Research: KALAYCI and colleagues, D

Listed in Issue 54

Abstract

KALAYCI and colleagues, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey studied serum levels of antioxidants in children with bronchial asthma.

Background

Methodology

The authors determined serum levels of alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), beta-carotene and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in 14 children during an asthma attack and remission. Twelve healthy children served as controls.

Results

All antioxidant vitamins were significantly lower in the asthmatic children at remission compared to controls. Comparisons between attack and remission periods in asthmatic children did not reveal any difference apart from beta-carotene. Levels of all three vitamins correlated highly significantly with each other. TBARS levels were significantly higher during an asthma attack compared to remission periods. There was no correlation observed between the antioxidant vitamins and lipid peroxidation products.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that antioxidant vitamins are decreased in the serum of asthmatic patents even during the asymptomatic periods of this disease, and that this decrease is not totally dependent upon the increased oxidative stress, as reflected by lipid peroxidation products. The role of antioxidant vitamins in the prevention and/or treatment of asthma remains to be determined.

References

Kalayci O et al. Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (alpha tocopherol, beta carotene, and ascorbic acid) in children with bronchial asthma. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 42(1): 17-21. Jan-Mar 2000.

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