RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ischemia and reperfusion of the skeletal muscle tissue may cause remote lung injury. We aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on the lung during unilateral lower limb ischemia reperfusion (IR). METHODS: Four groups of rats were used in this study: (i) the sham group (sham, n = 6) served as time controls, they remained anesthetized for the whole duration of the study; (ii) the ischemia and reperfusion group (IR, n = 10) underwent 4 h of left lower limb ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion; (iii) the ischemic preconditioning group (IP, n = 10), the left lower limbs of rats were exposed to three cycles of IP (10 min of ischemia followed by 10 min of reperfusion); and (iv) the ischemic preconditioning plus ischemia reperfusion group (IP/IR, n = 10) underwent IP followed by IR as in the IP and IR groups. Plasma and tissue samples were taken at the end of the study period for determination of lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte count (PMNL), histological lung injury score and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level. RESULTS: PMNL count and MPO activity in the lung tissue, and plasma TBARS level were higher in the IR group compared with other groups while there were no differences between the sham and the IP and between the sham and the IP/IR groups. Histological lung injury score was higher in the IR group than in the IP/IR and sham groups. The plasma TBARS level in the IP group was significantly lower than in the IP/IR group. CONCLUSION: IP pretreatment reduces lipid peroxidation and lung injury caused by lower limb IR.
Asunto(s)
Miembro Posterior/irrigación sanguínea , Isquemia/complicaciones , Precondicionamiento Isquémico/métodos , Peroxidación de Lípido , Enfermedades Pulmonares/prevención & control , Pulmón/patología , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Isquemia/fisiopatología , Pulmón/enzimología , Pulmón/metabolismo , Enfermedades Pulmonares/etiología , Enfermedades Pulmonares/patología , Masculino , Músculo Esquelético/irrigación sanguínea , Músculo Esquelético/fisiopatología , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo , Factores de Tiempo , TorniquetesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical effectiveness, tolerability and reliability of montelukast and to compare this drug with inhaled corticosteroids. METHODS: We performed a randomized, 14-week, 2-period, prospective parallel group study. After a 2-week run-in period, patients received treatment for 12 weeks. Sixty-three clinically stable outpatients aged 8 to 14 years with a history of mild persistent asthma for at least 1 year and a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) greater than 80 % of the predicted value were evaluated. RESULTS: Montelukast produced improvement in airway obstruction, daily symptom scores, total daily as-needed beta-agonist use, nocturnal awakenings, percentage of days and percentage of patients with asthma exacerbations, and urinary leukotriene E4 levels. These beneficial effects were similar to those produced by inhaled corticosteroids. There were no significant adverse effects requiring treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast may be a well-tolerated and effective therapeutic option in 8 to 14-year-old patients with mild persistent asthma.
Asunto(s)
Acetatos/uso terapéutico , Antiasmáticos/uso terapéutico , Asma/tratamiento farmacológico , Budesonida/uso terapéutico , Antagonistas de Leucotrieno/uso terapéutico , Quinolinas/uso terapéutico , Acetatos/administración & dosificación , Acetatos/farmacología , Adolescente , Antiasmáticos/administración & dosificación , Antiasmáticos/farmacología , Asma/orina , Budesonida/administración & dosificación , Budesonida/farmacología , Niño , Ciclopropanos , Femenino , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Antagonistas de Leucotrieno/administración & dosificación , Antagonistas de Leucotrieno/farmacología , Leucotrieno E4/orina , Masculino , Ápice del Flujo Espiratorio/efectos de los fármacos , Estudios Prospectivos , Quinolinas/administración & dosificación , Quinolinas/farmacología , Sulfuros , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Objectives: To determine the clinical effectiveness, tolerability and reliability of montelukast and to compare this drug with inhaled corticosteroids. Methods: We performed a randomized, 14-week, 2-period, prospective parallel group study. After a 2-week run-in period, patients received treatment for 12 weeks. Sixty-three clinically stable outpatients aged 8 to 14 years with a history of mild persistent asthma for at least 1 year and a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) greater than 80 % of the predicted value were evaluated. Results: Montelukast produced improvement in airway obstruction, daily symptom scores, total daily as-needed β -agonist use, nocturnal awakenings, percentage of days and percentage of patients with asthma exacerbations, and urinary leukotriene E4 levels. These beneficial effects were similar to those produced by inhaled corticosteroids. There were no significant adverse effects requiring treatment discontinuation. Conclusions: Montelukast may be a well-tolerated and effective therapeutic option in 8 to 14-year-old patients with mild persistent asthma (AU)
