Antioxidant system blood enzymes activity in patients with echinococcosis

Aim. To study the activity of antioxidant enzymes and concentration of malondialdehyde - lipid peroxidation product - in patients with echinococcosis. Methods. 22 patients aged 32 to 74 years [females - 9 (40%), males - 13 (60%), mean age 37.6 years] with established diagnosis of liver echinococcosis confirmed by ELISA, were examined. Mean disease duration was 10 years. 12 patients, in whom the diagnosis of liver echinococcosis was excluded, were included in the control group. Superoxide dismutase activity was determined based on adrenaline auto-oxidation inhibition, as well as catalase activity and malondialdehyde level were determined. Results. Statistically significant decrease in the malondialdehyde concentration from 5.9 [5.6÷6.6] to 3.7 [3.3÷4.1] mmol/g of hemoglobin (p <0.001), superoxide dismutase activity - from 764 [744÷796] to 666 [627÷695] i.u./min.×g of hemoglobin (p <0.001) was revealed in patients with echinococcosis. Catalase activity did not change significantly (maintained at the level of control group), which may indicate a temporary activation of the compensatory abilities of the body. Conclusion. Revealed data suggest that gradual development of oxidative stress and decrease in body adaptive abilities play a significant role in the pathogenesis of liver echinococcosis which should be considered while working out the new treatment options for the disease.

liver echinococcosis, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase