[Oxidative stress evaluation in chronic hepatitis C pathogenesis]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hepatology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant global health concern.
• Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases.
• Evaluating antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation is crucial for understanding CHC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess oxidative stress in CHC patients by measuring antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation.
• To compare these markers in CHC patients versus healthy controls.
• To explore correlations between oxidative stress markers and liver function tests.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 29 CHC patients and 26 healthy controls.
• Plasma and erythrocyte levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured.
• Erythrocyte activity of superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were assessed.
• Liver function tests including AST, ALT, aldolase, and LDH were performed.

Main Results:

• CHC patients exhibited decreased plasma and erythrocyte MDA levels compared to controls.
• Erythrocyte CuZnSOD activity was significantly increased in CHC patients.
• Plasma MDA levels positively correlated with AST, ALT, aldolase, and LDH.
• GPX activity showed a negative correlation with MDA, while CuZnSOD activity correlated negatively with LDH, aldolase, AST, and plasma MDA.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest the development of oxidative stress in CHC patients.
• The increased activity of intracellular antioxidants like CuZnSOD indicates a compensatory response.
• These results highlight the complex biochemical alterations occurring in CHC.