Immune modulatory and anti-oxidative effect of selenium against pulmonary tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan is due to poor living conditions, malnutrition and low immunity. The present project was conducted to show the role of selenium complement to enhance the immune status against TB. Total of 80 human TB patients were divided into treatment (selenium and anti-tuberculosis drug) and control groups (anti-tuberculosis drug). Levels of selenium, immunoglobulin and leukocyte count were determined before and after treatment. Selenium showed significant increase in levels of immunoglobulin and leukocyte count in patients as compared to control group. The level of SOD, catalase, glutathione and total antioxidants were remarkably lowered among control type group as compared to treatment type group (P<0.01). However, the values of lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) were notably higher in control group than treatment group.