Effect of green tea extract (catechins) in reducing oxidative stress seen in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis on DOTS Cat I regimen.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The role played by free radicals in pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis and treatment mediated toxicity is well established. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of crude green tea catechin in reducing the oxidative stress seen in patients of AFB positive pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS: A total of 200 newly diagnosed cases of AFB positive pulmonary tuberculosis, who received CAT I regimen were enrolled consecutively from DOTS center. Out of 200 patients, 100 randomly selected patients received catechin (500 microg) with antitubercular treatment (ATT) (cases) and 100 received starch (500 microg) with ATT (control). Oxidative stress level in blood samples of cases and controls as compared at the time of enrollment and after one and four months of treatment. Oxidative stress was measured in terms of free radicals (lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide), enzymatic antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and non enzymatic antioxidant (total thiol, reduced glutathione) levels.

RESULTS: The results showed significant difference in all the parameters among cases and controls. A significant decrease (p< or = 0.001) in LPO level was observed in cases as compare to controls during the follow up while the level of NO was significantly increased (p< or =0.001) in cases as compare to controls. Significant decrease (p< or =0.001) in catalase and GPx level was observed in cases as compare to controls while SOD levels significantly rose (p< or =0.001) in cases as compared to controls. Significant decrease (p< or =0.001) in SH level was observed in cases as compared to controls while the level of GSH was significantly increased (p< or =0.001) .

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that crude catechin extract can play a definite role as adjuvant therapy in management of oxidative stress seen in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. More detailed studies are needed to document use of catechin in reducing the frequency and severity of side effects of treatment.