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May chronic childhood constipation cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to children?

Ji-Yue Wang1, Ye-Ling Wang, Sheng-Li Zhou

  • 1Affiliated Children's Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 57 Zhugan Lane, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China. wjiyue@mail.hz.zj.cn

Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES
|December 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Chronic childhood constipation (CCC) in children leads to increased oxidative stress and free radical damage. This study found lower antioxidant levels and enzyme activity in children with CCC compared to healthy controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Biochemistry
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is implicated in various chronic diseases.
  • The role of oxidative stress in chronic childhood constipation (CCC) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if CCC causes oxidative stress and free radical damage in children.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress in pediatric chronic constipation patients (CCPs).

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled study involving 60 CCPs and 60 matched healthy child volunteers (HCVs).
  • Measurement of plasma vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) levels.
  • Determination of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities using spectrophotometric methods.

Main Results:

  • CCPs exhibited significantly lower plasma VC and VE levels compared to HCVs (P < 0.0001).
  • Erythrocyte SOD and CAT activities were significantly reduced in CCPs versus HCVs (P < 0.0001).
  • A gradual decrease in antioxidant levels and enzyme activities was observed with the prolonged duration of constipation in CCPs (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Chronic childhood constipation is associated with significant oxidative stress in affected children.
  • Free radical damage is a potential consequence of prolonged pediatric constipation.
Abstract

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