Serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products, malonyldialdehyde, and total radical trapping antioxidant parameter in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oxidative stress increases in chronic hepatitis C, and antioxidant defense mechanisms are impaired. The aims of this study were to compare chronic hepatitis C patients and healthy subjects according to oxidative stress and antioxidant system markers, and to determine the relationship between oxidative stress and hepatosteatosis.

METHODS

This is an observational study in a tertiary center. Twenty-nine biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis C patients, with no prior anti-viral treatment and persistently elevated serum transaminase levels for 6 months, were included. The control group included 46 healthy subjects. Advanced oxidation protein products and malonyldialdehyde levels were measured. Total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter was calculated.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in the patient and control groups. In chronic hepatitis C patients, serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products were significantly higher than in the control group (235.0±142.8 vs 116.7±79.5, p<0.001). Serum levels of malonyldialdehyde were also significantly higher than in the control group (9.3±2.1 vs 6.5±1.1, p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter. The total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter/advanced oxidation protein products index was significantly lower in chronic hepatitis C patients than in healthy controls (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between advanced oxidation protein products and malonyldialdehyde and hepatosteatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that oxidative stress occurs in chronic hepatitis C, and antioxidant defense mechanisms are inadequate. Serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products and malonyldialdehyde are higher in chronic hepatitis C patients when compared to healthy individuals, and may be useful markers in chronic hepatitis C.