There is evidence of derangement of oxidant and antioxidant defense systems in depression. The present study examined the effects of fluoxetine and citalopram, standard selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, on lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and ascorbic acid concentrations. For this, a prospective open-labeled, randomized design was utilized. Patients with major depression (n = 62) were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (n = 40). There was a significant increase in serum SOD, serum MDA and decrease in plasma ascorbic acid levels in patients of major depression as compared to control subjects. The trend reversed significantly after treatment with fluoxetine and citalopram. Results indicate a greater reduction in oxidative stress with citalopram than fluoxetine. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score also improved with fluoxetine and citalopram treatment. These findings indicate that major depression is associated with increased levels of serum SOD, serum MDA and decreased levels of plasma ascorbic acid. Treatment with fluoxetine and citalopram reversed these biochemical parameters. This study can be used as a predictor of drug response by fluoxetine and citalopram in major depression.

Oral supplementation of vitamin C with atypical antipsychotic reverses ascorbic acid levels, reduces oxidative stress, and improves BPRS score, hence both the drugs in combination can be used in the treatment of schizophrenia.

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Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants seems to play an important role in human breast carcinogenesis. There are conflicting reports regarding the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbic acid and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in breast cancer patients whereas few blood values have been reported. The present study was carried out to observe the changes in serum MDA, serum SOD and plasma ascorbic acid with the stage-wise progression of the disease. Serum MDA and serum SOD levels were found to be increased gradually from Stage I to Stage IV as compared to control group (p < 0.001). The maximum rise was in Stage IV patients. In contrast, mean plasma ascorbic acid levels were low in all stages compared to control group (p < 0.001). The decrease was more pronounced in Stage III and Stage IV. The study would be of immense help for establishing blood based biochemical marker in breast cancer patients.