Serum Malondialdehyde Levels as a Biomarker of Cellular Injury In Human Fascioliasis

Macrophages, neutrophils and other phagocytic cells are key components of the antiparasitic, antimicrobial and tumoricidal immune responses. These cells are capable of generating large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS and RNS have a possible role in the pathogenesis of parasitic disease. Lipid peroxidation is a well-established mechanism of cellular injury and is used as an indicator of oxidative stress in cells and tissues. To examine oxidant status and lipid peroxidation in fascioliasis patients, the malondialdehyde (MDA) (an end-product of lipid peroxidation) has been studied. Serum MDA level was measured in 34 patients infected with Fasciola gigantica and their age and gender were matched to 36 healthy controls. The difference between MDA levels of patients infected with Fasciola gigantica and the control group was statistically significant both in females (P< 0.05) and males (P< 0.05) with no correlation between age and MDA levels both in females and males of patient and control group. The high infection/control ratio of MDA concentration and the significant correlation strongly indicate the occurrence of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation as a mechanism of tissue damage in cases of F. gigantica infection.