Oxidative enzymes of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and plasma fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, and copper levels in Behçet's disease.

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant mechanisms of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) in active stage of Behçet's Disease. PMN activities of myeloperoxidase (p < 0.02), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.001), catalase (p < 0.005), and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.005) were significantly lower in the patients: the NADPH oxidase activity was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those in controls. The plasma levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp), fibrinogen, and copper (Cu) were also significantly higher in the patients group (p < 0.001). Significant and positive correlations were found between the glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities (p < 0.001) and also between the plasma Cp and Cu levels (p < 0.001) in the patients group. However, no correlation was observed among the other enzyme activities. In the control group, a significantly positive correlation was present only between the plasma ceruloplasmin and Cu levels (p < 0.001). It was concluded that (impaired PMN functions) decreased enzyme activities in the antioxidant system and increased levels of oxygen free radicals may play a role in tissue damage in Behçet's disease.