Evaluation of selected indicators of antioxidant status in patients with head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and the antioxidant enzymatic barrier in patients with head and neck cancer and in healthy controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by spectrometry in red blood cells of 22 patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Decreased activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx as well as an increased concentration of MDA was found in cancer patients in comparison to healthy controls.

DISCUSSION

Increased lipid peroxidation in red blood cells of cancer patients indicates an intensification of oxidative stress reactions. Measurements of the activity of the antioxidant enzymes point unambiguously to a reduced antioxidant capacity in head and neck cancer patients. However, this was a pilot study with a low number of participants. Moreover, future research should take into account genetic and extragenetic factors.