Objective:
The study of the antioxidant status in female adolescents (n = 82) with anorexia nervosa, by the measurement of erythrocyte tocopherol concentration, and the determination of activities of the main antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase.
Method:
Tocopherol was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) with ultraviolet (uv) detection, and antioxidant enzyme activities by spectrometric methods using a cobas fara automated centrifugal analyzer.
Results:
Tocopherol was significantly decreased in the anorexic patients compared to reference values (p < .02). in 21% of patients, tocopherol levels were below the reference interval. superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased (p < .0001), while catalase activity was increased (p < .0001). the activity of the glutathione system enzymes did not show significant differences between patients and controls.
Discussion:
The deficient concentration of erythrocyte tocopherol together with the altered antioxidant enzyme activities suggest a certain degree of oxidative damage in anorexia nervosa owing to both factors deficient micronutrient intake and oxidative stress.