Oxidative Stress Markers and Selenium Levels of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Some Dot Centers in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Severe oxidative stress has been reported in Tuberculosis (TB) patients, and this is associated with increased production of free radicals due to phagocyte respiratory burst, malnutrition, and poor immunity. This study investigated the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Selenium (SEL) levels in naïve Tuberculosis (TB) patients and TB patients on treatment. The study comprised of a total of 100 TB patients made up of 57 TB patients on treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy and 43 naïve TB patients not on treatment. MDA and SOD were analyzed using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). While selenium and tuberculosis were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and Gene Xpert respectively. The MDA level in TB patients on treatment was significantly higher (p<0.0011) than the MDA level of naïve TB patients. Also, the SOD level of TB patients on treatment was significantly lower (p<0.0426) than the SOD level of naïve TB patients. While the levels of Selenium in TB patients on treatment was significantly higher (p< 0.0002) than the selenium level of naïve TB patients. The study showed an increase in oxidative stress due to low levels of antioxidants and high lipid peroxidation due to increased MDA levels in TB patients on drugs. Therefore it might be appropriate to include antioxidant supplementation, either through nutrition or antioxidant therapy in the treatment regimen of TB patients; this may signify an innovative line of management of TB patients to quick recovery.