Objetivos: Determinar el efecto clínico, la tolerabilidad y la fiabilidad de montelukast y compararlo con los corticosteroides inhalados. Métodos: Estudio aleatorizado, prospectivo, de dos periodos y de grupos paralelos, de 14 semanas de duración. Después de un periodo de preinclusión de dos semanas, los pacientes recibieron tratamiento durante 12 semanas. Se evaluó a 63 pacientes ambulatorios estables de 8 a 14 años de edad con asma persistente leve desde hacía al menos un año y FEV1 superior al 80 por ciento del valor teórico.Resultados: Montelukast mejoró la obstrucción de las vías respiratorias, la puntuación de los síntomas diarios, el uso diario total de beta-agonistas según las necesidades y el despertar nocturno de forma similar a los corticosteroides inhalados.Montelukast, en comparación con los corticosteroides inhalados, indujo una mejoría semejante en el porcentaje de días y el porcentaje de pacientes con exacerbaciones asmáticas y concentración urinaria de LTE4. No hubo efectos secundarios significativos que motivaran la interrupción del tratamiento. Conclusiones: Montelukast puede ser una opción terapéutica bien tolerada y eficaz para el asma persistente leve en pacientes de 8 a 14 años (AU)
Asunto(s)
Niño , Adolescente , Masculino , Femenino , Humanos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Leucotrieno E4 , Antiasmáticos , Quinolinas , Estudios Prospectivos , Budesonida , Antagonistas de Leucotrieno , Asma , Acetatos , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Ápice del Flujo EspiratorioRESUMEN
The long-term effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) in male Wistar rats with reduced renal mass was studied. The aim of the study was to highlight the relationship of CsA effect on rats, simulating patients with two functioning kidneys (eg, heart, liver transplant recipients) and one kidney (renal transplant recipients). The Wistar rats were subjected to unilateral nephrectomy (Unx, n = 14) and to 5/6 nephrectomy (STnx, n = 14). Half of these rats and half of the sham operated ones (control, n = 13) were administered CsA (10 mg/kg/d) for 28 days IP. The serum creatinine (S(CR)), total protein (S(P)), and urine protein (U(P)) values as well as the whole blood CsA levels were determined on the 28th day of the study. The remnant kidneys were evaluated by image analyses and semiquantitative methods after sacrifice on the 28th day. In the three non-CsA-treated groups (Unx, STnx, and control) S(CR) was significantly higher in STnx rats than in Unx rats (P =.011). Percent of renal scarring (PRS) was significantly higher in Unx (P =.02) and in STnx rats (P =.017), compared with the control group. Among CsA-treated three groups S(CR) was significantly higher in STnx rats compared with Unx (P =.017). In addition, segmental sclerosis rate (SSR) was higher in STnx rats, compared with the control group (P =.008), whereas S(P) was higher in the control group (P =.005). When CsA-treated groups were compared with non-CsA-treated ones, U(P) of the Unx rats not receiving CsA were significantly higher than the Unx rats receiving CsA (P =.026). Also, U(P) was higher in non-CsA-treated groups (P =.014), whereas S(CR) (P =.001), S(P) (P =.001), and PRS (P =.001) were higher in CsA-treated rats. In conclusion, we suggest that preserved renal mass is not enough to prevent CsA toxicity and that CsA should be administered to patients with both kidneys (eg, heart, pancreas recipients) as carefully as to patients with one functioning kidney (renal transplant recipients).
Asunto(s)
Ciclosporina/toxicidad , Inmunosupresores/toxicidad , Riñón/patología , Animales , Proteínas Sanguíneas/metabolismo , Creatinina/sangre , Ciclosporina/sangre , Ciclosporina/farmacocinética , Humanos , Inmunosupresores/sangre , Inmunosupresores/farmacocinética , Riñón/anatomía & histología , Riñón/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Modelos Animales , Nefrectomía , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Proteinuria , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: It is thought that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) stimulates bone formation. We aimed to determine the effects of oral and transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on serum IGF-I levels and to investigate the effects of basal IGF-I levels on the levels obtained at the end of the therapy. METHODS: Sixty-six postmenopausal women were administered either oral (n=44) or transdermal (n=22) HRT for 6 months. Serum levels of IGF-I were determined before and after HRT in all subjects. Groups were divided into two subgroups according to the median value of serum IGF-I levels (basal IGF-I levels above or below the median value). The increase of IGF-I levels after HRT were calculated (%) for all women. Mean increases of subgroups were compared. Furthermore, study groups were divided into three subgroups according to the changing of IGF-I (increase>25%, between 25% increase and 25% decrease and decrease>25%). Mean basal IGF-I levels of these three subgroups were compared. RESULTS: Mean serum levels of IGF-I before and after HRT were not significantly different in both oral and transdermal groups (P>0.05). Mean increases of IGF-I after HRT for the patients with low basal IGF-I levels, were 65% in oral and 77% in transdermal groups. However, mean increase of the patients with high basal IGF-I levels were -8 and -16% respectively. Moreover, mean level of basal IGF-I was significantly low in women who have more than a 25% increase after HRT (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HRT seems to significantly increase serum levels of IGF-I in postmenopausal women with low basal levels of IGF-I.
