Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in the blood of patients with Hodgkin’s disease

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the extent of lipid peroxidation and the status of antioxidants in patients with Hodgkin’s disease. Design and Methods: Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA), selenium, zinc and copper content have been measured in 20 patients with Hodgkin’s disease and 30 age-matched controls. Results: Significantly higher concentrations of MDA in plasma as well as in erythrocytes were found compared to the control group. In both plasma and erythrocytes, GPX activity, selenium and zinc levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls. However, SOD activity in erythrocytes and copper levels in both plasma and erythrocytes were significantly higher in patients. Conclusion: We conclude that the antioxidant system is impaired in Hodgkin’s disease due to the abnormal metabolism of trace elements and antioxidant enzymes.