Lymphocyte 5'-ectonucleotidase: An indicator of oxidative stress in humans?

Abstract

Lymphocytic 5'-ectonucleotidase (NT) activity previously has been shown to be reduced in patients with a high pro-oxidant state. This study shows that NT activity is decreased in vitro by exposure to superoxide anions and that ascorbate protects against this effect. Also, a putative high pro-oxidant state in vivo, as indicated by low tissue ascorbate levels, resulted in a significant decrease in NT which an antioxidant intake normalized. These results taken together suggest that NT is sensitive to superoxide anion and that it may be a good marker of a pro-oxidant state in humans.