RESUMO
Antioxidants can play a significant role in chronic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and total antioxidant status (TAS) of patients with chronic tonsillitis (CT). The study group consisted of 84 patients with CT from 18 to 62 years old and the control group of 67 healthy people aged 19-65 years. Se, Zn, and Cu concentration in serum samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum TAS was measured spectrophotometrically, using the test by Randox Laboratories-Us Ltd. The mean content of Se and Zn in the serum of patients with CT (61.122 ± 12.73 µg/L, 0.887 ± 0.26 mg/L, respectively) was lower compared to the control group (77.969 ± 12.73 µg/L, 0.993 ± 0.32 mg/L, respectively). The mean serum concentration of Cu in patients with CT (1.219 ± 0.35 mg/L) was higher compared to its serum concentration in healthy people (1.033 ± 0.37 mg/L). Serum TAS of patients with CT (1.171 ± 0.33 mmol/L) was lower in comparison with healthy volunteers (1.333 ± 0.42 mmol/L). The serum concentration of Se, Zn, and TAS in patients with CT was lower, whereas the concentration of Cu was higher compared to healthy volunteers. Smoking has an influence on reducing the concentration of Se and TAS of patients with CT.