Nutritional supplement attenuates selected oxidative stress markers in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that nutritional supplement (AquADEKs; Axcan Scandipharm Inc., Birmingham, Ala, USA) with various pharmaceutical forms of such as chewable tablets, capsules, and liquid administered daily for 12 weeks would reduce oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant status in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A total of 50 patients with CF and 21 healthy children were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group A received supplementation with vitamins A (3 mg daily), E (200 mg daily), and D₃ (20 μg daily); group B was supplemented with AquADEKs chewable tablets; group C received the recommended amount of AquADEKs capsules; and group D was supplemented with AquADEKs liquid. The level of oxidative stress was determined by the analysis of activities of enzymes neutralizing reactive oxygen species and by the estimated markers of intensity of free radical processes. There was no difference in the activity of erythrocyte catalase, hydroperoxides level, and sulfhydryl group content in blood plasma between patients with CF and healthy children. The plasma total antioxidant status was decreased in all CF groups compared with the control. The supplementation with either AquADEKs chewable tablets or capsules normalized the malondialdehyde level in plasma. AquADEKs in various pharmaceutical forms normalized the sulfhydryl group content of erythrocytes. The superoxide dismutase activity was increased to near control level in the patients supplemented with either AquADEKs chewable tablets or liquid as compared with the group supplemented with vitamins or with AquADEKs capsules. In conclusion, AquADEKs attenuates selected oxidative stress markers in pediatric patients with CF.