A Jendryczko, E Marszal, M Krauze,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (5-1995)
Abstract
Babies with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies had higher ferritin levels
than controls. Although plasma iron levels were simi lar in both groups, babies with
mitochondrial encephalomyopathies had lower transferrin levels. Thiobarbituric
acid reactive substances in plasma of babies with mitochondrial
encephalomyopathies were higher thun in controls suggesting increased lipid
oxidation. We studied the total radical trapping capacity of the antioxidants in
plasma (TRAP) and compared the TRAP level in children with mitochondrial
encephalomyopathies with that in healthy controls. I n addition, the concentrations
of various known antioxidants were measured and the theoretical contribution of
these antioxidants to the TRAP calculated. The measured and calculated TRAP
were higher in the control group than the group of children with mitochondrial
encephalomyopathies. Uric acid, vitamins E and C and sulphides concentrations
were lower in children with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies compared with
controls. The main conclusion from this work is that forchildren with mitochondrial
encephalomyopathies, plasma contents of vitamin E, vitamin C, and cysteine-rich
proteins which are all essential nutrients are too low for optimal activity of
antioxidant systems.
