Activity of lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase in the circulation of patients with breast carcinoma

Background: A rapid increase in the turnover of malignant cells modulates the enzymes level in circulation and may be a prognostic sign of disease progression. We evaluated the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes of breast cancer patients immediately after surgery and before adjuvant therapy. Methods: Fourteen newly operated breast cancer patients were included in the study. Lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase activity were estimated using standard tests for evaluation of enzyme activity. Results: Activity of lactate dehydrogenase was in normal range in all but one sample obtained from patient at clinical status IIIB. Superoxide dismutase activity was elevated in 11 out of 14 patients, and was 2 to 8 fold higher compare to control values. The highest activity of superoxide dismutase was found in samples of two patients at clinical status I. Conclusion: Determination of lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase activity might be useful in clinical follow up of breast cancer patients.