ABSTRACT
With the increased level of serum total cholesterol, there is an increase in lipid peroxidation and lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde [MDA]. The aim of This study is to detect the value of estimation of non-enzymatic antioxidants: transferrin and ceruloplasmin at different levels of serum total cholesterol. 60 individuals at different total cholesterol risk levels were included in this study, they were 38 males and 22 females divided into three groups depending on the level of serum total cholesterol: Group A: included 20 subjects with normal serum total cholesterol level [150-200 mg/ dl], Group B [risky group]: included 20 subjects with serum total cholesterol ranged from 200 to 250 mg/dl and group C: included 20 hypercholesterolemic patients with serum total cholesterol level above 250 mg/dl. All subjects were submitted to full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations including serum total cholesterol, triglycerides [TG], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDLc], low density lipoprotein [LDLc], transferrin, ceruloplasmin and malondialdehyde [MDA]. This study reported significant statistical difference between normocholesterolemic group and each of risky and hypercholesterolemic groups regarding total cholesterol, TG, LDLc, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and MDA. Significant statistical difference existed also between risky and hypercholesterolemic groups regarding all parameters. There is significant negative correlation between serum transferrin levels and each of total cholesterol, LDLc and MDA in the three studied groups. Significant positive correlation was existed also between serum ceruloplasmin and each of total cholesterol, LDLc and MDA in the three studied groups. In conclusion, oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia and is associated with enhancement of the process of lipid peroxidation. Measurement of serum ceruloplasmin and transferrin may reflect the degree of oxidative stress caused by increased serum total cholesterol level