Korean J Parasitol. 2008 Dec;46(4):293-5. Epub 2008 Dec 20
Malondialdehyde, Glutathione, and Nitric Oxide Levels in Toxoplasma gondii Seropositive Patients
Karaman U, Celik T, Kiran TR, Colak C, Daldal NU.
Inonu University School of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Malatya, Turkey.
The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels between normal and T. gondii-infected patients. To this end, MDA, GSH, and NO levels in the sera of 37 seropositive patients and 40 participants in the control group were evaluated. In Toxoplasma ELISA, IgG results of the patient group were 1,013.0 +/- 543.8 in optical density (mean +/- SD). A statistically significant difference was found between patients and the control group in terms of MDA, GSH, and NO levels. A decrease in GSH activity was detected, while MDA and NO levels increased significantly. Consequently, it is suggested that the use of antioxidant vitamins in addition to a parasite treatment shall prove useful. The high infection vs control ratio of MDA and NO levels probably suggests the occurrence as a mechanism of tissue damage in cases of chronic toxoplasmosis. Moreover, it is recommended that the patient levels of MDA, GSH, and NO should be evaluated in toxoplasmosis.
PMID: 19127340 [PubMed - in process]
2 comments:
A note on NO.
In the case of my own infection with unknown coccidian parasite, I have noticed elevation of nitrate\nitrite levels in morning saliva. Microscopic examination reveals medium density of active granulocytes.
These are common variety, and likely associated active low level infection. I have seen occasional eosinophils as well. These cells are most likely source of elevated nitrogen products. When nitrite mixes with hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it will convert to nitric oxide. This can contribute to numerous physiological affects, especially with smooth muscle tissue.
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