Features of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Delirium Tremens Infected with Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Aim. To determine the impact of concomitant viral infection on oxidative stress features in patients with delirium tremens. Methods. 110 male patients of working age (23-55 years) with a diagnosis of «delirium tremens» were included, of which 28 patients had with concomitant hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 18 patients - concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, 44 patients had delirium tremens without any concomitant viral infections. An HCV and HIV co-infection was diagnosed in 20 patients with delirium tremens. Lipid peroxidation products and carbonylated proteins blood levels were examined in all patient groups. Results. Signs of cytolysis (elevated levels of transaminases and signs of oxidative stress that manifested as an increase of саrbonilated proteins levels compared to control) were revealed in all groups. However, the study groups varied in severity of both cytolysis and oxidative stress. The most marked increase in transaminases and carbonylated proteins levels was characteristic for patients infected with HCV and HIV, but with no history of increased alcohol consumption. Also, lipid peroxidation molecular products levels were decreased in these groups. In patients with delirium tremens, as well as in alcoholics infected with HCV and HIV, like in patients with no history of increased alcohol consumption infected with HCV and HIV, oxidative stress manifested only in enhancing protein carbonylation. Conclusion. Concomitant viral infection affects the extent of oxidative stress and hepatic dysfunction in patients with delirium tremens.