Brain tumor and role of ß-carotene, α- tocopherol, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase

The erythrocyte levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx, and serum levels of antioxidants vitamins β-carotene and β­ tocopherol were estimated in various types of brain tumors, and were compared with the levels in controls. Statistically significant (P<.001) diminished levels of βcarotene, β-tocopherol, SOD and GPx, were observed in all the brain tumor patients as compared to controls. Malignant tumor also showed a relative decrease in antioxidant levels as compared to benign tumors. Comparison of histopathological sections of brain tumors also suggested a inverse relationship between antioxidant level and grades of malignancy. Marked decrease in antioxidant levels may have a role in genesis of considerable oxidative stress in brain tumors. Further more, the degree of decline in antioxidant levels may indicate severity of malignancy in brain tumors.