Paraoxonase, total antioxidant activity and peroxide levels in marasmic children: Relationships with leptin

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant status, paraoxonase (PON) activity and leptin levels in children with marasmic malnutrition. Design and methods: Thirty marasmic children (age 14.4 ± 10.3 months) and 28 control subjects were included. Plasma PON activity, total antioxidant activity (TAO), total peroxide (TPX) and leptin levels were measured. Results: Malnourished children had significantly lower leptin (3.6 ± 1.1 vs. 11.8 ± 4.5 ng/mL, P < 0.001), PON activity (66.4 ± 28.6 vs. 221.3 ± 31.6 IU/L, P < 0.001) and TAO (1.44 ± 0.12 vs. 2.45 ± 0.61 mmol Trolox equiv/L, P < 0.001); and higher TPX (15.6 ± 6.4 vs. 5.9 ± 1.9 μmol/L, P < 0.001) values than in controls. Significant negative correlation was found between PON and TPX (P = 0.040) and positive correlation between TAO and BMI (P = 0.034) in patients. No significant correlation was found between leptin and oxidant/antioxidant parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Children with marasmic malnutrition had increased pro-oxidant and decreased antioxidant status. Extent of oxidative stress increases with malnutrition severity. Antioxidants could be given during nutritional rehabilitation.