The Diagnostic Value of Protein Carbonyl Levels in Acute Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

Abstract

Objective: Carbon monoxide (CO) is the main cause of intoxication-related mortality and morbidity in developed countries. It is responsible for more than half of fatal intoxications in many countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of protein carbonyl (PC), a good marker of oxidative stress, in association with oxidative stress resulting from hypoxia emerging in patients with acute CO intoxication. Methods: Thirty-four patients diagnosed with acute CO intoxication at the Emergency Department and 38 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Patients' PC levels at time of admission and after treatment were compared with those of a control group. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed among PC levels at time of admission in the patient and control groups (p = 0.305, patient group 0.025 +/- 0.01, control group 0.026 +/- 0.01). A significant decrease was determined in post-treatment PC levels in the patient group compared to those at time of admission (p = 0.006, admission 0.025 +/- 0.01, post-treatment 0.017 +/- 0.008). No significant correlation was determined between patients' carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) levels and PC levels at time of admission (Correlation coefficient = -0.006, p= 0.971). Conclusions: We think that PC is not suitable for use as a biomarker in the acute period in patients with CO intoxication.