Oxidative Damage in Renal Transplant Patients

Abstract

Exposure to oxygen free radicals is responsible for damage to cells and tissues in vivo, where it may cause kidney disease1 and several complications in patients with end-stage renal disease such as atherosclerosis,2 anemia,3 and infection.4 Renal transplant patients are also subject to oxidative cell damage, including vascular thrombosis and adverse effects on early graft function.5 and 6

Aerobic cells are protected by several antioxidants7 against damage by active oxygens, including three well-known biologic antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.7 Superoxide is converted to hydrogen peroxide by the action of superoxide dismutase.7 And hydrogen peroxide is disposed of by the action of glutathione peroxidase or catalase.7 The alterations in the activity of these antioxidant enzymes contributes to the damage in patients with end-stage renal disease.2, 3 and 4

In this study, the levels of malondialdehyde, which is an indirect index of oxidative injury,8 superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measure in plasma from renal transplant patients.