OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTI OXIDANTS STATUS IN PELLAGRA

Background and objectives: Pellagra was vanished from most parts of the world where it was formerly present due to its dietary modification. However, it is still encountered among the jowar eating populations of India. The information about the role of oxidative stress in pellagra was not established. Therefore, in this study we assessed the oxidative stress status by using malondialdehyde (MDA), total anti oxidant status (TAOS) and redox ratio (RER) in clinically diagnosed pellagra patients. Materials and methods: Clinically diagnosed pellagra patients aged between 18 to 40 years, both male and females were recruited (n=78) from department of Dermatology. Age and gender matched controls (n=78) were recruited from the student and residents of the hospital. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a marker of lipid peroxidation, Total Anti Oxidant Status (TAOS) and Redox Ratio (RER) markers were assessed by using commercially available kits. Results: There were no significant differences in the anthropometric parameters. However, the oxidative stress markers MDA (p<0.05), RER (p<0.001) were significantly high and TAOS was low (P<0.001) in pellagra patients in comparison with age and gender matched controls. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the increased MDA, RER levels and decreased TAOS levels. Estimation of these markers at early stage will help to take measures to prevent the progression of disease and develop antioxidant strategies.