Evaluation of oxidative stress and diagnostic value of cytokeratin fragment 21-1 in the lung cancer patients
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, linked to anti-oxidant and oxidative stress and epithelial damage. Biomarkers like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) may indicate tumor progression.
Objective: To assess serum levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, GPx, MDA) and CYFRA 21-1 in lung cancer patients versus controls used to monitoring and prognosis tool for the oxidative stress status.
Methodology: This case-control study was carried out from November 2024 to April 2025 at Nassiriya Teaching Hospital in Thi-Qar, Iraq. Sixty patients with lung cancer and 60 age-matched controls were included in the study. Venous blood samples were obtained, and serum was separated and stored to determine the concentrations of SOD, Gpx, MDA and CYFRA 21-1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: There were no significant differences in age or BMI between the two groups. Lung cancer patients had significantly elevated levels of MDA (193.2 ± 18.6 vs. 158.6 ± 21.09 nmol/mL), SOD (90.15 ± 34.9 vs. 42.07 ± 13.78 ng/mL), GPx (65.4 ± 29.4 vs. 9.98 ± 5.6 µU/mL), and CYFRA 21-1 (15.1 ± 6.5 vs. 5.9 ± 2.7 ng/mL) compared to controls (P < 0.001 for all). Oxidative stress markers and CYFRA 21-1 levels did not differ significantly among age subgroups in patients with lung cancer.
Conclusions: This study highlights a significant elevation in oxidative stress markers and CYFRA 21-1 in patients with lung cancer, supporting their potential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Monitoring these biomarkers may enhance early detection and management of lung cancer in clinical settings.
Keywords: Lung cancer, Oxidative stress, Cytokeratin fragment 21-1
Citation: Mohammed MH, Hassan SA, Hassan AA. Evaluation of oxidative stress and diagnostic value of cytokeratin fragment 21-1 in lung cancer patients. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2026;30(3):301-307. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v30i3.3166
Received: July 20, 2025; Revised: August 28, 2025; Accepted: September 01, 2025
