OXIDATIVE-ENZYMES OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES AND PLASMA-FIBRINOGEN, CERULOPLASMIN, AND COPPER LEVELS IN BEHCETS-DISEASE

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant mechanisms of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) in active stage of Behcet's Disease . PMN activities of myeloperoxidase (p < 0.02), superoxide dismutase ( p < 0.001), catalase (p < 0.005), and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.00 5) were significantly lower in the patients: the NADPH oxidase activit y was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those in controls. The pla sma levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp), fibrinogen, and copper (Cu) were als o significantly higher in the patients group (p < 0.001). Significant and positive correlations were found between the glutathione peroxidas e and catalase activities (p < 0.001) and also between the plasma Cp a nd Cu levels (p < 0.001) in the patients group. However, no correlatio n was observed among the other enzyme activities. In the control group , a significantly positive correlation was present only between the pl asma ceruloplasmin and Cu levels (p < 0.001). It was concluded that (i mpaired PMN functions) decreased enzyme activities in the antioxidant system and increased levels of oxygen free radicals may play a role in tissue damage in Behcet's disease.