Free Radicals and Antioxidant Status in Protein Energy Malnutrition

Abstract

Background/Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status in children with different grades of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM). Subjects/Methods. A total of two hundred fifty (250) children (age range: 6 months to 5 years) living in eastern UP, India, were recruited. One hundred and ninety-three (193) of these children had different grades of PEM (sixty-five (65) children belong to mild, sixty (60) to moderate, and sixty-eight (68) to severe group). Grading in group was done after standardization in weight and height measurements. Fifty-seven (57) children who are age and and sex matched, healthy, and well-nourished were recruited from the local community and used as controls after checking their protein status (clinical nutritional status) with height and weight standardization. Redox homeostasis was assessed using spectrophotometric/colorimetric methods. Results. In our study, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), plasma Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD,EC 1.15.1.1), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and ascorbic acid were significantly (P < 0.001) more decreased in children with malnutrition than controls. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) were significantly (P < 0.001) raised in cases as compared to controls. Conclusion. Stress is created as a result of PEM which is responsible for the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). These ROSs will lead to membrane oxidation and thus an increase in lipid peroxidation byproducts such as MDA and protein oxidation byproducts such as PC mainly. Decrease in level of antioxidants suggests an increased defense against oxidant damage. Changes in oxidant and antioxidant levels may be responsible for grading in PEM.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in severe acute malnourished children at malnutrition treatment centre of Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

“…Loss of membrane integrity, in case of mitochondria, undermine the efficiency with which the electron transport chain converts reducing equivalents to ATP, thus further aggravating the adverse effect of already reduced energy intake in malnourished children. The high levels of MDA are in agreement with those of other studies carried out by Khare Perampalli, Bosnak and Ghone et al [6][7][8] Catal F et al and Anuradha J et al reported that significantly increased level of serum MDA in patients with malnutrition as compared to controls. 9,10 In such condition, depletion of endogenous antioxidants may be expected.…”

Increased risk of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss in MDR-TB patients with HIV coinfection

“…20 Furthermore, a dietary deficiency of protein and calories reduces the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant concentrations, leading to ROS overproduction. 19,21 Due to the financial costs involved in frequent audiological assessment or therapeutic drug monitoring (i.e., daily blood tests for AG concentration), early detection of hearing loss is impractical in most sub-Saharan African countries, which leads to missed opportunities to prevent hearing loss. 1,22 …”

Oxidative stress biomarkers in pediatric sepsis: a prospective observational pilot study

“…The ability of the studied biomarkers to predict the need for PICU admission among patients with initially mild cases of sepsis still needs to be addressed. We also think that the behavior of these biomarkers should further be explored in cases of sepsis affecting patients with chronic metabolic or nutritional conditions, who may have a diminished capacity to deal with an additional oxidative injury [32].…”