ABSTRACT
Background: Oxidative stress and antioxidative status caused by hepatitis C therapy plays a significant role in aggravating the disease. A number of reactive oxygen species are responsible for the damaging of cell machinery and ultimately disturbing the homeostasis of the cell
Objectives: To assess enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants and circulating biomarkers in HCV patients receiving interferon therapy
Methods: Study subjects were divided into two groups; patients and controls. The levels of the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS, as a marker of lipid peroxidation], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], catalase [CAT] and lipid peroxidation product [MDA] in the serum were estimated
Results: There was statistically difference between patients and healthy controls in levels of CAT[p< 0.000**], SOD[ p< 0.000**], GSH [p< 0.000**] and MDA[p< 0.000**]. Similarly, the levels of ALT [p< 0.048*], AST [p< 0.005*] and ALP [p< 0.000**] were also statistically different between two groups
Conclusion: Imbalanced levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, MDA and serum enzymes [e.g. ALT, AST, ALP] revealed that interferon itself play a crucial rule in disturbing oxidative vs. antioxidative status which ultimately results in tissue damaging. Increased levels of MDA have a significant correlation with disease development during the course of therapy