The aim of this study was oxidative stress evaluation as reflected by antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation products levels in plasma and erythrocytes from CHC patients (chronic hepatitis C patients). Antioxidant status, markers of lipid peroxidation and liver function were measured in erythrocytes and plasma from 29 CHC patients and from 26 matched healthy controls. Plasma and erythrocytes MDA (malondialdehyde) levels were statistically decreased in CHC patients as compared with healthy controls while erythrocytes CuZnSOD (superoxide dismutase--cytoplasmic enzyme contains copper and zinc) activity was statistically increased in CHC patients as compared to healthy subjects. Plasma MDA levels correlated positively with AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), aldolase and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activity. GPX (glutathione peroxidase) activity correlated negatively with erythrocytes and plasma MDA levels and CuZnSOD activity correlated negatively with LDH, aldolase, AST activity and with plasma MDA levels.
Conclusions: Results of antioxidant status in CHC patients indicate oxidative stress development and efficient function of intracellular antioxidants.