Avaliação do perfil nutricional e oxidativo em pacientes com alterações neuroendócrinas pós-ressecção cirúrgica

Abstract

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are neoplasms that affect the pituitary gland, a master gland that regulates hormone production to maintain the body's balance. Among the factors that can contribute to the development of PitNETs, oxidative stress stands out, defined as a disproportion between the production of reactive species and the action of antioxidants, causing damage to various molecules. Nutritional status and excess weight may also be factors involved in this broad process of carcinogenesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, assess the nutritional status, and oxidative and inflammatory profiles of patients with PitNETs after surgical resection, and compare the results with a control group. After approval by the Research Ethics Committee (REC), 15 patients were selected from the Western Regional Hospital (HRO), the hospital where they receive treatment. The patients were informed about the study and, after signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF), underwent blood samples collection, followed by medical record data collection. The biological material was sent to the laboratories of the Federal University of the Southern Border (UFFS), where it was separated, properly stored, and subsequently analyzed. The control group consisted of 22 individuals. Blood samples were used to analyze blood glucose, triglyceride, and albumin levels. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein carbonylation, protein thiols (PSH) and non-protein thiols (NPSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamin C, and pro- and anti-inflammatory interleukins were quantified. The results showed that patients with PitNETs were, in a higher percentage, female and overweight, while the control group had a higher percentage of obesity. They also presented elevated levels of ROS, protein carbonylation, PSH, NPSH, and vitamin C. In addition, they had increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF, while IL-27 was decreased. The most prevalent tumor type was gonadotropic macroadenoma derived from SF-1 cells. Several studies indicate the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation in the development of PitNETs. In this regard, it was observed that even after surgical resection, patients maintain a pro-oxidant state. This condition may be associated with a higher risk of metastases and recurrence, which indicates the need for specialized medical follow-up.