Influence of propylthiouracil treatment on oxidative stress and nitric oxide in Basedow disease patients

Oxidative stress parameters and nitric oxide (NO) values were determined in 27 newly diagnosed Basedow patients before and afer 1 mo of propylthiouracil (PTU) therapy and in 15 healthy controls. Basedow patients exhibited increased triiodothyronine (T-3) and thyroxine (T-4) and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values compared to controls. Significantly higher thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), NO and glutathione (GSH) levels, and CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD) activity were found in Basedow patients in comparison to controls, regardless of sex. Treatment with PTU (3 x 100 mg/d for 30 d) was effective in decreasing T-3 and T-4 and increasing TSH levels. Significantly decreased NO and TBARS and increased GSH and CuZn SOD levels were observed in PTU-treated Basedow patients compared to pre-PTU administration. PTU-treated patients compared to controls still exhibited significantly higher T-3 and lower TSH values and higher NO, TBARS, GSH, and CuZn SOD levels. The induced antioxidant defense and decrease in NO values in response to PTU therapy emphasizes the role of PTU as an antithyroid drug, where the ability to diminish hyperthyroidism results in decreased catabolism and lower oxidant generation.