The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in osteoarthritis patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters); and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase in erythrocytes and plasma glutathione - S - transferase (GST) were measured in patients with osteoarthritis.
This work was undertaken to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with osteoarthritis.
The study was conducted in 20 patients and compared to controls. Levels of erythrocyte MDA, GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E; and activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in patients with osteoarthritis.
Erythrocyte GSH was measured by the method of Beutler et al. Ascorbic acid levels were measured by the method of Tietz. Plasma vitamin E levels were measured by the method of Baker et al. MDA was determined as the measure of thio barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). SOD activity in the hemolysate was measured by the method of Misra and Fridovich. Activity of catalase was measured by the method of Beers and Sizer. GPX activity was measured as described by Paglia and Valentine in erythrocytes and Plasma GST activity was measured as described by Warholm et al. These parameters were measured in 20 patients and compared to controls.
Statistical analysis between group 1 (controls) and group 2 (patients) was performed by the student's t - test using the stat -view package.
It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels; SOD, GPX and plasma GST activities; and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with osteoarthritis when compared to controls.
The results of our study suggest higher oxygen-free radical production, evidenced by increased MDA and decreased GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and catalase activity, support to the oxidative stress in osteoarthritis. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress.