Thiol-disulphide homeostasis in patients with surgical site infections

Objectives: Introduction: In infectious diseases, various inflammatory cells are active and reactive oxygen species are produced to fight against intra cellular and extra cellular microorganisms. This leads to an increase in potential antioxidant capacity and free radical production. Thiol is an important antioxidant. Thiols enter oxidation reactions with oxidative molecules and it form disulphide bonds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis in patients with surgical site infection (SSI). Methods: Sixty-eight patients with SSI and 66 healthy persons (control group) were included in this study. Complete blood count, biochemistry, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein values and thiol levels were studied in blood of the patients at 0th day and 10th day. The blood thiol disulphide homeostasis was analysed using a new automated method developed by Erel and Neselioglu. Results: Native thiol, total thiol, albumin levels and native thiol/total thiol ratio were found significantly lower in the blood samples at day 0th compared to 10th day. There was a statistically significant difference between the patient group and the control group in IMA, native thiol, total thiol, albumin, disulphide levels, disulphide/native thiol, disulphide/total thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratios Conclusions: The thiol-disulphide balance is impaired in SSI. The elevated disulphide/total thiol ratio and disulphide/native thiol ratio, and reduced native thiol/total thiol ratio indicate increased oxidation in SSI. There is also a strong association between CRP, ESH and thiol-disulphide parameters. Thiol-disulphide homeostasis may potentially be of benefit in inflammatory response. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 10(3):160-166.