Oxidative-stress associated parameters (lactoferrin, superoxide dismutases) in serum of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

In this case/control study, serum levels of oxidative stress related parameters such as Fe-binding lactoferrin (LTF), Mn- and Zn,Cu-superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by enzyme linked immunoassays in patients suffering from the Alzheimer's dementia as well as in non-demented controls. The Mn-SOD concentration was significantly (P<0.05, U-test) reduced in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease if compared to non-demented controls. The other parameters investigated did not differ significantly between both groups. Our findings give evidence for the hypothesis of a disturbed free radical metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. The specificity of these results remains to be clarified. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relevance of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of the Alzheimer's disease.