Laryngeal cancer: in relation to oxidative stress

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress parameters in laryngeal cancer and cancer-free adjacent tissues. Lipid peroxidation end product and the endogenous antioxidant components-CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px), glutathione reductase (GSSG Rd) and glutathione (GSH)-were analysed by spectrophotometric and kinetic methods. Laryngeal cancer tissue exhibited higher lipid peroxidation than cancer free adjacent tissue. CuZn SOD and GSH Px activities and GSH level were significantly higher and GSSG Rd activity significantly lower in the cancer tissue. Detection of the antioxidant status may be useful to determine the tumour resistance to therapy, to choose the correct radiotherapy/chemotherapy and to monitor the effectiveness of the therapetic strategy.