Positive Health Online

Abstract

RAO and colleagues, Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Bangalore, India described the role of antioxidant enzymes in brain tumours .

Background

Methodology

Results

Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes were analysed in 100 patients with intracranial neoplasm and in 47 controls. There was a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) glutathione reductase (GRx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in most types of brain tumour cases. Patients with acoustic neurinoma showed a significant reduction in selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) activity. A decrease in catalase (CT) activity was seen in most of the brain tumour patients but remained statistically insignificant when compared to controls. A significant increase in plasma cerulplasin concentration was observed in patients with glioma. These enzymes were also studied in 27 post-treatment cases. GRx activity returned to normal levels in these patients, RBC SOD and plasma cerulplasmin levels showed a tendency to return to normal.

Conclusion

A marked decrease in the antioxidant enzymes may have a role in the genesis of considerable oxidative stress in patients with brain tumours.

References

Rao GM et al. Role of antioxidant enzymes in brain tumours. Clinica Chimica Acta 296 (1-2): 203-12. Jun 2000.