Effect of antioxidants on the clinical outcome of patients with nasal polyposis

Abstract

AbstractAim:To investigate the therapeutic effects of antioxidants on the clinical and biochemical outcome of patients with nasal polyposis.Methods:Thirty-four patients with nasal polyposis were divided into two groups receiving either intranasal steroid or intranasal steroid plus per-oral vitamins A, C and E and selenium. Paranasal sinus computed tomography, endoscopy, and polyp tissue and serum sampling were conducted pre- and post-therapy. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, nitrite and myeloperoxidase and tissue levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were measured. Group results were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Results:Both groups had significantly lower tissue parameters, computed tomography scores and serum malondialdehyde levels, comparing pre- versus post-treatment results. Post-treatment, the steroid plus antioxidant group had significantly lower tissue malondialdehyde levels and a greater fall in tissue and serum malondialdehyde, compared with the steroid group.Conclusion:Serum and tissue levels of malondialdehyde (an oxidative marker) were significantly decreased by adding antioxidants to standard therapy. This is the first report of the positive effects of adding antioxidants to steroid therapy for nasal polyposis.