The antioxidant status of patients with thyrotoxicosis during combined therapy with epifamin

The aim of this study was to investigate intensity of free radical processes and catalase activity in serum of patients with thyrotoxicosis during traditional therapy and combined therapy with epifamin. Patients (n = 25) were subdivided into two groups: the first group of patients (n = 12) received traditional therapy (antithyroid drugs, β-adrenoblockers, and the second group of patients (n = 13) received additionally epifamin (1 tablet of 10 mg 3 times a day, 10–15 minutes before meal for 7 days). The thyrotoxic patients were characterized by intensification of free radical oxidation evaluated in blood serum by biochemiluminescence parameters. During the combined therapy with epifamin there was less expressed intensity of free-radical processes and the increase in total antioxidant activity of the body, which was not observed during traditional therapy. The standard therapy of thyrotoxicosis by thyrostatics and β-adrenoblockers decreased catalase activity and thus exhibited a negative effect on the antioxidant status of the body. On the contrary, combined therapy with epifamin increased catalase activity and this could positively influence the antioxidant protection of the body.