Relationship among C-reactive protein, iron status, oxidative stress, and pulmonary tuberculosis

This study aims to assess the effects of acute tuberculosis and drug treatment on oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS)], C-reactive protein (CRP), and body iron index. A total of 20 patients with active tuberculosis (treatment group) and 50 healthy subjects (control group) were selected. MDA, TAS, serum CRP, serum iron, serum total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin in the treatment (before and after) and control groups were evaluated. After two months of treatment, MDA, CRP, and ferritin significantly decreased, whereas TAS, serum iron, and transferrin saturation significantly increased. Serum total iron binding force demonstrated a significant effect. In the first two months of treatment, oxidative stress was significantly improved, and the inflammation was under control. CRP levels increased inflammatory response in tuberculosis. Drug therapy significantly improved the iron status of patients with anemia of chronic inflammation.   Key words: Tuberculosis, oxidant/antioxidant status, C-reactive protein, iron status.