%0 Journal Article
%T A study of oxidative stress in paucibacillary and multibacillary leprosy
%A Jyothi P
%A Riyaz Najeeba
%A Nandakumar G
%A Binitha M
%J Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
%D 2008
%I Medknow Publications
%X Background: The study and assessment of oxidative stress plays a significant role in the arena of leprosy treatment. Once the presence of oxidative stress is proved, antioxidant supplements can be provided to reduce tissue injury and deformity. Aim: To study oxidative stress in paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) leprosy and to compare it with that in a control group. Methods: Fifty-eight untreated leprosy patients (23 PB and 35 MB cases) were studied and compared with 58 healthy controls. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level as a measure of antioxidant status; malondialdehyde (MDA) level, an indicator of lipid peroxidation; and MDA/SOD ratio, an index of oxidative stress were estimated in the serum. Results: The SOD level was decreased in leprosy patients, especially in MB leprosy. The MDA level was increased in PB and MB leprosy. The MDA/SOD ratio was significantly elevated in MB patients. There was a steady increase in this ratio along the spectrum from tuberculoid to lepromatous leprosy (LL). Conclusion: There is increased oxidative stress in MB leprosy, especially in LL. This warrants antioxidant supplements to prevent tissue injury.
%K Leprosy
%K malondialdehyde
%K oxidative stress
%K superoxide dismutase
%U http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2008;volume=74;issue=1;spage=80;epage=80;aulast=Jyothi