Evaluation of serum total antioxidant status among Iranian veterans three decades after sulfur mustard exposure

Introduction Sulfur mustard (SM) induced long-term complications in the skin, eyes and lungs of the exposed individuals. Inflammation via oxidative stress mechanism can worsen those complications. The normal antioxidant status plays important role against the oxidative stress.Objectives Estimation of serum total antioxidant status of the veterans who exposed to SM three decades before the study was carried out.Materials & Methods Thirty five male veterans having > 25% disabilities due to SM poisoning were enrolled. Estimation of serum total antioxidant status was performed using FRAP assay based on Benzie & Strain method and was defined as concentration of FeSO4 solution; equal to the total antioxidant status of serum. Findings were compared to the results of 20 healthy individuals.Results Mean (±SD) values of serum total antioxidant status of veterans and controls were 1072.5±201 and 1172.9±125, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.487).Conclusion Although the SM-poisoned veterans had lower antioxidant status in comparison to the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mild decrease of the antioxidant concentration might induce the respiratory complications of the veterans in which the oxidative stress can cause tissue damages. Further studies with higher number of patients and the control group may reveal significant difference.

Keywords:

Sulfur Mustard , Veterans , Oxidative Stress , Total Antioxidant Status