The levels of nitric oxide in megaloblastic anemia.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between nitric oxide degradation products (nitrate and nitrite) levels and megaloblastic anemia which is treated with cyalocobalamin. METHODS A total of 30 patients with megaloblastic anemia (16 Male, 14 Female) were included in the study. Cyanocobalamin was administered (1.000 µg/day intramuscularly) until the reticulocyte crisis occurred to the normal range. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (15 Male, 15 Female). Nitric oxide levels were measured before treatment and compared with the values obtained during peak reticulocyte count. RESULTS Plasma direct nitrite, total nitrite and nitrate levels were 24,86±3,87, 60.56±7,01 and 36,02±5,24 in before treatment versus 15,48±3,05, 38,92±6,44 and 22,77±6,04 μmol/dl in after treatment, respectively. Plasma direct nitrite, total nitrite and nitrate levels were significantly lower in after treatment compared with the before treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Nitric oxide levels are seen to increase in megaloblastic anemia. This study suggested that abnormalities in the nitric oxide levels in megaloblastic anemia are restored by vitamin B12 replacement therapy.