The Effect of ααααα-Tocopherol on the Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Idiopathic IgA Nephropathy
Leena Ong-ajyooth MD, Dr med*, Sompong Ong-ajyooth B Pharm, MSc**, Paisal Parichatikanond MD***
Affiliation : * Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ** Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University *** Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Objective : Nearly 25% of IgA nephropathy patients progress to end-stage renal disease over a 20-25 year
follow-up period. IgA containing immune complex stimulates oxygen free radical production by mesangial
cells in vitro, which may mediate glomerular injury in this disorder. Therefore, we studied whether dietary
supplementation with the antioxidant agent, vitamin E, attenuates renal damage in patients with IgA nephr-
opathy.
Materials and Methods : Twenty-eight patients with idiopathic IgA nephropathy were supplemented with vita-
min E 400 mg/day for 6 months. Antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and
renal function were studied after 3 and 6 months therapy.
Result: The result of the study showed high plasma MDA and significant reduction after therapy (1.15 + 0.45
VS 0.86 + 0.30 µM, p < 0.0001). The RBC vitamin E was also elevated statistically significantly (5.07 + 2.42
VS 15.70 + 3.37 µM, p < 0.001). Glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased (38.52 + 15.53 VS 23.97 +
7.63 U/gHb, p < 0.001). Glutathione was also decreased (44.80 + 9.70 VS 32.45 + 6.74 mg/dl, p < 0.05) but
there were no changes in red cell catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Creatinine clearance, pro-
teinuria, urine N-acetyl glucosaminidase and β2-microglobulin also showed no improvement.
Conclusion : Our data demonstrated the particular group of IgA nephropathy patients with low vitamin E
level and high oxidative stress had significant reduction of oxidative stress after vitamin E therapy.
Keywords : α-tocopherol, Antioxidants, IgA nephropathy, Oxidative stress
