Positive Health Online

Abstract

PIEKUTOWSKI and others, Katedry I Kliniki Ginekologii Onkologicznej I Pielegniarstwa Ginekologicznego AM w Bydgoszczy, have described reactive oxygen species as an inducing factor of cancer of the female reproductive organs.

Background

The aim of the study was to assess selenium concentrations and markers of antioxidant capacity in the blood of healthy women compared to women with benign tumours and women with cancer of the reproductive system.

Methodology

All biochemical parameters were measured in the peripheral blood of 47 women with diagnosed cancer, 46 women with diagnosed benign tumours, and 20 healthy women.

Results

Concentrations of selenium was lower in women with tumours, benign or malignant, than in healthy women. Activity of glutathione peroxidase was also lower in both tumour groups. The enzyme superoxide dismutase, another marker of antioxidant activity, was reduced in women with malignant tumours as compared to healthy women.

Conclusion

The status of the antioxidant system plays an important part in carcinogenesis. In women suffering from cancer, the antioxidant system appears to be compromised.

References

Piekutowski K, Grabiec M, Windorbska W, Zachara BA. Reactive oxygen species as an inducing factor of neoplasms of female reproductive organs. Ginekologia Polska 74 (9): 979-985, Sep 2003.