher oxidized glutathione (GSSG).
- Significantly elevated lipid peroxidation markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), were observed.
- MDA levels were approximately threefold higher in lymphoedema patients' serum.
Conclusions:
- Chronic lymphoedema is characterized by enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation.
- Accelerated lipid peroxidation processes are evident in lymphoedematous tissues.
- Enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for chronic lymphoedema.