Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Compared to Healthy Subjects

Background and Aim: Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a malignant tumor originates in the thyroid parafollicular cells derived from neural crest cells and include about 10% of all thyroid cancers. Although many factors are involved in the development and progression of cancer, most recently, the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cancer is highly regarded. In the present study the enzyme activity of catalase and total antioxidant capacity in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma were measured and compared with healthy subjects. 

Methods: In this case-control study, patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma, whose cancer was confirmed with findings of CT and pathological data and treatment has yet been done to them, were enrolled as a case group. Then, from family members of patients who were healthy people was invited to patriated as a control group. Demographic and anthropometric data of patients included age, sex, marital status, smoking and medical history, medication use, height and weight were recorded. Then 5 ml blood of all participants was taken for measuring the activity of catalase and total antioxidant capacity were obtained and findings were compared.

Results: No statistical difference was observed in the demographic and anthropometric data between cases and controls and groups were matched (P<0.05). The final MTC group included 16 (41%) males and 23 (59%) females with a mean age of 30.6±11 years old, and the control group included 20 (47.6 %) males and 22 (52.4 %) females, with a mean age of 31.6±12 years old. Serum total antioxidant capacity (p=0.001), and catalase (p=0.001) levels were found to be significantly lower in the MTC patients than controls.  

Conclusion: In this study, total antioxidant capacity and catalase levels in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma was decreased. These preliminary findings suggest that oxidative stress may be associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma or increase the risk of developing the disease.