Changes observed in antioxidant system in the blood of postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

From experimental studies and epidemiological data, it can be inferred that lipid peroxidation is increased in cancer patients. Cases of post-menopausal, untreated women with benign and malignant breast tumours, were compared with their age matched controls in their serum lipid peroxides, antioxidant vitamins (E and C), serum selenium and serum ceruloplasmin. Erythrocyte and its membrane lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase) levels were also analyzed. Significant increase in circulating lipid peroxides, ceruloplasmin and significant decrease in antioxidant vitamins and selenium were observed in breast cancer women. The erythrocyte and its membrane lipid peroxidation was increased significantly and severe impairment of antioxidant potential was observed in breast cancer women.