Thiol–Disulfide balance in patients with renal colic

This study aimed to investigate thiol–disulfide balance in patients with renal colic who were frequently referred to emergency services and also to discuss its potential clinical use.
Blood samples were obtained from 32 patients diagnosed with renal colic before treatment in the emergency department. Then, the serum thiol–disulfide levels were measured using a novel method. The patients also underwent a complete blood count test and renal ultrasonography. The thiol–disulfide values were compared statistically between the patient (those with renal colic) and control groups (healthy volunteers).
The mean native thiol level was significantly less in the patient group than in the control group. In addition, the disulfide/ native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.05).
This study found a significant difference in the thiol–disulfide balance of patients with renal colic compared with healthy volunteers. The mean native thiol and total thiol levels decreased in the patient group. It is believed that these markers may be indicative of inflammation in patients with renal colic.