Serum paraoxonase activity and oxidative status in pediatric patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the oxidative status and paraoxonase levels of children with pulmonary tuberculosis compared with healthy controls and to examine the association of demographical and biochemical parameters with oxidative status. Material-methods: Forty children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and 40 -age and gender matched- healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and paraoxonase levels were measured. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated to indicate the degree of oxidative stress. Results: Age and gender distribution were not statistically different between the two groups (p=0.387 and 0.5, respectively). The TAS levels were lower and TOS levels were higher significantly in the TB group compared with control group (p<0.001). The OSI was significantly higher in the TB group (p=0.006). Serum paraoxonase levels were significantly lower in the TB group compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). The lower paraoxonease levels were correlated with TAS and OSI levels but not correlated with anthropometric and biochemical parametres (r = 0,264, p = 0.018 and r = -0.255, p = 0.023, respectively). Conclusion: TOS and OSI were significantly increased and with a decrease in TAS and paraoxonase levels indicating high oxidative stress in pediatric pulmonary TB patients.