Significance of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis.

In a patient with idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis, lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes and their superoxide dismutase activity were determined. The latter was found to be decreased, and the erythrocytes showed easy peroxidisability, which was shown by vulnerability to hydrogen peroxide and a marked elevation of iron-catalysed lipid peroxidation in addition to a higher basal malondialdehyde level, an end product of lipid peroxidation. These findings were correlated with haemolysis, iron-deficiency anaemia and a shortened survival of erythrocytes. Although the aetiological significance of our observations still remains to be clarified, it appears that antioxidant enzymes and the peroxidative reactivity of erythrocytes should be carefully evaluated in other patients with idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis.