Background: This study assessed several common oxidative indices in subjects infected with
intestinal parasites, as well as in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients both with and without intestinal
parasites.
Method: Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP),
and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured, as were plasma levels of advanced oxidation protein
products (AOPP), all according to established methods. The presence of intestinal parasites was
confirmed by stool examination.
Results: All intestinal parasiteinfected subjects and CRC patients showed the presence of
oxidative stress. Thirtysix percent of the CRC patients had intestinal parasitic infections. The levels of
H2O2 and FRAP in parasite-infected subjects were significantly higher than in CRC patients, but these
levels were significantly lower in the CRC patients with parasitic infections.
Conclusion: Parasitic infection and CRC may contribute to oxidative stress independently, but
when present together, the oxidative stress burden imposed by parasites may be attenuated.