Asunto(s)
Estradiol/administración & dosificación , Terapia de Reemplazo de Estrógeno , Factor I del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina/metabolismo , Noretindrona/administración & dosificación , Posmenopausia/efectos de los fármacos , Administración Cutánea , Administración Oral , Terapia de Reemplazo de Estrógeno/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Posmenopausia/metabolismoRESUMEN
Changes in serum magnesium, copper and zinc values were evaluated in spinal fusion patients at four monitorings. For magnesium and copper individually, a significant difference was found between the mean values at each monitoring (p < 0.05), whereas the changes of zinc values between four monitorings were insignificant. There was no statistical difference between the changes of each trace element values and gender, age, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, blood replacement, number of the vertebral levels fused, and antibiotic type used. As a result, magnesium can be suggested to be more important than the other two elements in the postoperative period. Alterations of serum magnesium, copper, and zinc values do not have any correlation with the fusion of the spinal column, either with the width of the fused area or operative time and blood loss. This study cannot confirm the exact reason for this entity and the etiology remains speculative. There is no need for magnesium, copper, or zinc supplementation during the surgical period for the patients. It will be worthy to evaluate the patients who were sent to the intensive care unit after spinal surgery and compare their results with the other intensive care patients.
Asunto(s)
Cobre/sangre , Magnesio/sangre , Fusión Vertebral , Zinc/sangre , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Preescolar , Colorimetría , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Periodo Posoperatorio , Espectrofotometría Atómica , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
AIMS: To investigate the correlation between the prophylactic administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to preterm infants and urinary nitrite levels, which can be utilized as an index of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) formation, and to determine if NO formation plays a role in both therapeutic and adverse effects of IVIG. METHODS: 28 healthy preterm infants were included in this prospective study. They had a mean gestational age of 29.4 +/- 2.2 weeks and weight of 1,387 +/- 371 g. Prophylactic IVIG infusion at a dose of 0.5 g/kg/day was administered when they were 3-10 days old. Urine samples of the neonates were obtained for analysis on days 1, 2 and 3 after IVIG administration as well as 1 day before. Urinary nitrite levels obtained in the subjects were normalized for urinary creatinine concentrations. RESULTS: The mean urinary nitrite levels were: 2.77 +/- 1.66 micromol/mmol creatinine before IVIG administration; 4.33 +/- 3.88 micromol/mmol creatinine on the 1st day of IVIG; 3.77 +/- 2.73 micromol/mmol creatinine on the 2nd day, and 3.64 +/- 3.28 micromol/mmol creatinine on the 3rd day. There was a significant increase in urinary nitrite levels between before and after IVIG administration. There was no statistical difference in urinary nitrate levels between days 1, 2 and 3 after IVIG administration. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that urinary nitrite excretion is significantly elevated in preterm infants after prophylactic IVIG administration and this result suggests that endogenous NO formation may play an important role in both the therapeutic and adverse effects of IVIG.
Asunto(s)
Inmunoglobulinas Intravenosas/uso terapéutico , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Nitritos/orina , Peso al Nacer , Creatinina/orina , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Inmunoglobulinas Intravenosas/efectos adversos , Recién Nacido , Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal , Estudios Prospectivos , Sepsis/prevención & controlRESUMEN
This investigation was conducted in rat brain tissues to elucidate the free radical induced cellular and subcellular membrane injuries in two different depth of global ischemia. Global moderate (penumbral) ischemia was performed on rat brains by bilateral vertebral arteries cauterization and temporary occlusion of the bilateral carotid arteries. Global severe ischemia was produced by a neck tourniquet in addition to four vessel occlusion. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were used as a feed back parameter to monitor electrophysiologically the ischemia. At the end of ischemic insult (0 min reperfusion) or various reperfusion periods (20, 60 and 240 min), all rats were decapitated and brains were frozen in liquid nitrogen. The brain tissues were prepared for the determination of cathepsin L (CL) and acid phosphatase (AP) activities in the supernatant (cytosolic) fraction (SF) and the fraction enriched with lysosomes (FEL). Further the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of lipid peroxidation was assessed by the spectrophotometric methods. Severe ischemia-reperfusion was accompanied by a significant increase in TBARS levels and the SF/FEL ratio for CL and AP activities compared to the sham operated group and the concurrent reperfusion groups of moderate ischemia (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the sham operated and moderate ischemia-reperfusion groups for the same parameters. Our data clearly demonstrate that; in rat brain although severe ischemia-reperfusion causes lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes and redistribution of lysosomal enzymes from lysosomes to cytoplasm due to lysosomal membrane injury, there are no changes in lysosomal membrane stability in moderate ischemia-reperfusion.
