Evaluation of antioxidant enzyme levels, oxidative stress markers and serum prolidase activity in testicular cancer

Abstract Background: Testicular cancer is a significant malignancy affecting males, and understanding the underlying biochemical changes associated with the disease is essential for improved management and treatment strategies. The enzyme prolidase, which plays a very important role in collagen metabolism, has been associated with various disease mechanisms, especially cancer. Objective: Evaluation of the association of antioxidant enzyme levels, oxidative stress markers, and serum prolidase activity with testicular cancer may provide valuable information regarding the pathophysiology of the disease. In this study, it was aimed to investigate antioxidant enzyme levels, oxidative stress markers, and serum prolidase activity in adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with testicular cancer. Methods: A total of 33 male patients (mean age: 25.3 ± 11.1 years, range: 1-52) diagnosed with testicular cancer were included, along with 35 age-matched male volunteers as the control group (mean age: 27.4 ± 8.2 years). Serum specimens were gathered and preserved at a temperature of -20°C until the time of analysis. The analysis involved superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and prolidase levels, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of testicular cancer. Results: The study revealed that patients with testicular cancer had notably higher levels of serum prolidase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), compared to the control group (all with p-values < 0.05). On the other hand, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were significantly lower in testicular cancer patients (all with p-values < 0.05). Conclusion: Our research uncovers a potential link connecting heightened serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress, and the presence of testicular cancer. The findings suggest the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of testicular cancer and emphasize the importance of prolidase as a potential biomarker for the disease.