Total oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Objectives: Studies in the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are supported ischemia-induced changes rather than inflammation of the flexor tenosynovium. In this study, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidative stress (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with CTS has been investigated. Methods: Forty-three patients (38 female and 5 male, 81 hands in total) diagnosed as CTS after the physical examination and electrophysiological findings included in study. The mean age of patients was 43.30 +/- 10.49 years. Results: Bilateral CTS in 38 (88%) patients and unilateral CTS in five patients were detected. Dominant hand was involved in all patients. The mean symptoms duration was 30.9 months (range, 5-67 months). TAS in patients with CTS was significantly lower compared with control (1.01 +/- 0.14 versus 1.11 +/- 0.20 mmol Trolox equiv./l), (P = 0.008). TOS and OSI in patients with CTS were significant higher compared with control (15.60 +/- 7.03 versus 11.86 +/- 2.18 mu mol H2O2 equiv./l and 1.57 +/- 0.72 versus 1.09 +/- 0.28), (respectively P = 0.002 and < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that there is a change in the oxidative stress and antioxidant defences in patients with CTS. Increased TOS and OSI and decreased TAS might be stimulate fibrosis through disturbed signaling pattern in the tenosynovium and median nerve. These processes might play a role in occurrence and progression of CTS.