[Reduced erythrocyte glutathione and urinary thioethers in children undergoing treatment with paracetamol]

M L Bernal Ruiz1, B Sinues Porta, J Lanuza Giménez

  • 1Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza.

Insights

Therapeutic paracetamol doses in children increased erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. A positive association was found between GSH and urinary thioethers (UT), indicating electrophile exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Pharmacology

Context:

  • Paracetamol is a common analgesic and antipyretic used in children.
  • Erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) and urinary thioethers (UT) are biomarkers for oxidative stress and electrophile exposure.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the effect of therapeutic paracetamol doses on GSH and UT levels in children.
  • To determine the association between GSH and UT concentrations following paracetamol treatment.

Summary:

  • Forty children were studied, with blood and urine samples collected before and after paracetamol treatment.
  • Paracetamol treatment led to a significant elevation in GSH levels across the study group.
  • A significant positive correlation was observed between GSH and UT levels.

Impact:

  • This study suggests that paracetamol, at therapeutic doses, can influence endogenous antioxidant systems in children.
  • Findings highlight a potential relationship between paracetamol exposure and markers of electrophile metabolism.

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