Asunto(s)
Fosfatasa Ácida/metabolismo , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Catepsinas/metabolismo , Endopeptidasas , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/metabolismo , Peroxidación de Lípido , Reperfusión , Animales , Presión Sanguínea , Catepsina L , Cisteína Endopeptidasas , Potenciales Evocados Somatosensoriales , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/fisiopatología , Lisosomas/enzimología , Masculino , Prosencéfalo/metabolismo , Ratas , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/análisis , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study examining the neuroprotective effect of magnesium on axonal function and lipid peroxidation in a rat model of acute traumatic spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of postinjury treatment with magnesium on evoked potentials and lipid peroxidation after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey. METHODS: Spinal cord injury occurred in 30 rats with an aneurysm clip at T9 and the rats were randomly assigned to undergo subcutaneous administration of one of the following at 1 h after injury: (1) Physiological saline (n = 10); (2) MgSO4, 300 mg/kg (n = 10) and (3) MgSO4, 600 mg/kg (n = 10). Spinal somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were recorded before injury, 30 min after injury and 3 h after injections. Rats were killed 24 h after the injury, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. RESULTS: Following SCI, there were significant decreases in the amplitudes of P1 and N1 (P<0.001) and only high-dose magnesium improved the SSEPs (P<0.01). On the other hand, there was significant difference in lipid peroxide content between high-dose magnesium treated group and both of saline treated and low-dose magnesium treated groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that magnesium has a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect on SSEPs and lipid peroxidation after experimental spinal cord injury.
Asunto(s)
Potenciales Evocados Somatosensoriales/efectos de los fármacos , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Sulfato de Magnesio/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal/tratamiento farmacológico , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Inyecciones Subcutáneas , Sulfato de Magnesio/administración & dosificación , Masculino , N-Metilaspartato/metabolismo , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/administración & dosificación , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal/metabolismo , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal/fisiopatología , Estadísticas no ParamétricasRESUMEN
Free radicals are thought to be the most important cause of the reperfusion injury subsequent to ischemia. The antioxidant status of the tissue affected by ischemia-reperfusion is of great importance for the primary endogenous defense against the free radical induced injury. This investigation was performed to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme capacity of the brain tissue in the ischemia-reperfusion period using an experimental global moderate (penumbral) ischemia model on rat brains. Experiments were performed on 45 male Sprague Dawley rats. Ischemia was induced by bilateral vertebral arteries cauterization and temporary bilateral carotid arteries occlusion and sustained for 10 minutes. At the end of ischemia (0 min reperfusion) and various reperfusion periods (20 min, 60 min, 240 min), rats were decapitated and brains were frozen in liquid nitrogen. Changes in the intracellular antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) activities were assessed in the rat brain tissues, by spectrophotometric methods. In all moderate ischemia-reperfusion groups, superoxide dismutase activities were found to have decreased significantly compared to the sham operated controls (P < 0.05). During ischemia superoxide dismutase activity was lowered to 31% of that of the control group. The decreases were more significant in reperfusion groups, particularly in 60 min reperfusion (40%). Relatively smaller but still significant diminution was observed in glutathione peroxidase activities (P < 0.05). The ratio of diminution was striking in 20 min and 60 min reperfusion groups with 26% of the sham operated rats. Conversely, moderate ischemia-reperfusion caused significant increase in catalase activities (P < 0.05). The increment was 63% of the preischemic level with 10 min of moderate ischemia. In conclusion, activities of the major antioxidant enzymes were changed significantly in moderate brain ischemia-reperfusion. These results suggest that the disturbance in oxidant-antioxidant balance might play a part in rendering the tissue more vulnerable to free radical induced injuries.
