Inadequate antioxidant nutrient intake and altered plasma antioxidant status of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
OBJECTIVE
Elevated free radical generation in inflamed joints and impaired antioxidant system have been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was performed to evaluate dietary nutrient intake and plasma oxidant/antioxidant status in RA patients.


METHODS
RA patients (n = 97) and their age, gender-matched controls (n = 97) participated in this cross-sectional case-control study. Nutrient intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Twenty subjects from each group provided blood samples, and plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and malondiadehyde (MDA) were measured. Also, plasma activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured.


RESULTS
The mean calorie intake of RA patients was lower than that of the healthy controls. Energy-adjusted intake of fat, vitamin A and beta-carotene were significantly lower in patients than those of the control subjects. RA patients had a decreased mean plasma alpha-tocopherol level. The activity of plasma SOD and GPx in patients was significantly lower than that in control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest proper antioxidant nutrient intake management may reduce free radical generation and improve antioxidant status in RA patients.
Bae
Sang-Cheol
SC
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Soo-Jin
SJ
Sung
Mi-Kyung
MK
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000201:enzymology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D016877:Oxidants / Q000097:blood; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000097:blood; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000975:Antioxidants; D016877:Oxidants; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol