Serum Malondialdehyde Levels, Myeloperoxidase and Catalase Activities in Patients With Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: Some studies have indicated the pathophysiological importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a leukocyte-derived enzyme-generating ROS that has been proposed to exert a wide array of pro-atherogenic effects throughout all stages of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, MPO and catalase activities in patients with adult nephrotic syndrome. Patients and Methods: Twenty-four patients with nephrotic syndrome and 24 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum MPO activity, catalase activity, and MDA levels were assessed. Results: Serum MPO activity and MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with nephrotic syndrome than controls (both, P < 0.001), while catalase activity was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Serum catalase activity was found to be significantly correlated with MPO activity (r = -0.417, P = 0.003) and MDA levels (r = -0.532, P = 0.007). The serum MDA levels were also found to be significantly correlated with MPO activity (r = 0.419, P = 0.003). Conclusions: We concluded that serum MPO activity and oxidative stress were increased and that serum catalase activity was decreased in patients with adult nephrotic syndrome. In addition, these results indicate that increased MPO activity is associated with an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance that may contribute to atherosclerosis in patients with adult nephrotic syndrome.