Altered anti-oxidant status and increased lipid peroxidation in marasmic children

Background: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common pediatric health problem in developing countries. Although the clinical features of PEM are well known, its pathophysiology is still unclear. Free radicals have been i mplicated in pathogenesis of PEM. In the present study, oxidant/anti-oxidan t status in marasmus was investigated. Methods: Red cell glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismut ase and their related cofactors, serum selenium and copper, were studied in marasmic and control children. Serum lipid peroxidation was also evaluated to assess oxidative stress. Results: The red cell glutathione levels and glutathione peroxidase activit ies were found to be significantly lower in the marasmic children than in t he controls. Red cell superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not different between two groups. Serum selenium and copper concentrations were signific antly lower in the marasmic children than in the control subjects. The malo ndialdehyde concentration, which is an index of lipid peroxidation, was sig nificantly higher in the marasmic group compared with the controls. Conclusion: The anti-oxidant defense system was affected in marasmic childr en. Reduced anti-oxidant status and increased oxidative stress occurs in ma rasmic children.