Oxidative stress in pediatric nephrotic syndrome

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a stressful condition for children where oxidative damage would also influence the response of these patients to therapy. Methods: The present study was conducted in children with nephrotic syndrome during relapse and remission and in 10 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Red cell glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as plasma ceruloplasmin (CP) and vitamin E concentrations were analyzed in controls and in patients. Results: Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase concentrations were significantly increased in both the groups when compared to controls. Erythrocyte glutathione significantly decreased in nephrotic syndrome in remission along with plasma vitamin E concentrations in both the groups. A significant increase in plasma ceruloplasmin was observed in cases in remission. However, no significant change was observed in the concentrations of erythrocyte malondialdehyde. Conclusion: Thus, antioxidant concentrations change considerably, indicating a compensatory mechanism to cope up with increased pro-oxidant status in such cases.