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Decrease in the antioxidant capacity of red blood cells in children with celiac disease

M Boda1, I Németh

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Albert Szent-Györgyi University of Medical School, Szeged, Hungary.

Acta Paediatrica Hungarica
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Children with celiac disease (CD) and cow's milk allergy exhibit impaired erythrocyte glutathione metabolism, indicating reduced protection against oxidative stress. Dietary changes helped normalize these levels.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Glutathione metabolism plays a crucial role in protecting red blood cells (erythrocytes) from oxidative damage.
  • Altered glutathione levels have been observed in various pediatric conditions, but specific changes in celiac disease (CD) and cow's milk allergy (CMA) require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare erythrocyte glutathione metabolism in children with acute CD, treated CD, CMA, iron deficiency, and healthy controls.
  • To assess the impact of oxidative stress on erythrocyte glutathione stability in these pediatric groups.
  • To evaluate the effect of dietary management on erythrocyte parameters in CD.

Main Methods:

  • Erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and related parameters were measured in 11 children with acute CD, 11 with treated CD, 5 with CMA, 11 with iron deficiency, and 22 healthy controls.
  • In vitro oxidative stress was induced using acetylphenylhydrazine to assess erythrocyte glutathione stability.
  • Methemoglobin, hemichrome, and red blood cell selenium content were also analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Children with acute CD showed elevated erythrocyte GSH and decreased GSSG levels compared to controls.
  • The GSSG/GSH ratio in acute CD differed significantly from that in iron deficiency.
  • Erythrocytes from children with acute CD and CMA exhibited impaired glutathione stability under oxidative load, with increased methemoglobin and hemichrome.
  • Red blood cell selenium content was decreased in CD patients.
  • Dietary treatment led to normalization of most observed erythrocyte alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Erythrocytes in children with celiac disease and cow's milk allergy have a reduced capacity to protect against oxidative stress.
  • Glutathione metabolism is significantly altered in pediatric CD and CMA, suggesting a potential role in disease pathogenesis.
  • Dietary interventions appear effective in restoring normal erythrocyte function in children with celiac disease.

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