Assesment of the effect of Pulmonary tuberculosis on antioxidant as markers of oxidative stress in Owerri

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases globally. This study was carried out to asses the levels of vitamins C and E, glutathione peroxidase, catalase,  superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde)  in pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. A total of  90 individuals (males and females), comprising 30 newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients yet to commence therapy. Thirty old cases on therapy and control group consisting of 30 apparently healthy individuals of the same age range (35-55years). The levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in pulmonary tuberclosis were determined using standard method. The results showed that the levels of Vitamin C (1.64±0.41 mg/dl), Vitamin E (1.46±0.38 mg/dl), glutathione peroxidise (0.89±0.07 iu/L), catalase (70.49±2.02 iu/L) and superoxide dismutase (65.45±3.48 iu/L) in pulmonary tuberculosis were significantly decreased when compared with controls ( 1.91±0.42 mg/dl , 0.84±0.31 mg/ldl, 72.60±2.58 iu/L, 0.94±0.06 iu/L, 68.65±2.83 iu/L)  respectively (p<0.05). While the level of malondialdehyde (8.7±1.81 mol/ml) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in pulmonary tuberculosis when compared with control (4.91±1.90 mol/ml). However, the levels of antioxidants were increased in pulmonary tuberculosis on antituberclosis drugs when compared with those not on therapy.  These probably indicate that antioxidants status is significantly reduced in pulmonary tuberculosis patients which  may be associated with high levels of free radicals and oxidative stress. Hence, supplementation of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diet or drugs containing  antioxidant can improved their condition.