Blood levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities and erythrocyte and plasma glutathione peroxidase activities have been determined in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, genetic carriers, and normal controls. A 19% decrease in red cell superoxide dismutase activity was observed in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Genetic carriers showed a level between that of the dystrophy patients and the normal controls. No abnormality was seen in the red cell or plasma activities of glutathione peroxidase.