Immune system-mediated endothelial damage is associated with NO and antioxidant system disorders

Two distinct systems of different origin are involved in the pathogenesis of both infectious and immunological vasculitis syndrome: nitric oxide (NO) from endothelial cells and granulocyte NADPH oxidase. In this study, in 31 children with immune system dysfunction, NO, NO synthase (NOS) and antioxidant enzyme activities [catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], as well as immunological parameters, were investigated. On the basis of the clinical findings, all children were divided into three groups: group I, 8 children clinically showing macular skin manifestations; group II, 11 children with maculo-papulous changes; and group III, 12 children with clinical findings of papulous changes. Plasma NO values in groups II and III were significantly elevated (79.14 ± 30.13 and 65.32 ± 6.70 µmol/l), compared to the control group (41.24 ± 3.65 µmol/l), while group I showed statistically lower values (32.38 ± 3.37 µmol/l). In children with the highest level of NO (group II) NOS activity was two-fold higher (1.77 ± 0.59 nmol/ml/min; p < 0.01) than in controls (0.98 ± 0.23 nmol/ml/min). Catalase activity showed a significant increase and SOD activity a significant decrease in all experimental groups, while GPx was not significantly changed. The results show that immune system dysfunction manifested as vasculitis is associated with significant disturbances in the NO system and free radicals scavengers.