Özet:

Introduction: Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen-containing molecular species that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. There is a critical balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defenses. It has been suggested that oxidative stress may be associated with malignancy. Pleural effusions (PE) complicating bronchogenic malignancy is not uncommon but many diseases that cause PE are also present. The aim of our study was to assess the level of the malondialdehide (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), in pleural fluids of malign and benign patients. Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients were enrolled into the study. Group I had 24 cases with malign pleural effusion and group II had 24 cases with benign pleural effusion. The MDA levels and SOD activities in pleural fluid were quantified. Results: There was a significant increase in MDA levels in group I (135,15 ± 18,95 nmol/ml) than in group II (67,35 ± 13,02 nmol/ml) (p<0,001). The activities of SOD is found to be increased significantly in group I when compared to group II (40,33 ± 7,1 U/ml vs 33,2 ± 6,2 U/ml) (p< 0,05). Discussion: These findings may support the previous findings showing that reactive oxygen species increased in malignant pleural fluid with increased activities of SOD. These parameters might be helpful in differation of malign from benign effusion and could be used as non-spesific diagnostic markers.

Anahtar Kelimeler: