Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine levels of reducted glutathione, activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, levels of malondialdehyde, concentrations of zinc, copper and iron in patients with beta-thalassemia minor (BTM) compared with healthy subjects, and to evaluate the relationships among these parameters.

Materials and Methods: The patients consisted of 35 patients with BTM. The control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects. SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA were measured by biochemical methods. Zn, Cu and Fe levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: SOD and CAT activities, GSH levels, levels of Fe and Zn, hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocyte count in the beta-thalassemia minor subjects were found lower than those in control group (p<0.001). However, MDA and Cu levels were significantly higher in BTM subjects than those in the controls (p<0.001). There were significant positive correlations between MDA levels and Cu levels of BTM subjects. However, there were significant negative correlations between GSH and Fe levels. Moreover, there were significant negative correlations between plasma MDA and hematocrit and hemoglobin and erythrocyte count. There were also significant negative correlations between Cu and hematocrit and erythrocyte count.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the significant deficiencies of antioxidant system, Zn and Fe levels and the significant elevation of MDA and Cu levels in patients with BTM. Therefore, supplementation with trace elements involved in the antioxidative prosses may increase scavenger enzyme activities, and consequently, an improvement in clinical symptoms may be expected.