Oxidant/antioxidant status in children with bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

Antioxidant-oxidant imbalances are thought to contribute to oxidative stress in bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to examine serum malondialdehyde as a biomarker of oxidative stress in asthma in relation to dietary and metal scavengers antioxidants. In this study, serum levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid addition to serum albumin, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and malondialdehyde were investigated in 49 asthmatic children during an acute exacerbation and remission. 24 healthy children served as controls. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher at asthma attack compared to remission [P=<0.001]. Ascorbic acid, albumin and transferrin were significantly lower in asthmatics at remission compared to controls [P=<0.001] with no significant differences in their levels during acute exacerbation and remission periods. No differences were observed in the serum levels of beta-carotene, vitamin. A, alpha-tocopherol or ceruloplasmin between the groups. Although the mechanisms underlying the association between asthma and oxidant/antioxidant system are unclear, according to our findings, increased oxidant stress as reflected by malondialdehyde level and decreased ascorbic acid, albumin and transferrin antioxidant protection may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma