Nonenzymatic antioxidants in saliva of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody-directed self-antigens, immune complex formation and immune deregulation, resulting in damage to essentially all the organs. SLE is associated with the increased production of free radicals. Increase in free radicals or impaired antioxidant defense system in SLE causes oxidative stress. Considering that saliva could be a reflection of the state of health, the purpose of this study was to evaluate some antioxidants in the saliva and serum of patients with SLE and compare these with healthy individuals. This could help us in obtaining a possible marker in saliva in the future. During the course of the practical part of the project, 30 patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls were investigated. After centrifugation of un-stimulated saliva and blood samples, they were examined using spectrophotometric methods and the results were analyzed by statistical software. According to the results, concentrations of malondialdehyde, uric acid and total antioxidants were significantly increased but the level of reduced glutathion was reduced significantly in the saliva and serum of SLE patients as compared to controls. It is therefore suggested that antioxidant power is impaired in saliva and serum of SLE patients. As there was a positive correlation between the antioxidant level of saliva and blood serum, the antioxidant status of saliva could be an indicator of serum antioxidants.

Tear proteins in health, disease, and contact lens wear.

Although well known as manifestations of sorrow, emotions, frustration, and blackmail, tears have a more prosaic and important function as a lubricant and as a blood substitute for the cornea. Tears transport oxygen and carbon dioxide and play a central role in the cellular economy of the ocular surface and conjunctiva. In addition to proteins, tears contain lipids and glycoproteins, which increase the wetting effect of the aqueous component and delay evaporation. The total protein concentration of tears is about 10% of that of the plasma. About 80 proteins and polypeptide components have been detected by electrophoresis. Among 30 proteins identified in tears, about 50% are enzymes. Some of the tear enzymes are secreted by the lacrimal glands; others are produced by or released from epithelial cells of the cornea and the conjunctiva. Finally, a few enzymes originate from plasma and appear in tears only in cases with increased permeability of the conjunctival vessels. The aim of this review is to provide clinical and biochemical information about tear enzymes both for ophthalmologists and for biochemists interested in clinical and experimental tear enzymology.