Redox Status in Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures

The femur transfers the body weight from the pelvic bone to the shinbone. Femur fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among the group of locomotor apparatus injuries, especially in the elderly population. Considering that oxidative stress occurs as a result of increased production of free radicals that damage cell function and cause numerous pathological conditions and diseases, the aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress parameters in older patients with femoral neck fractures. This clinical study included 70 patients, of which 35 had femoral neck fractures (26 males and 9 females), while the other half of the patients formed the matched control group. Markers of oxidative stress (NO₂⁻, TBARS, H₂O₂ and O₂^-) and anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) were measured. Results showed that the levels of O₂^- increased, while levels of NO₂^-, H₂O₂ and all the antioxidative enzymes decreased in patients with femoral neck fractures. These findings indicate that fractures cause oxidative stress, probably because of the reduced activity of osteoblasts and the increased activity of osteoclasts.