Asunto(s)
Lesiones Encefálicas/enzimología , Catalasa/metabolismo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión/enzimología , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Animales , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Lesiones Encefálicas/metabolismo , Isquemia Encefálica/enzimología , Isquemia Encefálica/metabolismo , Radicales Libres/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Daño por Reperfusión/metabolismoRESUMEN
Routinely used renal function tests remain normal in uncomplicated hypercalciuria. The aim of this study was to assess the value of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), a sensitive marker of renal proximal tubular damage, in experimental hypercalciuria. Oral calcium providing 75 mg/kg per day elementary calcium and 20,000 IU/day vitamin D3 was administered for 15 days to 7 rabbits (Orytolagus cuniculus-New Zealand white) and 7 rabbits were given placebo as a control group. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, daily urinary calcium excretion and NAG/creatinine ratio were measured before and after drug administration. Kidneys were examined macroscopically and microscopically following the study period. Serum calcium, phosphorous and urinary calcium excretion increased, while alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly in response to drug treatment [10.8 +/- 1.5 vs. 12.2 +/- 1.3 mg/dl, 4.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 6.7 +/- 0.7 mg/ dl, 22.3 +/- 8.3 vs. 46.8 +/- 22.5 mg/kg per day, and 138.0 +/- 57.1 vs. 70.1 +/- 33.1 IU/l, respectively (P < 0.05)]. The NAG/creatinine ratio prior to the study (0.5 +/- 0.1 mU/ mg) was significantly different from that after the study (5.4 +/- 1.5 mU/mg, P < 0.01). In the control group, changes in serum and urinary parameters were not significant (P > 0.05). The relationship between the urinary NAG/ creatinine ratio and the daily urinary calcium excretion was statistically significant (r = 0.67, P < 0.05). In the study group, nephrocalcinosis was present in all rabbits except 1 (85.7%), whereas none of the control group rabbits had nephrocalcinosis. In conclusion, in rabbits urinary NAG excretion increases significantly in nephrocalcinosis induced by hypercalciuria.
Asunto(s)
Acetilglucosaminidasa/orina , Calcio/orina , Animales , Colecalciferol/toxicidad , Creatinina/orina , Túbulos Renales Proximales/fisiopatología , ConejosRESUMEN
Increased nitric oxide (NO) levels are thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which is caused by disseminated vascular endothelial damage. Clinical studies have shown that urinary nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) excretions can be utilized as indexes of NO formation. The SIRS and NO relationship was investigated in 15 neonates with SIRS, gestational age 32.5 +/- 4.4 weeks and weight 1,737 +/- 753 g. The control group comprised 18 neonates with a gestational age of 32.8 +/- 3.5 weeks and a weight of 1,778 +/- 538 g. There was no significant difference in birth weights and gestational ages between the two groups (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05). The urinary nitrite levels obtained in the subjects were normalized for urinary creatinine concentrations. The mean urinary nitrite levels in the control group neonates were found to be 4.22 +/- 1.8 micromol/mmol creatinine on the 1st day, 4.09 +/- 2.28 on the 2nd, 3.62 +/- 1.6 on the 3rd, and 4.01 +/- 1.12 micromol/mmol creatinine on the 7th day. There were no statistically significant differences between these levels (p > 0.05). We determined urinary levels of nitrite in neonates in the study group within the first 24 h of SIRS symptoms and found these levels (18.35 +/- 11.16 micromol nitrite/mmol creatinine) to be elevated as compared with those of the control subjects on the 7th day of life (p < 0.0005). In conclusion, urinary nitrite excretion is significantly elevated in neonates with SIRS due to septic events, and these results suggest that NO might play a part in SIRS.
Asunto(s)
Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso/orina , Nitritos/orina , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/orina , Peso al Nacer , Candidiasis/sangre , Candidiasis/microbiología , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso/sangre , Recién Nacido , Infecciones por Klebsiella/sangre , Infecciones por Klebsiella/orina , Valores de Referencia , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/sangre , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/sangre , Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica/microbiologíaRESUMEN
This investigation was effected to determine the levels of the two antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) (EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (CAT) (EC 1.11.1.6) in lung cancerous tissues and to compare with normal lung tissue in order to evaluate the antioxidant status in lung cancer. Fifteen lung carcinoma tissue samples and the normal counterparts from the same cases were homogenized and the cytosols obtained by ultracentrifugation (100,000 x g). SOD was assayed using a modification of the indirect nitroblue tetrazolium assay method, while CAT was measured by a spectrophotometric method. The data obtained are as follows: 1.42 +/- 0.24 U/mg protein (means +/- SEM) of SOD in lung cancer and 3.13 +/- 0.51 U/mg protein in normal lung tissue and 33.53 +/- 6.09 U/mg protein of CAT in lung cancer and 71.33 +/- 14.38 in normal lung tissue. The differences were found to be significant at the level of P < 0.01 for both enzymes. These low levels of the antioxidant enzymes in lung cancerous tissues can lead to elevated levels of reactive oxygen metabolites, resulting in damage to the key subcellular structures such as DNA, cell membranes, and other vital cellular components.