Involvement of oxidative stress in the pre-malignant and malignant states of cervical cancer in women

Clin Biochem. 2005 Dec;38(12):1071-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2005.09.008. Epub 2005 Nov 2.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the potential role of oxidative stress in the evolution of cervical cancer, including its pre-malignant states.

Design and methods: Erythrocytes thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, plasma vitamin C and thiol content and total blood delta-ALA-D levels were estimated in 46 untreated cervical cancer and pre-malignant patients and in 46 age-sex-matched controls.

Results: Erythrocytes from patients, regardless of disease state, pre-malignant (low squamous intraepithelial lesion--LSIL and high squamous intraepithelial lesion--HSIL) or cancer, showed a significant 2-3 times increase in TBARS levels (P<0.01). Plasma vitamin C was lower in the carcinoma group (P<0.01). The reactivation index of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) was higher in the patient group, when compared to control (P<0.01).

Conclusion: LSIL, HSIL or cervical cancer can be associated with changes in 3 indicators of oxidative stress: increase in erythrocyte TBARS, ALA-D reactivation index and a decrease in vitamin C content, that may play an important role in carcinogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism*
  • Erythrocytes / chemistry
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase / blood
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / blood
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / analysis
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / blood*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / blood*

Substances

  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • Porphobilinogen Synthase
  • Ascorbic Acid