Oxidative stress

Evidence suggests that free radicals are the central pathogenic factor in the atherosclerotic process. Biochemical marker of oxidative stress malondialdehyde and antioxidants viz., serum vitamin E, glutathione (GSH) and magnesium were measured in MI patients (n=47) on admission and monitored over 96 h and compared with healthy controls (n=28). MI subjects were grouped according to the treatment – thrombolyzed (T) and non-thrombolyzed (NT). Mean age of MI onset was 40y, majority of the subjects had a lower protein status and higher waist-hip ratio. An atherogenic lipid profile was observed in >50% of the subjects. Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly (p<0.05) elevated on day one of admission (T -10.6 + 0.49, NT-11.83 + 0.18 nmol/l), which decreased at 96h in both MI groups, however the levels were higher in the thrombolyzed group. Serum vitamin E, GSH and magnesium levels were also markedly lower (p<0.05) compared to normal subjects. Serum vitamin E levels increased after 24 h, as result of vitamin supplementation. Antioxidant rich foods were used less frequently. The observations suggest that increased generation of free radicals in the MI event maybe mediated through the oxidation of LDL as majority had markedly elevated LDL levels (> 140mg%). The findings indicate a persistent oxidative stress that might be associated with intravascular inflammation.