RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Oxidative damage induces alteration in the status of pro-inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α in meningocele. The study was performed with estimation of the levels of MDA (Malonyldialdehyde), SOD (Superoxide dismutase) taken as oxidative damage markers and IL-6 (interleukin 6) and TNF-α (Tumour necrosis factor alpha) taken as inflammatory markers, in the serum of meningocele patients and age, sex matched normal neonates. Correlation among the different serum levels of MDA, SOD, IL-6 and TNF-α was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a case-control study, comprising of 153 participants: 101 newborns with meningocele and 52 healthy newborns. The study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The study was conducted during the period of 2012 to 2014. Serum was extracted from blood collected from both groups i.e. meningocele patient group and healthy neonatal control group. The levels of MDA and SOD were determined by spectrophotometric method. IL-6 was determined by the Human IL-6 High Sensitivity ELISA Kit and TNF-α was determined by the Human TNF-α ELISA KIT. RESULTS: The levels of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 were found to be much higher and level of SOD was found lower in the patients with meningocele as compared to the normal healthy neonates. CONCLUSION: Increased MDA (oxidative damage product), IL-6, and TNF-α (inflammatory marker) and low level of SOD shows an increased inflammatory response in Meningocele. Our study shows Negative Correlation between MDA and SOD in case & control groups, while a Positive Correlation between TNF alpha and IL-6 in control & case groups.
