INCREASED OXIDATIVE STRESS REDUCES THE LEVEL OF SERUM PARAOXONASE-1(PON-1) AND OTHER BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS (PTB) IN NEPALESE POPULATION.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the total peroxides level and paraoxonase (PON1) activities in patients with Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Nepalese population. Material and methods: A total of 70 (40 newly diagnosed active PTB and 30 healthy control) subjects were recruited for this study. Anthropometric variables, total peroxide and PON1 activities were determined in control and PTB subjects. Serum glucose, urea, total protein, albumin, globulin and uric acid levels were also determined in the participants. Results: Significant difference in BMI, SBP and DBP was observed between PTB and control subjects (p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.01 respectively). Total protein, albumin, TC and HDL were significantly lower in PTB subjects (p<0.05, p <0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.01 respectively). TG and LDL levels were also decreased though not statistically significant. However, the level of uric acid and globulin were significantly increased (p<0.01, p<0.001 respectively).The levels of Total peroxides (µmol H2O2/litre) activity in patients and control were 16.17±0.29 and 12.69±0.32, respectively (p=<0.001). Similarly, the levels of PON1 activity (µmol/min/ml) in patients and control were 109.72±6.43 and 161.55±15.49, respectively (p=0.004). Conclusions: According to this study, we conclude that patients with active PTB are exposed to potent oxidative stress and they have decreased PON1 activity. These predisposal factors play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a group of Nepalese population which needs more clarification. Keywords: Active pulmonary tuberculosis; PON1 activity; Total oxidant status