Purpose: To determine the DNA strand breaks, oxidative DNA damage and cell death in blood and plasma total antioxidant status (TAOS) in 22 patients with severe multiple trauma. Materials and methods: The DNA comet assay was used to measure DNA strand breakage, 8-oxoguanine levels and apoptotic and necrotic nuclei in after admission (day 0) and on days 3, 5, 7 and 15. TAOS was determined by colorimetric method. Results: Trauma patients had high DNA damage at admission (p < 0.01), that further increased with maximum value on day 5 (p < 0.001). On day 15 the degree of DNA damage remained significantly elevated (p < 0.01). No significant difference in the 8-oxoguanine levels at all days examined was found. Patients had a high percentage of apoptotic and necrotic comets at admission, with maximum values on days 3 and 5. A significantly lower TAOS was observed in patients on admission and days 3, 5, 7 and 15 (p < 0.001 in all cases). A decreasing of TAOS on days 7 and 15 compared to that on admission (p < 0.05) was observed. Conclusions: Blood cells from severe trauma patients’ display increased DNA damage associated with apoptosis and necrosis. Reduced plasma TAOS and a tendency to increase of 8-oxoguanine in DNA was observed.
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