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Impaired enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanism in cancerous human thyroid tissues
Abstract:
The activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) enzymes were measured in cancerous and non-cancerous adjacent tissues from 15 patients with follicular thyroid cancer containing single nodule. SOD and GSH-Px activities were found lower but malondialdehyde levels higher in cancerous tissues compared with those of noncancerous ones. However, no difference was found between CAT activities of the tissues. Activity decrease of GSH-Px enzyme in cancerous tissue was greater than that of SOD enzyme. Results suggested that enzymatic free radical defense system was significantly impaired and lipid peroxidation increased in the cancerous human thyroid tissues.
Insights
Follicular thyroid cancer shows impaired antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), with increased lipid peroxidation in cancerous tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Thyroid Research
Background:
- Thyroid cancer is a significant global health concern.
- Oxidative stress plays a role in carcinogenesis.
- Antioxidant enzyme activity in follicular thyroid cancer requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the activity of key antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde levels in cancerous versus non-cancerous thyroid tissues.
- To investigate the status of the enzymatic free radical defense system in follicular thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays for total superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT).
- Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an indicator of lipid peroxidation.
- Comparative analysis between cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from 15 follicular thyroid cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower SOD and GSH-Px activities were observed in cancerous thyroid tissues compared to non-cancerous tissues.
- Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in cancerous tissues, indicating increased lipid peroxidation.
- No significant difference in catalase (CAT) activity was found between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.
- The decrease in GSH-Px activity was more pronounced than that of SOD in cancerous tissues.
Conclusions:
- The enzymatic free radical defense system is significantly impaired in human follicular thyroid cancer tissues.
- Increased lipid peroxidation is a characteristic feature of cancerous thyroid tissues.
- These findings highlight the role of oxidative stress in follicular thyroid cancer development and progression.