A new oxidative stress marker for thiol-disulphide homeostasis in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Background: Reactive oxygen species has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Reactive oxygen species has been effectively documented in patients with asthma, but very little research has been reported in subjects with allergic rhinitis.

Objectives: To investigate thiol (SH)-disulfide (SS) homeostasis, a new oxidative stress marker present in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Methods: A total of 64 subjects, including 32 patients with SAR and 32 healthy controls, were included in the study. We measured the SH levels as a marker of antioxidant protection and SS as a marker related to oxidant stress. Sera specimens were taken from patients with SAR during exacerbation and during asymptomatic time periods. In addition, sera samples from the control group were also obtained during the pollen season to compare with those from patients with SAR.

Results: In patients with SAR, during exacerbation periods, SH, SS, % SS/SH, % SS to total SH (TT), and % SH/TT were significantly different (p < 0.05) than in patients with SAR during asymptomatic periods. Although SS was significantly higher in patents with SAR during exacerbation periods, SH was significantly higher in patients with SAR during asymptomatic periods. Patients with SAR during asymptomatic periods and the control group did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) regarding SH, SS, TT, % SS/SH, % SS/TT, and % SH/TT.

Conclusion: SAR is a disorder that elevates systemic oxidative stress and reduces antioxidant enzyme activities. Our results shed light on the etiopathogenesis of the disease and can help develop new therapeutic approaches.